Watch Description
What Makes The Springfield 170 Unique:
The Springfield 170 is defined by warmth and balance, pairing a softly aged dial with gold-plated elements that elevate what would otherwise be a purely utilitarian design. The dial carries an even, creamy patina with fine speckling throughout, giving the surface a consistent, time-worn character that collectors tend to gravitate toward. Gold-plated Arabic numerals stand out against this background, offering a warmer alternative to the typical black printing while maintaining clear legibility.
A dotted minute track runs along the outer edge, adding a subtle layer of detail that frames the dial without overpowering it. At 6 o’clock, a recessed sub-seconds register introduces contrast with its crisp blue numerals and tighter scale, creating a visual break from the warmer tones of the main dial. The handset continues the gold-toned theme, with slender, stylized hands that complement the numerals while preserving the watch’s overall clarity.
Inside, this watch is powered by a 17-jewel Illinois movement manufactured in 1923. Through the open caseback, the movement reveals broad Geneva striping across the bridges, paired with polished steel components and gold-plated gears that echo the dial’s warmer palette. The finishing is clean and deliberate, reflecting Illinois Watch Company’s reputation for producing reliable, well-executed movements during this period. The 12-size configuration provides a compact, well-balanced layout, allowing a clear view of the gear train and balance assembly in motion.
The watch is housed in our Version 3 stainless steel case, finished with a precise machined surface that contrasts subtly with the sandblasted bezel. This combination introduces a slight variation in texture, giving the case more dimension without drawing attention away from the dial. The machined titanium crown—positioned at 12 o’clock—preserves the original pocket watch orientation, maintaining a direct connection to the movement’s original design. The watch is paired with a brown leather strap, whose tone complements the dial’s warmth and reinforces the cohesive, vintage-inspired aesthetic.
By 1923, Illinois Watch Company had refined its approach to both performance and finishing, producing movements that balanced durability with thoughtful detail. The Springfield 170 reflects that balance, offering a watch that feels grounded in utility while quietly incorporating elements that set it apart upon closer inspection.
Movement Manufacturer Information
The movement inside of this watch was made by Illinois Watch Company. We call this model "The Springfield" because the company was located in Springfield, Illinois.
Originally called the Springfield Watch Company, Illinois came to Springfield, Illinois in 1869 while the "modern" watch industry was fairly new but highly promising. City officials felt that the addition of industry to the city of Springfield would be excellent for the city's growth. However, after a series of failures and re-brandings, the company had a slow start until 1903 when they decided to manufacture high-quality watches only. Eventually making some of the most beautiful watches of their time, the company sold to Hamilton in 1927. Hamilton continued producing watches under the Illinois name for some time, but the original Springfield factory no longer stands.
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Watch Specifications
- Manufacturer: Vortic Watch Company
- Model Year: 2025
- Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
- Case Diameter: 45mm
- Case Material: Machined Stainless Steel
- Crown/Hardware: Stainless Steel
- Water Resistance: 1 ATM
- Crystals: Sapphire
- Case Back: Stainless Steel
- Strap: 22mm Brown Leather Strap with Steel Buckle
Movement
- Manufacturer: Illinois Watch Company
- Serial Number: 4172045
- Manufacture Year: 1923
- Function: Manual Wind
- Jewels: 17 Jewels
- Hands: Original
- Size: 12s
- Power Reserve: ~36 Hours
What Makes The Springfield 170 Unique:
The Springfield 170 is defined by warmth and balance, pairing a softly aged dial with gold-plated elements that elevate what would otherwise be a purely utilitarian design. The dial carries an even, creamy patina with fine speckling throughout, giving the surface a consistent, time-worn character that collectors tend to gravitate toward. Gold-plated Arabic numerals stand out against this background, offering a warmer alternative to the typical black printing while maintaining clear legibility.
A dotted minute track runs along the outer edge, adding a subtle layer of detail that frames the dial without overpowering it. At 6 o’clock, a recessed sub-seconds register introduces contrast with its crisp blue numerals and tighter scale, creating a visual break from the warmer tones of the main dial. The handset continues the gold-toned theme, with slender, stylized hands that complement the numerals while preserving the watch’s overall clarity.
Inside, this watch is powered by a 17-jewel Illinois movement manufactured in 1923. Through the open caseback, the movement reveals broad Geneva striping across the bridges, paired with polished steel components and gold-plated gears that echo the dial’s warmer palette. The finishing is clean and deliberate, reflecting Illinois Watch Company’s reputation for producing reliable, well-executed movements during this period. The 12-size configuration provides a compact, well-balanced layout, allowing a clear view of the gear train and balance assembly in motion.
The watch is housed in our Version 3 stainless steel case, finished with a precise machined surface that contrasts subtly with the sandblasted bezel. This combination introduces a slight variation in texture, giving the case more dimension without drawing attention away from the dial. The machined titanium crown—positioned at 12 o’clock—preserves the original pocket watch orientation, maintaining a direct connection to the movement’s original design. The watch is paired with a brown leather strap, whose tone complements the dial’s warmth and reinforces the cohesive, vintage-inspired aesthetic.
By 1923, Illinois Watch Company had refined its approach to both performance and finishing, producing movements that balanced durability with thoughtful detail. The Springfield 170 reflects that balance, offering a watch that feels grounded in utility while quietly incorporating elements that set it apart upon closer inspection.
Let customers speak for us
The Movement
The engine that powers this watch is an antique American pocket watch movement. All the gears and springs that make it tell time are roughly 100 years old on average. We call these watches the American Artisan Series because we're celebrating the history and legacy of the artisan watchmakers who built this engineering marvel a century ago in the United States.
The Story
Today most pocket watches are scrapped for the gold or silver of the case (the outside of the antique timepiece), leaving the inside (what we call the "movement") as trash.
We take pride in upcycling these pieces of American history by salvaging as many as we can, then preserving them inside our wristwatches.
Our expert team of watchmakers restores the antique movement and then we manufacture a custom wristwatch case here in Fort Collins, Colorado.
The Strap
We partnered with Worn & Wound to produce a custom set of straps for our American Artisan Series watches. We now have 15 different colors to choose from including our two Horween Shell Cordovan options. These straps are made in the USA and are based on the Windup Model 2 Premium strap that Worn and Wound offers.
