The Springfield 446 (46mm)

The Springfield 446 (46mm)

The Springfield 446 (46mm)
The Springfield 446 (46mm)
The Springfield 446 (46mm)
The Springfield 446 (46mm)
The Springfield 446 (46mm)
The Springfield 446 (46mm)
The Springfield 446 (46mm)
The Springfield 446 (46mm)
The Springfield 446 (46mm)
The Springfield 446 (46mm)

Watch Description

The American mechanism inside this watch is not a replica or an "inspired" piece. It was genuinely carried by an individual, 100 years ago, that depended on it. Each time you wear this watch, you will be transported through time, imagining who this individual was and the work they did to help build our country. Simply put, American Artisan Series watches make you feel something when you put them on. At Vortic, we tell customers that owning a watch isn't nearly as important as owning a story. And, this is an opportunity to be a part of a story that is bigger than yourself. You won't be the first to own this watch, and you certainly won't be the last, so make your chapter count.

The American Artisan Series is a line of fully American Made wristwatches powered by restored, U.S. made pocket watch movements. Individuals commonly scrap pocket watch cases for their precious metal, leaving the original mechanism orphaned. This watch contains the original movement (timepiece), dial (face), and hands from a vintage (1880's - 1950's) pocket watch made by Illinois Watch Company. We call this model "The Springfield" because the company was located in Springfield, Illinois.

What makes the Springfield 446 unique: Today we are excited to present this amazing watch from the Illinois Watch Company, our Springfield 446. We love to find these antique dials that show their age with the right amount of wear and tear. There is nothing more satisfying than incorporating a timeless piece of American manufacturing into our custom gunmetal titanium case. The combination of this aged dial with our nickel-plated crown and cordovan strap brings this watch new life as it begs to be shown off. As we turn this watch over to reveal the movement within, we are immediately drawn to these fantastic Geneva lines that have been carefully machined all across the different build plates. A perfect balance of precious metal accents lay amongst these nickel-plated bridge plates and wheels, with copper inlaid text as well as brass hardware and gold-plated gears. This watch was originally produced in 1925 in Springfield, Illinois by the Illinois Watch Company. This was also the same year that the Chrysler Motor Company was established in Detroit, Michigan by Walter Chrysler. Chrysler had taken over a previous venture, the Maxwell Motor Company which had overextended itself and became deeply in debt. The designs and assets were absorbed by Chrysler and eventually phased out years later.

Case Style:This case has been CNC milled from a solid block of aerospace grade titanium. After machining, we bake the case in a kiln for a specific interval before sandblasting for uniformity. Any imperfections at this stage will scrap the piece, but the result is a beautiful, slightly darker finish that we call gunmetal. Titanium is the ultimate material for strength to weight ratio. Titanium has a darker look than steel, and due to its low thermal conductivity, feels warm to the touch. These characteristics create an enduring, highly wearable, distinctive piece.

Movement: The manually wound, antique, pocket watch movement inside this watch has been meticulously restored to as close to original condition as possible. Vortic has an exclusive group of highly experienced watchmakers that specialize in vintage watches. Before its use in a wristwatch, each movement is completely disassembled, cleaned, oiled, and calibrated. Each finished Vortic watch is tested for at least a week before completion.

This watch's movement is serial number 4674469 from the Illinois Watch Company. 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.

Watch Specifications

  • Manufacturer: Vortic Watch Company
  • Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
  • Case Dimensions: 
    • Diameter: 46mm
    • Height: 12mm
    • Lug-to-Lug: 55mm
    • Lugs: 22mm
  • Case Finish: Gunmetal Titanium
  • Crown/Hardware: Nickel Plated
  • Water Resistance: 1 ATM
  • Crystals: Gorilla Glass
  • Case Back: Stainless Steel
  • Strap: Leather

Movement

  • Manufacturer: Illinois Watch Company
  • Serial Number:  4674469
  • Manufacture Year:  1925
  • Function: Manual Wind
  • Jewels: 19j
  • Hands: Original
  • Size: 12s
  • Power Reserve: ~36 Hours
It looks like it would have been right at home on the wrist of Indiana Jones! This watch is a showpiece as much as it is as unique timepiece!
—John from Indiana
After receiving the watch in the mail, I was surprised to see the watch somehow looked better in person than it did in the photos. I didn't think that would be possible!
—Mark from Massachusetts
The skeleton back is amazing and the packaging was perfect. To honor the past with details like this is truly impressive.
—Brad from Florida
I own so called "high end" watches such as Rolex, Panerai, and Zenith but they pale in comparison to my two Vortic models which I wear everyday to work.
—Todd from Ohio
What makes the Springfield 446 unique: Today we are excited to present this amazing watch from the Illinois Watch Company, our Springfield 446. We love to find these antique dials that show their age with the right amount of wear and tear. There is nothing more satisfying than incorporating a timeless piece of American manufacturing into our custom gunmetal titanium case. The combination of this aged dial with our nickel-plated crown and cordovan strap brings this watch new life as it begs to be shown off. As we turn this watch over to reveal the movement within, we are immediately drawn to these fantastic Geneva lines that have been carefully machined all across the different build plates. A perfect balance of precious metal accents lay amongst these nickel-plated bridge plates and wheels, with copper inlaid text as well as brass hardware and gold-plated gears. This watch was originally produced in 1925 in Springfield, Illinois by the Illinois Watch Company. This was also the same year that the Chrysler Motor Company was established in Detroit, Michigan by Walter Chrysler. Chrysler had taken over a previous venture, the Maxwell Motor Company which had overextended itself and became deeply in debt. The designs and assets were absorbed by Chrysler and eventually phased out years later.

Quality Straps

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Mission

Learn More About Vortic
Two men walking side by side through a leather curing facility.

American Made

Learn More About The American Artisan Series

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