The Springfield 456 (46mm)

The Springfield 456 (46mm)

The Springfield 456 (46mm)
The Springfield 456 (46mm)
The Springfield 456 (46mm)
The Springfield 456 (46mm)
The Springfield 456 (46mm)
The Springfield 456 (46mm)
The Springfield 456 (46mm)
The Springfield 456 (46mm)
The Springfield 456 (46mm)
The Springfield 456 (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 456 unique: We are so excited to present this incredible watch from the Illinois Watch Company, our Springfield 456. We absolutely love this amazing dial with all of the different design elements and character that grabs your attention immediately. This dial gives a nod to its original pocket watch case, with this octagonal shape that carries throughout, which would have been reflected in the shape of its case. We really enjoy the combination of these hands that just add to the visual appeal of this watch. Our black DLC case, with a black cordovan strap that really brings out the dark aspects of this dial, topped off with a nickel-plated crown and hardware throughout. As if the front of this watch didn’t do enough to impress, this Aristocrat movement inside definitely will. Adorned with 19 screw-set jewels and copper inlaid text all throughout the different build plates. We really love the separate bridge plates for the 3rd and 4th escapement wheels, complementing the curvature of the build plate design. Gold-plated gears hide beneath, adding to the sophisticated visual appeal of this amazing movement. This watch was originally manufactured by the Illinois Watch Company in Springfield, Illinois in 1927. On ​​October 4th of this year, the carving of the famous sculptures at Mt. Rushmore breaks ground. The project was originally meant to depict the presidents’ complete busts, but eventually ran out of money and was halted in 1941.

Case Style:Machined Titanium cases have been CNC milled from a solid block of aerospace grade titanium. Titanium is the ultimate material for strength to weight ratio. A DLC or "Diamond Like Carbon" coating is then applied to the case to create a uniquely black finish. While in the family of PVD coatings, DLC provides a small amount of transparency that allows us to see machine marks and surface detail while still appearing black. This coating is extremely durable and represents the best we have to offer.

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 4897518 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: DLC 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:  4897518
  • Manufacture Year:  1927
  • 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 456 unique: We are so excited to present this incredible watch from the Illinois Watch Company, our Springfield 456. We absolutely love this amazing dial with all of the different design elements and character that grabs your attention immediately. This dial gives a nod to its original pocket watch case, with this octagonal shape that carries throughout, which would have been reflected in the shape of its case. We really enjoy the combination of these hands that just add to the visual appeal of this watch. Our black DLC case, with a black cordovan strap that really brings out the dark aspects of this dial, topped off with a nickel-plated crown and hardware throughout. As if the front of this watch didn’t do enough to impress, this Aristocrat movement inside definitely will. Adorned with 19 screw-set jewels and copper inlaid text all throughout the different build plates. We really love the separate bridge plates for the 3rd and 4th escapement wheels, complementing the curvature of the build plate design. Gold-plated gears hide beneath, adding to the sophisticated visual appeal of this amazing movement. This watch was originally manufactured by the Illinois Watch Company in Springfield, Illinois in 1927. On ​​October 4th of this year, the carving of the famous sculptures at Mt. Rushmore breaks ground. The project was originally meant to depict the presidents’ complete busts, but eventually ran out of money and was halted in 1941.

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