The Springfield 535 (46mm)

The Springfield 535 (46mm)

The Springfield 535 (46mm)
The Springfield 535 (46mm)
The Springfield 535 (46mm)
The Springfield 535 (46mm)
The Springfield 535 (46mm)
The Springfield 535 (46mm)
The Springfield 535 (46mm)
The Springfield 535 (46mm)
The Springfield 535 (46mm)
The Springfield 535 (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 535 unique: Today, we’re delighted to feature this striking and highly unique watch initially produced by the Illinois Watch Company — the Springfield 535. The Springfield 535’s original pocket watch boasts a remarkable dial with an aged cream-colored background as well as an octagonal frame and elegant pattern on the outside of the piece’s dark numerals. The front of the watch also features a darker center design matching its outer frame and blued steel diamond kite hands. We encased this remarkable pocket watch within our stylish Sandblasted titanium case and equipped it with a gold-plated crown. On the back of the watch, you can view its original 405-grade open-face movement with a nickel finish, pendant setting, and going barrel. The watch’s movement also features gold-plated gears and 17 jewels throughout its center bridge plate. We finished off this one-of-a-kind piece of history by pairing it with our marsh green leather watch strap, which complements the watch’s exquisite dial.

The Illinois Watch Company originally manufactured this antique watch in Springfield, Illinois, in 1925 — the same year that the United States Congress passed the Federal Probation Act, enabling U.S. courts to sentence legal offenders to probation rather than prison. The act also led to the eventual creation of the U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services System in 1982.

Case Style:This case has been CNC milled from a solid block of aerospace grade titanium. We use pressurized, fine glass beads in a sandblasting chamber to soften the edges and make the finish uniform. 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 4671489 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: Sandblasted Titanium
  • Crown/Hardware: Gold Plated
  • Water Resistance: 1 ATM
  • Crystals: Gorilla Glass
  • Case Back: Stainless Steel
  • Strap: Leather

Movement

  • Manufacturer: Illinois Watch Company
  • Serial Number:  4671489
  • Manufacture Year:  1925
  • Function: Manual Wind
  • Jewels: 17j
  • 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 535 unique: Today, we’re delighted to feature this striking and highly unique watch initially produced by the Illinois Watch Company — the Springfield 535. The Springfield 535’s original pocket watch boasts a remarkable dial with an aged cream-colored background as well as an octagonal frame and elegant pattern on the outside of the piece’s dark numerals. The front of the watch also features a darker center design matching its outer frame and blued steel diamond kite hands. We encased this remarkable pocket watch within our stylish Sandblasted titanium case and equipped it with a gold-plated crown. On the back of the watch, you can view its original 405-grade open-face movement with a nickel finish, pendant setting, and going barrel. The watch’s movement also features gold-plated gears and 17 jewels throughout its center bridge plate. We finished off this one-of-a-kind piece of history by pairing it with our marsh green leather watch strap, which complements the watch’s exquisite dial.

The Illinois Watch Company originally manufactured this antique watch in Springfield, Illinois, in 1925 — the same year that the United States Congress passed the Federal Probation Act, enabling U.S. courts to sentence legal offenders to probation rather than prison. The act also led to the eventual creation of the U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services System in 1982.

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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