The Springfield 549 (46mm)

The Springfield 549 (46mm)

The Springfield 549 (46mm)
The Springfield 549 (46mm)
The Springfield 549 (46mm)
The Springfield 549 (46mm)
The Springfield 549 (46mm)
The Springfield 549 (46mm)
The Springfield 549 (46mm)
The Springfield 549 (46mm)
The Springfield 549 (46mm)
The Springfield 549 (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 549 unique: We’re pleased to present to you this remarkable wristwatch originally created by the Illinois Watch Company nearly a century ago — the Springfield 549. This stunning watch features a sleek dial with black numerals that reside handsomely atop its spotless, white background. The front of this unforgettable watch also displays a helpful subdial and blued steel gothic watch hands. We encased the pocket watch within our robust Sandblasted Titanium case and topped it off with a nickel-plated crown, adding even more style to this straightforward yet elegant piece of history. The rear side of the watch boasts a 405-grade open-face movement with a Going barrel, pendant setting, and nickel finish. You can also see the pocket watch’s powerful gold-plated gears and 17 jewels throughout its center bridge plate. Finally, we complemented the watch with our breathtaking and comfortable Cordovan Black leather watch strap, tying together the watch’s graceful style.

The Illinois Watch Company initially released this pocket watch in Springfield, Illinois, in 1923 — the same year that President Warren G. Harding passed away from a heart attack while in office. Harding made history by becoming the first sitting senator (R-OH) to be elected president, but his reputation after his death was primarily tarnished due to various scandals, including corruption allegations and charges against his appointed cabinet members and infidelity. One such affair was with his Nan Britton, who birthed Harding’s illegitimate daughter, Elizabeth, two years before he took office.

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 4266453 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: Nickel Plated
  • Water Resistance: 1 ATM
  • Crystals: Gorilla Glass
  • Case Back: Stainless Steel
  • Strap: Leather

Movement

  • Manufacturer: Illinois Watch Company
  • Serial Number:  4266453
  • Manufacture Year:  1923
  • 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 549 unique: We’re pleased to present to you this remarkable wristwatch originally created by the Illinois Watch Company nearly a century ago — the Springfield 549. This stunning watch features a sleek dial with black numerals that reside handsomely atop its spotless, white background. The front of this unforgettable watch also displays a helpful subdial and blued steel gothic watch hands. We encased the pocket watch within our robust Sandblasted Titanium case and topped it off with a nickel-plated crown, adding even more style to this straightforward yet elegant piece of history. The rear side of the watch boasts a 405-grade open-face movement with a Going barrel, pendant setting, and nickel finish. You can also see the pocket watch’s powerful gold-plated gears and 17 jewels throughout its center bridge plate. Finally, we complemented the watch with our breathtaking and comfortable Cordovan Black leather watch strap, tying together the watch’s graceful style.

The Illinois Watch Company initially released this pocket watch in Springfield, Illinois, in 1923 — the same year that President Warren G. Harding passed away from a heart attack while in office. Harding made history by becoming the first sitting senator (R-OH) to be elected president, but his reputation after his death was primarily tarnished due to various scandals, including corruption allegations and charges against his appointed cabinet members and infidelity. One such affair was with his Nan Britton, who birthed Harding’s illegitimate daughter, Elizabeth, two years before he took office.

Quality Straps

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Mission

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American Made

Learn More About The American Artisan Series

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