The Springfield 555 (46mm)

The Springfield 555 (46mm)

The Springfield 555 (46mm)
The Springfield 555 (46mm)
The Springfield 555 (46mm)
The Springfield 555 (46mm)
The Springfield 555 (46mm)
The Springfield 555 (46mm)
The Springfield 555 (46mm)
The Springfield 555 (46mm)
The Springfield 555 (46mm)
The Springfield 555 (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 555 unique: Today, we’re happy to present this distinct and breathtaking watch that was initially released by the Illinois Watch Company — the Springfield 555. This impressive piece of American watch history features a dial with large and bold black numerals and a matching subdial that look especially striking against its cream-colored background. The front of the watch also boasts stunning, blued steel heavy moon watch hands. We matched this splendid antique pocket watch with our Bronzed Titanium case and topped it off with a similarly-colored copper crown, making the final, one-of-a-kind watch even more unique. The rear side of the watch displays a 405-grade open-face movement with a Going barrel and a center bridge plate featuring a breathtaking engraving that reads “The Autocrat.” You can also see the watch’s 17 sumptuous jewels and gold-plated gears through its exhibition back. Finally, we paired this remarkable watch with our comfortable, hand-crafted Black leather watch strap, complementing its gorgeous color palette.

The Illinois Watch Company originally manufactured the pocket watch in Springfield, Illinois, in 1918 — the same year that President Woodrow Wilson sailed to Europe for the Paris Peace Conference, making him the first sitting U.S. president to travel to Europe. The Paris Peace Conference — which lasted from 1919 to 1920 — was the meeting in which the Allies set the terms for peace for the Central Powers after the conclusion of World War I. The most significant treaties prepared at the conference were the Treaty of Versailles, the Treaty of Saint-Germain, the Treaty of Neuilly, the Treaty of Trianon, and the Treaty of Sèvres.

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 3420527 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: Copper
  • Water Resistance: 1 ATM
  • Crystals: Gorilla Glass
  • Case Back: Stainless Steel
  • Strap: Leather

Movement

  • Manufacturer: Illinois Watch Company
  • Serial Number:  3420527
  • Manufacture Year:  1918
  • 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 555 unique: Today, we’re happy to present this distinct and breathtaking watch that was initially released by the Illinois Watch Company — the Springfield 555. This impressive piece of American watch history features a dial with large and bold black numerals and a matching subdial that look especially striking against its cream-colored background. The front of the watch also boasts stunning, blued steel heavy moon watch hands. We matched this splendid antique pocket watch with our Bronzed Titanium case and topped it off with a similarly-colored copper crown, making the final, one-of-a-kind watch even more unique. The rear side of the watch displays a 405-grade open-face movement with a Going barrel and a center bridge plate featuring a breathtaking engraving that reads “The Autocrat.” You can also see the watch’s 17 sumptuous jewels and gold-plated gears through its exhibition back. Finally, we paired this remarkable watch with our comfortable, hand-crafted Black leather watch strap, complementing its gorgeous color palette.

The Illinois Watch Company originally manufactured the pocket watch in Springfield, Illinois, in 1918 — the same year that President Woodrow Wilson sailed to Europe for the Paris Peace Conference, making him the first sitting U.S. president to travel to Europe. The Paris Peace Conference — which lasted from 1919 to 1920 — was the meeting in which the Allies set the terms for peace for the Central Powers after the conclusion of World War I. The most significant treaties prepared at the conference were the Treaty of Versailles, the Treaty of Saint-Germain, the Treaty of Neuilly, the Treaty of Trianon, and the Treaty of Sèvres.

Quality Straps

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Mission

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American Made

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