Vortic Watch: The Chicago 048

Vortic Watch Company's mission is to salvage, restore, and preserve an important part of United States history. Today, beautiful antique pocket watch mechanisms are often cast aside when their original case is scrapped for precious metal value. American pocket watches were made with an incredible level of quality. So, after 100 years, many simply need a little patience from a skilled individual to make them run like new. Vortic fully restores these mechanisms and builds them into wristwatches to make them functional again and to preserve them for another 100+ years.

Watch: A unique piece of timekeeping history, this watch was originally produced by the Elgin Watch Company in 1920 — and is named the Chicago 048. This particular pocket watch tells its fascinating story right on the dial, making this history easy for everyone to see. A pristine white face with classic black numerals is unassuming, until you see the insignia and slogan of the Packard Motor Car Company on the left. “Ask the man who owns one” and “of a distinguished family” boldly reflect Packard’s confidence in the quality and elegance of their cars. Pocket watches such as this one were given to Packard employees for retirement gifts or celebrations of service to the company. Packard employees were proud to brandish a reflection of their hard work and high standards, and that pride is carried over in this piece. In converting it to a wristwatch, Vortic chose a handsome, two-toned stainless steel case with a coin-edged bronze bezel and black leather strap to complete this distinguished homage to quality.

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 22691500 from the Elgin Watch Company. 

Watchmaker History: Also known as Elgin National Watch Company, Elgin wasn't only the largest watch manufacturer in the United States, but the largest watch manufacturer in the world for almost 100 years, operating from 1864-1964. The company often used a depiction of father time in their advertisements. At one point, the company was making 7,500 watch movements per week and had 2,300 employees. Unfortunately, the factory was demolished in 1966 . 

Watch Specs:

• Manufacturer: Vortic Watch Company
• Warranty: Vortic’s 1-Year Warranty
• Case Dimensions: 
• Diameter: 49mm
• Height: 13.5mm
• Lug-to-Lug: 59mm
• Lugs: 24mm
• Case Finish: Stainless Steel Case w/ Bronze Bezel
• Crown/Hardware: Bronze
• Water Resistance: 1 ATM
• Crystals: Sapphire
• Case Back: Stainless Steel
• Strap: Leather

Movement Specs:

• Manufacturer: Elgin Watch Company
• Serial Number:  22691500
• Manufacture Year:  1920
• Function: Manual Wind
• Jewels: 17j
• Hands: Original
• Size: 16s
• Power Reserve: ~36 Hours