The Chicago 437 is the 437th one-of-a-kind piece in Vortic's "Chicago" line of the American Artisan Series. This watch contains the original movement (timepiece), dial (face), and hands from a vintage (1880’s – 1950’s) pocket watch. The American Artisan Series is a line of fully American Made wristwatches powered by restored, U.S. made pocket watch movements.

What makes the Chicago 437 Unique: Today we bring you this incredibly unique watch from the Elgin National Watch Company, the Chicago 437. Most of the movements we source come to us without their original case, as the cases themselves are often taken for the precious metals they are made of. This watch pays homage to its original case with this incredible octagonal design around the outside, which would have been the shape of the case that housed this watch. The design continues on the center of the dial, carefully machined with these intricate patterns that immediately draw you in for a second look. We matched the gold-colored dial with our gold crown and hardware, topping it off with our very classy black cordovan strap. Once you turn this watch over to reveal the inner workings, you will find even more character to tell its story. A nicely aged patina throughout the build plates shows its age, with gold-plated gears and a brass balance wheel bringing some contrast and color to the visual landscape. A very intricate pattern has been delicately machined into the build plate, subtly showing through upon second glance. We love the storied past of these watches and hope that this watch will continue to continue its legacy. This watch was originally produced in Elgin, Illinois in 1923 a little outside of Chicago. This is also the same year that the Sahara Desert was traversed by automobiles for the very first time.

1923

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