{"product_id":"the-chicago-094-45mm","title":"The Chicago 094 (45mm)","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat makes The Chicago 094 unique:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Chicago 094 brings ornate charm and technical precision together in a design that feels both fantastical and refined. Its cream-toned dial is adorned with whimsical golden flourishes—miniature filigree accents that dance around each numeral in delicate symmetry. Look closer, and you’ll notice the dial’s unusual blend of textures: a railroad-style minute track marked with gold dots around the perimeter and a recessed sub-seconds dial at 6 o’clock with bold, printed numerals for crisp legibility. At the center, a pair of finely rendered \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLouis XIV hands\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e—with their signature curls and ornamental flair—add a theatrical quality that’s rare even among antique designs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInside this timepiece beats a 17-jewel \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eElgin movement\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, manufactured in 1917. This is a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ehunting-style\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e movement, originally designed for pocket watches with side-positioned crowns, now repurposed into a wristwatch that honors its past while embracing a modern form. Flip it over, and you’ll find a beautifully preserved mechanical landscape: hand-finished bridgework featuring \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003efloral engravings\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, notably around one of the upper screws, and a layered depth enhanced by polished gears and jewel settings. This particular movement also features a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003edouble roller\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e—a significant upgrade at the time—designed to protect the escapement from shock and improve long-term accuracy and durability.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe’ve housed this movement in a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003emachined stainless steel case\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e with a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ecoin-edge bezel\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, paired with a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eknurled machined-steel crown\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e that provides excellent grip and visual balance. The oxblood leather strap adds warmth and contrast, its rich tone echoing the dial’s golden embellishments. Altogether, the piece feels as if it belongs in a curated cabinet of wonders—functional history dressed in elegance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn 1917, the same year this movement was produced, America’s entry into World War I reshaped the nation's industrial landscape. Watch companies like Elgin ramped up precision manufacturing to support the war effort, laying the groundwork for a golden age of American watchmaking—one where engineering, artistry, and national pride all ticked in sync.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vortic Watch Company","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50791334412589,"sku":null,"price":3800.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1710\/0345\/files\/CHICAGO-WOTD2025-05-094_0027.jpg?v=1749003886","url":"https:\/\/vorticwatches.mom\/products\/the-chicago-094-45mm","provider":"Vortic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}