{"product_id":"the-chicago-098-45mm","title":"The Chicago 098 (45mm)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhat makes the Chicago 098 unique:  \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Chicago 098 is a bold expression of early 20th-century design, brought back to life in our American Artisan Series. Its dial is remarkably preserved and richly toned, reminiscent of aged newsprint—what we like to call “newspaper patina.” This soft, speckled gradient across the surface gives the watch a warm, archival feel. Framing the inner dial is a detailed ornamental ring of scrollwork flourishes, an elegant contrast to the utilitarian style of the Arabic numerals that encircle the chapter ring. The stylized numerals themselves feel almost handwritten—slightly narrow and slightly quirky—adding a layer of personality to the already rich aesthetic. Completing the design are a pair of ornate cathedral-style hands in heat-blued steel, with wide arrow-like tips that give the watch a strong, expressive presence. A deeply recessed sub-seconds dial at 6 o’clock provides symmetry and visual grounding with classic railroad-style markings.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt the heart of this piece is a 17-jewel Elgin movement with smooth, unembellished bridges and gold-plated gears, made with the kind of utilitarian elegance that defined Elgin’s reputation. The absence of decorative flourishes allows the mechanical beauty to shine through, visible in full through the open caseback. This particular movement was originally manufactured in 1921, at the height of Elgin’s production excellence.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe case is crafted from sandblasted stainless steel and paired with a matching smooth bezel for a uniform matte finish that enhances the visual depth of the dial. A vertically grooved crown in tumbled titanium adds both texture and tonal variation, while the ebony leather strap completes the look with timeless simplicity. Every element of The Chicago 098 reflects a commitment to balance, functionality, and aesthetic harmony.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThat same year—1921—the U.S. Bureau of Standards began broadcasting the nation’s first radio time signals, allowing railroads, factories, and citizens to synchronize their clocks to a national standard. It was a pivotal moment in American horology, and watches like this one helped bring precision timekeeping into everyday life.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vortic Watch Company","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50992561979693,"sku":null,"price":2400.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1710\/0345\/files\/CHICAGO-2025-07-098_0086_7919bbcf-2297-43ac-af30-517cf003a45c.jpg?v=1752725992","url":"https:\/\/vorticwatches.mom\/products\/the-chicago-098-45mm","provider":"Vortic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}