Watch Description
What Makes The Chicago 121 Unique:
The Chicago 121 pairs one of the most recognizable names in American watchmaking with a movement designation that collectors often stop to investigate. Built around a 17-jewel Elgin movement manufactured in 1911, this watch features the coveted G.M. Wheeler grade, a name that appeared on select Elgin movements for decades and has remained a point of fascination among collectors ever since.
The first thing many enthusiasts will notice is the remarkable contrast between the pristine white enamel dial and the warm bronze case. The dial remains exceptionally clean for a watch now well over a century old, creating a presentation that feels almost untouched by time. Bold stylized Arabic numerals stretch elegantly around the dial, while the ornate blued-steel hands provide both visual balance and a subtle reminder of the craftsmanship standards that defined early twentieth-century American watchmaking.
The subsidiary seconds register at six o’clock reinforces the watch’s pocket watch origins and preserves the original proportions intended by Elgin’s designers. Every element feels deliberate, from the crisp black printing to the sweeping handset that creates a graceful silhouette across the bright enamel surface.
Collectors familiar with Elgin movements may immediately recognize the name engraved across the movement plates. The G.M. Wheeler designation was used by Elgin as a grade name rather than a separate manufacturer. While the exact origin of the name is tied to George M. Wheeler, an influential figure in early American railroad surveying and engineering, watches bearing the G.M. Wheeler designation became known among collectors as some of Elgin’s more respected and higher-grade offerings. By the early twentieth century, the name carried enough prestige that it continued to appear on quality movements long after its original introduction.
What makes this particular example especially interesting is its production date. This movement was manufactured in 1911, placing it within the period when Elgin was producing G.M. Wheeler grade 12-size movements featuring 17 jewels and refined finishing intended for customers seeking a higher level of quality and precision. Collectors frequently seek out these Wheeler-signed movements because the designation has become a recognizable hallmark within the broader Elgin catalog.
Turning the watch over reveals why these movements have remained desirable for more than a century. The movement features beautifully striped damaskeening across the plates, gold jewel settings, and a finely regulated balance assembly. The decorative finishing reflects an era when manufacturers devoted considerable attention to the appearance of components that most owners would rarely see.
The bronze Vortic case complements the movement particularly well. Its sandblasted finish introduces warmth and character that feels appropriate for a movement from 1911, while the machined bronze crown and tan leather strap create a cohesive palette that highlights the golden tones found throughout the movement itself. Over time, the bronze case will continue developing a unique patina, ensuring that the watch evolves alongside its owner.
The Chicago 121 stands apart not through dramatic aging or unusual dial features, but through its combination of historical significance and collector appeal. Between the exceptionally clean enamel dial, the elegant blued-steel hands, the century-old G.M. Wheeler movement, and the living character of the bronze case, this watch represents a distinctive piece of American horological history that continues to reward closer examination.
Movement Manufacturer Information
The movement inside of this watch was made by Elgin Watch Company. We call this model "The Chicago" because of the company's proximity to the city.
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 on advertisements. At one point, the company was making 7,500 watch movements per week and had 2,300 employees. The factory was demolished in 1966 and replaced with a shopping center.
Legal Disclaimer: All product and company names, logos, brands, and other trademarks featured or referred to within Vortic's products and services are the property of their respective intellectual property rights holders, if any. Those intellectual property rights holders, other than Vortic, LLC, are not affiliated with Vortic, LLC, our products, or our website. They do not sponsor or endorse our materials.
Watch Specifications
- Manufacturer: Vortic Watch Company
- Model Year: 2025
- Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
- Case Diameter: 45mm
- Case Material: Sandblasted Bronze
- Crown/Hardware: Bronze
- Water Resistance: 1 ATM
- Crystals: Front: Domed Sapphire Back: Sapphire
- Case Back: Stainless Steel
- Strap: 22mm Tan Leather Strap with Bronze Buckle
Movement
- Manufacturer: Elgin Watch Company
- Serial Number: 15864323
- Manufacture Year: 1911
- Function: Manual Wind
- Jewels: 17 Jewels
- Hands: Original
- Size: 12s
- Power Reserve: ~36 Hours
What Makes The Chicago 121 Unique:
The Chicago 121 pairs one of the most recognizable names in American watchmaking with a movement designation that collectors often stop to investigate. Built around a 17-jewel Elgin movement manufactured in 1911, this watch features the coveted G.M. Wheeler grade, a name that appeared on select Elgin movements for decades and has remained a point of fascination among collectors ever since.
The first thing many enthusiasts will notice is the remarkable contrast between the pristine white enamel dial and the warm bronze case. The dial remains exceptionally clean for a watch now well over a century old, creating a presentation that feels almost untouched by time. Bold stylized Arabic numerals stretch elegantly around the dial, while the ornate blued-steel hands provide both visual balance and a subtle reminder of the craftsmanship standards that defined early twentieth-century American watchmaking.
The subsidiary seconds register at six o’clock reinforces the watch’s pocket watch origins and preserves the original proportions intended by Elgin’s designers. Every element feels deliberate, from the crisp black printing to the sweeping handset that creates a graceful silhouette across the bright enamel surface.
Collectors familiar with Elgin movements may immediately recognize the name engraved across the movement plates. The G.M. Wheeler designation was used by Elgin as a grade name rather than a separate manufacturer. While the exact origin of the name is tied to George M. Wheeler, an influential figure in early American railroad surveying and engineering, watches bearing the G.M. Wheeler designation became known among collectors as some of Elgin’s more respected and higher-grade offerings. By the early twentieth century, the name carried enough prestige that it continued to appear on quality movements long after its original introduction.
What makes this particular example especially interesting is its production date. This movement was manufactured in 1911, placing it within the period when Elgin was producing G.M. Wheeler grade 12-size movements featuring 17 jewels and refined finishing intended for customers seeking a higher level of quality and precision. Collectors frequently seek out these Wheeler-signed movements because the designation has become a recognizable hallmark within the broader Elgin catalog.
Turning the watch over reveals why these movements have remained desirable for more than a century. The movement features beautifully striped damaskeening across the plates, gold jewel settings, and a finely regulated balance assembly. The decorative finishing reflects an era when manufacturers devoted considerable attention to the appearance of components that most owners would rarely see.
The bronze Vortic case complements the movement particularly well. Its sandblasted finish introduces warmth and character that feels appropriate for a movement from 1911, while the machined bronze crown and tan leather strap create a cohesive palette that highlights the golden tones found throughout the movement itself. Over time, the bronze case will continue developing a unique patina, ensuring that the watch evolves alongside its owner.
The Chicago 121 stands apart not through dramatic aging or unusual dial features, but through its combination of historical significance and collector appeal. Between the exceptionally clean enamel dial, the elegant blued-steel hands, the century-old G.M. Wheeler movement, and the living character of the bronze case, this watch represents a distinctive piece of American horological history that continues to reward closer examination.
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The Movement
The engine that powers this watch is an antique American pocket watch movement. All the gears and springs that make it tell time are roughly 100 years old on average. We call these watches the American Artisan Series because we're celebrating the history and legacy of the artisan watchmakers who built this engineering marvel a century ago in the United States.
The Story
Today most pocket watches are scrapped for the gold or silver of the case (the outside of the antique timepiece), leaving the inside (what we call the "movement") as trash.
We take pride in upcycling these pieces of American history by salvaging as many as we can, then preserving them inside our wristwatches.
Our expert team of watchmakers restores the antique movement and then we manufacture a custom wristwatch case here in Fort Collins, Colorado.
The Strap
We partnered with Worn & Wound to produce a custom set of straps for our American Artisan Series watches. We now have 15 different colors to choose from including our two Horween Shell Cordovan options. These straps are made in the USA and are based on the Windup Model 2 Premium strap that Worn and Wound offers.
