{"product_id":"the-chicago-railroad-002-49mm","title":"The Chicago Railroad 002 (49mm)","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat makes The Chicago Railroad 002 unique:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Chicago Railroad 002 is defined by one of the most visually and historically significant railroad dials we encounter: an exceptionally rare Ferguson dial, preserved here in remarkable condition. The crisp white enamel surface is organized for absolute legibility, with a bold outer seconds chapter ring encircling the dial and large, hand-painted gothic-style Arabic numerals marking the hours. Red accents punctuate the seconds scale, reinforcing its railroad purpose, while the sunken sub-seconds register at 6 o’clock adds depth and balance to the layout. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eWe retained the original vibrant red and black steel hands, which stands in striking contrast against the bright dial—both functional and unmistakably of its era.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInside, this watch is powered by a 19-jewel lever-set Elgin movement, visible through the open caseback. The bridges are adorned with pristine scallop engraving, a decorative finish reserved for movements built to meet demanding railroad standards while still reflecting a high level of craftsmanship. Gold-plated gears, polished steel components, and finely finished jewel settings create a dynamic mechanical landscape, showcasing the precision and attention to detail that defined American railroad watch production in the early 20th century.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe housed this movement in a machined bronze railroad case with a bronze coin-edge bezel, a material choice that adds warmth and character while remaining true to the robust nature of traditional railroad timekeepers. Over time, the bronze will continue to develop a natural patina unique to the wearer. A vertically grooved bronze crown provides secure grip for setting and winding, and the watch is finished with a natural leather strap that complements the bronze tones and reinforces the watch’s purposeful, historically grounded aesthetic.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe original Elgin movement inside this watch was manufactured in 1911, the same year Grand Central Terminal officially opened in New York City. That moment marked a turning point in American railroad history, as precise timekeeping became critical to coordinating the growing complexity of rail networks converging in major hubs. The Chicago Railroad 002 reflects that era exactly—a watch built for clarity, reliability, and accountability, now preserved on the wrist as a lasting artifact of America’s railroad age.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote: \u003c\/strong\u003eThis watch features a lever-set, railroad grade pocket watch.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eTo set the time, the whole front of the watch must be removed, exposing the dial and hands. Please feel free to contact us with questions before making your purchase. We are here to help!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWatch this video on YouTube to learn more:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca aria-describedby=\"sk-tooltip-777\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=2lNisquLqtc\" data-sk=\"tooltip_parent\" data-stringify-link=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=2lNisquLqtc\" class=\"c-link c-link--underline\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=2lNisquLqtc\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vortic Watch Company","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51735092986157,"sku":null,"price":7900.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1710\/0345\/files\/1_d4ce3a09-1504-4291-bc78-5481c7a6be8a.png?v=1767899825","url":"https:\/\/vorticwatches.mom\/products\/the-chicago-railroad-002-49mm","provider":"Vortic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}