The Pocket Watch
The United States produced millions of pocket watches well into the middle of the last century. They ran the railroads with them. They flew planes and navigated ships. They fought wars with them. I own a vintage Elgin, myself—passed down to me from the family of Eldred Park “Jimmy” Jamieson—second husband to my grandmother Audrey Charlotte Armour.
It quite possibly belonged to a Robert Percy Jamieson, who was a patrolman on Hwy 17 between Arnprior and Almonte, before he drowned during a storm on Calabogie Lake. But it is impossible to be sure. What I do know—thanks to its serial number—is that the watch was produced in 1918 in a production run of 3000. And that total production of that model exceeded 740 000.
That’s a lot of watches. But why am I telling you this?
Well, my Elgin pocket watch is now 106 years old. It still runs. And it’s still in the family—so to speak.
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There’s a lot I find interesting about what I just told you. But I’m nerdy that way. What I didn’t tell you is that for 364 days this past year that watch sat in a small felt-lined box in the top drawer of my dresser.
What a shame.
The Vortic Watch Company
RT Custer thinks so, too. In fact, he and his business partner are hoping to rectify that problem with the Vortic Watch Co.
How many machines do you own that were operating before you were born? Before your parents were born? Or their parents, parents? Think about the quality of the manufacturing in these old timepieces. Think about the stories.
Nonetheless, despite the rich history of brands like Waltham, Illinois, Hampden, Hamilton, and Elgin, by the mid-1900s, very few pocket watches were being produced. By the 1960s, production had all but stopped.
The Vortic Watch Company takes great pains to unearth these watches and to provide them with a new lease on life. To revive their stories. By turning them into wristwatches. From their manufacturing facilities in Fort Collins, Colorado, Vortic pair classic watchmaking methods with innovative technology—like 3D printing and CNC machining—to create bespoke timepieces in their American Artisan Series and limited runs in their Military and Railroad Editions.
I was fortunate enough, recently, to have two examples of their work in for review: the Post-War Conversion Watch, and the Comparing Watch. I can truly say that of the hundreds of timepieces I had the opportunity to handle this year, nothing has fired my imagination in quite the same way.
The Vortic Post-War Conversion Watch
Released earlier this year in a limited run of only 12 pieces, the Vortic Post-War Conversion Watch employs pocket watches, produced originally by Hamilton from 1938-1950, that have been converted from 24-hour military dials into 12-hour dials for civilian use.
The model featured here has a beautiful ivory backdrop with bold black Arabic numerals in a classic serif font. The warm patina developed over the last 80 years is still present. And under this, we find the 4992B calibre—modelled on the brand’s stalwart railroad movement, the 992B. Thanks to the sapphire exhibition case back, we can see the meticulous work that went in to even the most utilitarian of calibres. The 22-jewel movement, manufactured in Lancaster, Pennsylvania features Geneva striping and a gold centre seconds wheel.
Vortic have housed the vintage piece is a newly engineered V3 case. Already the bronze has begun to develop a unique patina that looks incredible when juxtaposed against the stark black and white dial. They have also chosen a robust American-made Cordovan leather strap in oxblood.
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The Vortic Comparing Watch
During WWII, the comparing watch was synchronized to the ship’s Marine Chronometer. It would used by the Navigator or the Quartermaster when they left the bridge to take measurements. It would also be used to coordinate clocks throughout the ship. The United States Navy entrusted these timepieces to Hamilton.
Inside this iteration beats a vintage Hamilton 2974B pocket watch movement. The dial and hands are also original.
This one is paired with a black stitched a Horween Shell Cordovan strap–Made in the USA especially for this piece…as were the stainless steel crown and case.
In this second edition run, Vortic have created only 10 timepieces.
Final Thoughts
The concept of converting pocket watches into wristwatches is not entirely new. Often referred to as a “marriage watch,” converted pocket watches have been around for some time. However, the process has often been an individual one–rather than, say, a business model. The Vortic focus, too, is a particularly interesting one: to seek out domestic pocket watches of historical significance and tell their stories to a new generation.
A few years ago, I read an article about Wallace Detroit Guitars. In the wake of the city’s decline, Michigan native, Mark Wallace, decided to mine the abandoned buildings of the Motor City for the wood to make his unique instruments. He pulled up benches and floorboards and wainscotting. He harvested redwood, mahogany, walnut, and pine. And he turned it all into beautiful guitars.
The history of American manufacturing is complex. And we’re only scraping the surface here. But you can’t go back to what was. You can only forge ahead into the future.
That’s why I love what the Vortic Watch Company (and Wallace Detroit Guitars) is doing. There is no lament over what has come to pass–only a celebration and a renaissance. A path forward.
If you are interested in converting your own pocket watch, check out the Vortic Watch Company website. I know I will.
About the author
Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.
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The Renaissance – with the masterful artistry of these priceless timepieces married , by these new craftsmen, to machinery of today. Creating the Watch of Tomorrow. Brilliant stories. Waiting to be Told.