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To celebrate the Cubs’ historic World Series win (a whole 108 years since their last title, finally breaking the Curse of the Billy Goat), Vortic has released a limited Chicago World Champions commemorative watch set.
For those unaware, Colorado-based Vortic is a young start-up that has made a splash over the last year after successfully completing a Kickstarter campaign in December, 2014. The brand’s concept of mixing new and old is not entirely unfamiliar, but the ultimate execution is relatively novel. The cases are 3D-printed metal (available in patinated bronze, stainless steel, titanium, etc.), manufactured to spec right here in the United States. Powering the watches are vintage calibers from iconic, historically American makers—among them Waltham, Elgin and Ball. The idea of using orphaned pocket watch movements isn’t new. That said, the resulting watches certainly have an aesthetic—while a matter of personal preference—that is different from most else currently on the market.
The Chicago World Champions watch set is chock full of memorabilia for the hardcore Cubs’ fan. The watch itself, available in either 51mm or 46mm 3D-printed titanium, comes equipped with an Elgin movement from 1907 or 1908, the last two years the club won the World Series (Elgin National Watch Company was also incorporated in Chicago in 1864). There are a variety of dials to choose from through the configurator, and the project is limited to just 10 units. The set also includes a handcrafted fountain pen from master pen maker Tim Cullen of Hooligan Pen Company. Continuing the theme, the pens are made using wood from 1930s Wrigley Field seats, and come with a case of black or blue ink. Rounding out the package is a custom display box and a leather strap cut from a vintage baseball glove.
The set is priced at $4,995 and can be purchased through Vortic’s web store. It’s an expensive proposition, for sure, but one that may appeal to someone who is equal parts watch lover and Cubs fan.
To learn more about the process behind the project or to pick one up, click here.
