The Cleveland 039 is the 39th one-of-a-kind piece in Vortic's "Cleveland" line of the American Artisan Series. This watch contains the original movement (timepiece), dial (face), and hands from a vintage (1880’s – 1950’s) pocket watch. The American Artisan Series is a line of fully American Made wristwatches powered by restored, U.S. made pocket watch movements.

What makes the Cleveland 039 Unique: The Ball Watch Company was founded in 1891 in Cleveland, Ohio after Webb C. Ball was appalled by the lack of accuracy and timekeeping standards observed by the Railroad Industry. Many close calls and deadly train crashes due to poor timekeeping inspired him to produce a better system. He created the “Ball Time Service,” which had a series of criteria to ensure that all railroad conductor’s watches kept perfect time or close to it. According to this system, conductors submitted their watches for inspection every two weeks to confirm that their watch maintained proper performance. This particular movement features 19 Jewels in raised, gold, screw-down settings that give the movement excellent visual dimensionality. The rose gold gear train, polished and decorated ratchet wheels, and geneva striped bridges only add to this movement’s pedigree. In terms of performance, this piece has a double roller escapement (part of Ball’s standards for watches; promotes consistency and prevents issues like overbanking) and a reed whipspring regulator to keep the hairspring in place. The dial displays a textured finish with a mild green patina from almost 100 years of use. The movement was manufactured in 1927. We think the moss green strap makes the subtle coloring of the dial and printed black numerals pop beautifully. Our machined titanium case has a black DLC coating that pairs well with the dark numerals and rustic, blued steel, diamond hands.

1927

B401699