What makes the Chicago 508 unique: Today, we’re thrilled to showcase this elegant watch originally manufactured by the Elgin National Watch Company 111 years ago — the Chicago 508. This stylish watch features a light-cream-colored dial with distinct, light-golden numerals and a helpful subdial. The front of the movement also displays blued steel spade & whip watch hands that glimmer vividly against the dial. We encased this stunning pocket watch within our Machined Titanium case and equipped it with a gold-plated crown, matching the dial’s golden numerals. On the back of the watch, you can see the piece’s original 346-grade Hunting movement with a Moseley regulator, Going barrel, nickel finish, and pendant setting. The movement also boasts stunning gold-plated gears and 17 sumptuous jewels throughout its ¾ plate. Finally, we topped the piece off with our hand-crafted and comfortable Cordovan leather watch strap, making this one-of-a-kind watch unforgettable.

The Elgin National Watch Company first produced the Chicago 508’s pocket watch in Elgin, Illinois, in 1911 — the same year Orville Wright set a world record with his air glider. The Wright Brothers began using gliders in the early 20th century leading up to the Wright Flyer of 1903, which was the first powered aircraft to sustain flight. In 1911, Orville Wright returned to Kill Devil Hills in North Carolina — where they previously flew the Wright Flyer — along with Alec Ogilvie in order to test the glider’s automatic control system. The pair ended up not testing the system because reporters were there, but Orville established an impressive gliding record: He glided in a 40 miles per hour wind for 9 minutes and 45 seconds, a record that would remain until German aerospace engineer Dr. Wolfgang exceeded a 13-minute flight in 1921.