American watchmaking ascended to prominence during the mid-19th century. Led by names such as Waltham, Elgin, and Hamilton, these American manufacturers incorporated state-of-the-art methods to produce their timepieces. Machines were employed to cut, shape, and assemble watch parts, while precision tools like lathes and milling instruments were utilized to create more intricate components with higher accuracy. Swiss manufacturers drew inspiration from America’s advancements in interchangeable parts, assembly line techniques, and large-scale manufacturing capabilities.
Post World War I, the demand for wristwatches surged, surpassing that of pocket watches, marking a shift toward convenience and practicality. Although American manufacturers adapted to this transition, the following decades were laden with challenges. First, the Great Depression led many consumers to perceive a wristwatch as a luxury item, unaffordable for many after the U.S. Stock Market crash. Second, World War II pushed these manufacturers to produce specific equipment for the war effort, significantly reducing consumer watch production. By the war's end, Swiss watchmakers had gained dominance in the industry, while American craftsmanship declined. Amid a world that associates Switzerland, Germany, and Japan with superior watchmaking abilities, one company stands committed to revitalizing the legacy of American horology: Colorado Watch Company.
Nestled at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Fort Collins, Colorado, a five-year dream has materialized. Vortic Watch Company, renowned for its conversion of antique pocket watches into wristwatches, has unveiled its new sister brand, Colorado Watch Company. While Vortic Watch Company remains devoted to its original mission, Colorado Watch Company is dedicated to crafting fully modern timepieces with one goal: to create heirloom-quality watches at scale in the United States, retailing for under $1,000. Co-Founders R.T. Custer and Tyler Wolfe are confident they've achieved this and are eager to showcase their creations.
The inaugural timepiece, named simply the Field Watch, was crafted by Tyler Wolfe, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer. The Field Watch epitomizes the 'Go Anywhere, Do Anything' ethos. Whether navigating the office or backpacking through the Rocky Mountains, this timepiece accompanies every adventure. Priced at $995 and assembled with premium components sourced from across the country, this watch solidifies Colorado Watch Company's original mission statement.
The Field Watch, the smaller of the two timepieces, measures 40mm in diameter and a slim 10.5mm in thickness. Designed for the variety-seeking consumer, it's available in either Stainless Steel or DLC case variants, offering four distinct dial options (white dial with or without red box logo and metal dial with or without red box logo). With a total of eight variations, there's something to captivate every individual.
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The second timepiece, named the G.C.T (Greenwich Civil Time), was created by Co-Founder and CEO, R.T. Custer. "The G.C.T has been a dream of mine ever since we released Vortic’s Military Edition in 2019," expressed Custer. Paying homage to the Military Edition, the G.C.T is crafted to be more widely available and attainable. While a Vortic Military Edition is priced between $8,000 to $12,000, the G.C.T will retail at $1,395. Prioritizing not only design but also functionality, Custer ensures the G.C.T not only resembles a military watch but performs like one too. Featuring an anti-reflective sapphire crystal, screw-down crown, and a ruggedized DLC coating on the case, this watch is built to withstand challenges and emerge unscathed.
Measuring 42mm in diameter and 13mm in thickness, the G.C.T is slightly larger than the Field Watch yet remains comfortably wearable for most wrists. Sporting a cathedral handset, artificial patina, and a twelve o’clock positioned crown, this piece boasts a notably more vintage design, appealing to enthusiasts fascinated by the history of military watches. Available in Stainless Steel or DLC case variations, the G.C.T offers two distinct dial options.
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Both the Field Watch and the G.C.T are 87% American made, calculated by cost, and involve various American manufacturers across the country. Vortic’s manufacturing plant in Fort Collins, Colorado, crafts all metal components—cases, crowns, and dials. Sapphire crystals originate from New Hampshire, while Stern Rubber Company in Staples, Minnesota, produces the rubber straps. The Americhron 7A20 automatic movement is a collaborative effort between Colorado Watch Company and Fine Timepiece Solutions (FTS) in Fountain Hills, Arizona. FTS imports components from India and assembles the movements at their Arizona facility. FTS also oversees the final assembly, ensuring precision in regulating the movements to achieve a deviation of -5/+20 seconds a day. Each watch includes a 2-year warranty and ships in a custom Otterbox Drybox, a renowned product from another Fort Collins-based company widely acclaimed for their cell phone cases.
Colorado Watch Company stands as a guiding light in American watchmaking, revitalizing a legacy that has weathered numerous challenges. Through the Field Watch and the G.C.T, the company not only redefines versatility and functionality but also reinforces its dedication to American craftsmanship. By forging strategic collaborations and sourcing premium components from various states, Colorado Watch Company rekindles the essence of American horology. Their timepieces transcend mere accessories, evolving into enduring heirlooms that weave narratives of innovation and resilience. These exceptional timepieces will be available for purchase starting in the summer of 2024, marking a new chapter in American watchmaking.
For more information on the Colorado Watch Company, visit https://vorticwatches.com/pages/colorado-watch-company.
About the author
Jonathan Wigington is a U.S. Marine veteran, writer, and watch enthusiast. To see more content, you can follow him on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/quartzandauto.
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