What makes the Chicago 492 unique: Today, we're excited to feature this unforgettable piece originally manufactured by the Elgin National Watch Company in 1920 — the Chicago 492. This antique, one-of-a-kind piece boasts a remarkable dial with a light-gold colored pattern just underneath its uniquely-styled black numerals. The front of the watch also features minute numerals in five-minute increments, a pristine subdial, and blue-tinted spade and whip hands. We paired this historic pocket watch with our breathtaking and robust Gilded Titanium case and a copper-plated crown, emphasizing the dial's highly sophisticated style. Our Gilded Titanium case features a transparent back, enabling you to view the timepiece's intricate inner workings, such as its 384-grade open-face movement with a Going barrel, quick train, and Moseley regulator. You can also see the piece's sumptuous gold-plated gears powered by 17 screw-set ruby and sapphire jewels throughout its ¾ plate. We complemented this stunning watch with our hand-crafted Cordovan Black leather watch strap, making it even more distinct.
The Elgin National Watch Company initially produced the Chicago 492's pocket watch in Elgin, Illinois, in 1920 — the same year that George Polley, known as "The Human Fly," famously climbed the Woolworth building in New York City. George Polley was one of the first practitioners of the hazardous sport "buildering," which combines the words "building" and the free climbing sport "bouldering." According to Polley, he began climbing buildings at the age of 12 after a clothing store offered him a suit if he successfully reached the top of their building. Ten years later, he attempted to climb the 792-foot Woolworth building illegally. Ultimately, he failed to make it to the top because a police officer arrested him when he reached the 30th floor. Polley eventually became a Hollywood stuntman and continued engaging in dangerous climbing feats until he died of a brain tumor in 1927.
