What makes the Chicago 010 unique: We are very excited to once again release our highly anticipated 16-size watches, in our brand new Version III machined titanium case. It has been a little over two years since we put production on hold for our 16-size watches and we can proudly announce that they are back! We decided that it was important to rethink our design and re-engineer our cases completely for a better system of building watches. This watch comes in at 49mm, as opposed to the 47mm 12-size watches that we have primarily been releasing. The main changes that we made to the case is the way that the watch sits inside, with each and every case specifically manufactured to fit that exact movement perfectly without using any inserts or extra parts that require manipulation and fine-tuning. This watch represents the classic styling of Elgin, with this incredibly bright and clean enamel dial, nice bold numerals, and small red minute indicators around the outside. The spade hands have been blued to stand out, completing this beautiful design. Our brand new crown style sits on top, with nickel-plated hardware to match and a dark black leather strap. As we peer inside the open-back case to take a closer look at the movement, right away we can see a slightly different look that was used on this larger model. The three-finger bridge design stands out and we love the visual balance of this bridge that allows for a better view of the gold-plated gears beneath. 17 screw set jewels are placed carefully and secured with stainless steel hardware that pairs well with the reflective patterns that have been machined into the different bridge plates. This watch was originally produced by the Elgin National Watch Company in Elgin, Illinois in 1917, a bitter year for both America and the world. Due to the resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare by the Germans and the discovery of the Zimmerman Telegram, the United States of America was drawn fully into the European conflict, making it truly a world war. However, there were some benefits of joining the conflict, with wages nearly doubling, stimulating the American economy. Before the great war, America had been a debtor country, and the economic capital of the world was London. After 1918, it shifted to New York, and the United States emerged from the war a net creditor.