The Chicago 097 (45mm)

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What makes The Chicago 097 unique: The Chicago 097 is a perfect example of how nuanced textures and bold design can coexist in quiet harmony. Its parchment-toned dial is adorned with fine vertical striations that catch the light with every turn of the wrist, creating a soft metallic shimmer. Black, stylized numerals rise from the dial with bold drop shadows—adding visual weight and vintage flair—while a recessed sub-seconds dial at 6 oclock provides balance and crisp contrast. At center, solid blued steel diamond-kite hands hover above the surface, their sharply tapered shapes delivering a confident sense of motion. This timepiece is powered by a 17-jewel Elgin movement built in 1924, featuring elegant decorative engraving across its plates and bridges. The movement's intricate detailing is visible through the open caseback, where each hand-cut flourish reflects the eras dedication to both mechanical precision and aesthetic beauty. The gold-plated gears and polished steel components offer a timeless reminder of early American craftsmanship. Encasing this historic movement is a sandblasted stainless steel case, paired with a smooth, sandblasted titanium bezel that gives the piece a tonal ruggedness. The vertically grooved, machined-steel crown adds tactile texture and utilit y, while the natural rye-toned leather strap provides a soft, warm contrast that completes the pieces balanced design. In 1924—the same year this Elgin movement was manufactured—the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company formally changed its name to International Business Machines, or IBM. This pivotal moment in American industrial history marked the rise of modern computing and technological innovation—echoed today in the mechanical ingenuity of this one-of-a-kind wristwatch.