By: Mary Chris De Leon

Step inside Vortic Watch Company’s Fort Collins workshop, and you’ll find more than watchmakers. You’ll see a skilled team carefully working with century-old tools to restore antique American pocket watches and convert them into unique wristwatches. Each project serves as a quiet tribute to the precision and pride that once defined an entire industry.

Vortic was co-founded by R.T. Custer, who believed this story was worth preserving. What began as a Kickstarter campaign has since evolved into a thriving business built around the idea of reviving American-made movements from brands like Elgin and Hamilton. These aren’t replicas. They’re original, salvaged pieces of mechanical history made wearable once more. Every watch carries a legacy, and that’s what shapes the brand’s purpose.

Wearing one of these watches isn’t merely about telling time. It’s about carrying a story. Pocket watches that were once owned by grandparents or great-grandparents can be sent by customers for restoration. Timepieces that marked birthdays, wars, train rides, and daily rituals. Vortic takes that heritage and breathes new life into it. The outcome is personal, not just functional. In a world full of mass-produced products, wearing something that holds history can be a powerful choice.

When American Watches Played a Major Role in Railroads and Aviation

A century ago, American watchmaking was a global leader. Companies in cities like Lancaster, Springfield, and Waltham were building timepieces that powered railroad schedules and wartime missions. Skilled workers and multi-generational factory towns ensured that every watch was built to last.

As global manufacturing shifted and industries moved offshore, American watchmaking gradually faded. The factories closed. The skills began to disappear. What’s left behind are the movements themselves: tiny machines that once ran like clockwork. Vortic’s work is about more than restoration. It’s a conscious effort to preserve that craftsmanship, ensuring it’s not forgotten.

The goal isn’t to recreate the past. It’s to carry it forward. These watches are reminders of a time when craftsmanship mattered and when “Made in the USA” signified more than just a label.

Today, Vortic operates from an 8,600 square foot facility with a team of thirteen full-time, in-person employees. They rebuild watches by hand, often with parts no longer in production. They design their own tools. They do it the old-fashioned way, with patience and ingenuity.

Why This Work Remains Significant

Bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. is a frequently discussed topic, but only a handful of companies are actively pursuing this goal. Vortic is one such example. They face the same challenges as others: supply issues, rising costs, and workforce shortages, but they’ve built a model that emphasizes long-term value over immediate results.

Vortic’s team culture values individuality and innovation. Every person is seen for what they contribute to the bench, and it shows in the product.

Purpose runs deep here. Each year, Vortic releases a limited 50-piece “Military Edition” built from a pocket watch flown on a WWII B-17 bomber. For each one sold, $500 is donated to the Veterans Watchmaker Initiative, a nonprofit that trains veterans in watchmaking. These watches do more than just keep time. They help preserve history, support veterans, and represent a dedication to creating things that truly matter.

Though R.T. Custer is currently recovering from a medical setback, his team remains focused. The mission hasn’t wavered. Reviving American watchmaking is undoubtedly challenging, but at Vortic, it’s not about chasing fleeting trends. It’s about rebuilding what was lost and demonstrating what’s still possible when craftsmanship is prioritized.

Vortic is not competing in the traditional sense. They’re creating an entirely new path.

At a time when so many products seem disposable, the brand is focused on creating items that are built to last. More importantly, they’re making something with meaning. By honoring history, investing in people, and emphasizing quality over speed, they’re proving that American craftsmanship hasn’t been lost. It simply requires the right hands to bring it back.

If you believe that the things we wear should tell a story, not just keep time, Vortic Watch Company invites you to explore what American-made really means. Wear a piece of history and be part of the movement, helping craftsmanship come back to life.