Crowdfunding has democratized product design, fashion, and tech startups, and this idea extends into the world of watches. Vortic Watch Company is a start-up watch brand that was founded by R.T. Custer and Tyler Wolfe. Using 3D printers on their college campus, their first watches and their idea were created.
This year, Vortic launches a new 3D Printed Titanium Journeyman Series; it’s the first Vortic product that has been designed from inception as a wristwatch. The Fort Collins, Colo. company made its name with watches crafted from vintage pocket watch movements built by historical American manufactures like Waltham, Illinois, and the Elgin Watch Company. All Vortic watches draw on stateside collector nostalgia for American industry and a time when mechanical watches held the same dominant role in daily life today occupied by smartphones.
The new model line, the Journeyman Series, establishes Vortic’s nostalgic appeal in tandem with modern manufacturing. Utilizing titanium in these new pieces and placing their logo on the watch is a significant step for this start-up. Vortic will embark on a national tour (dates listed below) to let American watch collectors handle the new watches. Both founders say that there isn’t a more effective way to promote their watches than to literally place them in the hands of potential owners.
The Journeyman uses 3D printing and laser engraving – both modern approaches to design and manufacturing – yet the product Vortic creates appears to be aesthetically rooted in the early 1900s. Although not a precious metal, titanium is long-lasting, hyper-durable, and can be exceptionally scratch-resistant.
The Manual Wind model will be sold for on Kickstarter for $800 ($200 discount from $1,000 MSRP), and the Automatic model will be pre-sold for $1,500 (a $500 discount from $2,000 MSRP). Any customer who pre-orders a Journeyman during the Kickstarter timeframe will receive the discount, and his card will not be charged until the last day of the campaign, September 17th.
Bespoke Gift Experience, Provided by Vortic
But Vortic’s original product concept – the wristwatch, nee pocket watch - receives a new angle as well. Those with a taste for custom timepieces can avail themselves Vortic’s “Bespoke Gift Experience.” This interactive purchase option allows the customer to design his own unique timepiece. The cost is $795 and with access to high-quality movements and a knack for design, the program serves collectors with interest in owning personalized timepieces.
Learn more about Vortic here and take a look at its Kickstarter campaign.