Pocket watch · Octagonal pocket watch

1923 South Bend Studebaker pocket watch

Partially verified

This is an octagonal pocket watch identified by the source as a 1923 South Bend Studebaker. According to the auction description, the movement is size 12 with 21 jewels and carries serial number 1105502. The accompanying photograph displays the yellow metal octagonal case back, which features engraved script lettering alongside engraved foliate patterns along its beveled perimeter, crown base, and bow. The auctioneer further noted that the watch was running, the face showed wear, and the case was in very good condition.

Rear view of the octagonal pocket watch case showing engraved script and decorative borders — Chupp Auctions & Real Estate, LLC. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: www.invaluable.com
Category: Pocket watch · Octagonal pocket watch
Maker / attribution: South Bend
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: 1069
Source-reported date: 1923
Country: Not established
Source-reported serial: 1105502

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Identity and Source Designation

The lot is catalogued under the title "1923 South Bend Studebaker pocket watch". The source entry associates this designation with the manufacturer South Bend and records the specific movement serial number as "serial no. 1105502".

The date 1923 and the model name "Studebaker" are derived directly from the auctioneer's catalog description rather than physical markings visible in the available documentation.

Evidence for this section

“1923 South Bend Studebaker pocket watch”
“serial no. 1105502”

Case Construction and Exterior Decoration

The auction description records the watch as having an "octagon case". Visual examination confirms an "Octagonal yellow metal pocket watch case back engraved with an elaborate script monogram."

The perimeter exhibits "Patterned foliate or geometric border engraving along the outer beveled edge and inner dotted border line." An "Angular decorative bow and fluted crown mounted at the 12 o'clock position" are attached, while "Surface scratches visible on the polished central portion of the case back" appear across the plain field.

Evidence for this section

“octagon case”
“Octagonal yellow metal pocket watch case back engraved with an elaborate script monogram.”
“Patterned foliate or geometric border engraving along the outer beveled edge and inner dotted border line.”
“Angular decorative bow and fluted crown mounted at the 12 o'clock position.”
“Surface scratches visible on the polished central portion of the case back.”

Reported Movement and Dial Details

Technical specifications provided in the listing note the watch mechanism as "21J, S12". Regarding operational status and aesthetic preservation, the catalog states "runs - face has wear, case is VG".

Neither the dial face nor the mechanical movement is depicted in the auction photograph. The reported jewel count, movement size, operational running condition, and dial wear remain unverified by direct observation and are recorded strictly on the basis of the seller's claim.

Evidence for this section

“21J, S12”
“runs - face has wear, case is VG”

Open research questions

What specific grade number, adjustments, and factory signatures are stamped on movement serial number 1105502?
What metal purity, gold-filled warranty, or manufacturer trademarks are stamped inside the case back?
What style, numeral configuration, and exact pattern of wear are present on the dial face?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for 1923 South Bend Studebaker pocket watch
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Serial Number	1105502	“serial no. 1105502”
Movement Size and Jewels	21J, S12	“21J, S12”
Case Shape	Octagon	“octagon case”
Source Reported Condition	runs - face has wear, case is VG	“runs - face has wear, case is VG”
Auction Lot Number	1069	“Lot 1069 : 1923 South Bend Studebaker pocket watch”

Visible details

Octagonal yellow metal pocket watch case back engraved with an elaborate script monogram.
Patterned foliate or geometric border engraving along the outer beveled edge and inner dotted border line.
Angular decorative bow and fluted crown mounted at the 12 o'clock position.
Surface scratches visible on the polished central portion of the case back.

Research qualifications

The dial and movement are not visible in the provided image.
Operational condition ('runs'), jewel count ('21J'), size ('S12'), and face wear are source-reported and not independently verifiable from the photo.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: 1923 South Bend Studebaker pocket watch

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 3923daa191

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.