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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

South Bend Masonic dial open face pocket watch

Partially verified

This is a 12-size American open-face pocket watch attributed to the South Bend Watch Co., dated to circa 1919 by the dealer. It is housed in a gold-plated case measuring approximately 45 mm in diameter by 10 mm deep, fitted with a bevelled mineral glass, a screw-on bezel, and a screw-on case back. The silvered dial features blued steel hands and replaces conventional numerals with gold-toned Masonic emblems surrounding an ornate gilt central roundel. A subsidiary seconds track is situated at 6 o'clock. The dealer reports an internal nickel bridge movement stamped model 429 with 19 jewels.

Front view of the South Bend 12-size open-face pocket watch featuring a silvered dial with gilt Masonic emblems
Front view of the South Bend 12-size open-face pocket watch featuring a silvered dial with gilt Masonic emblems — Atlam Watches. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.antiquesboutique.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
South Bend Watch Co.
Reference
429
Catalogue / lot identifier
AB-150151
Source-reported date
circa 1919
Country
United States

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

Dial and Visual Presentation

The watch features a silvered dial where standard numeric hour indicators are replaced by gold-toned Masonic emblems, including the square and compasses positioned at 12 o'clock. Surrounding the perimeter is a black railway-style outer minute track, while blued steel spade-style hands display the hours and minutes.

At the centre of the dial sits a decorative gilt disc embellished with foliate carving and signed 'SOUTH BEND' in black capital lettering. A dedicated gold-toned subsidiary seconds track is situated at 6 o'clock, marked with Arabic numerals at ten-second intervals and paired with an individual blued steel hand. The dial is protected by a bevelled mineral glass.

Evidence for this section
  • “The dial has gold coloured Masonic symbols instead of numbers.”
  • “a gilt central disc decorated with carved detailing.”
  • “The watch has a bevelled mineral glass”

Case Construction and Dimensions

The movement is housed in a 12-size gold-plated open-face case attributed to South Bend, measuring 45 mm in diameter and 10 mm in depth. Operational components visible at the 12 o'clock position include an open bow and a fluted winding crown suited for stem winding and stem setting.

According to the dealer description, the case construction relies on a screw-on back cover and a screw-on bezel. The dealer also notes that the reverse is embellished with engine turning and an unengraved vacant crest, though the back exterior is not depicted in the available photograph.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch measures 45mm wide x 10mm deep”
  • “the movement comes in a gold plated open face case by South Bend.”
  • “The case has a screw on back cover and bezel. The case is decorated with engine turning and a vacant crest.”

Reported Movement and Dating Limitations

The internal mechanism is not visible in the catalogue imagery and is documented solely through dealer reporting. The movement is stated to be a nickel bridge calibre featuring a lever escapement, a micrometer regulator, and striped damascening decoration across the plates.

Dealer records transcribe the movement inscription as 'South Bend Watch Co, USA, 429, 19 Jewels, Adj Temp 4 positions'. While the listing assigns a production date of circa 1919, no movement or case serial numbers are recorded in the source to corroborate this timeframe against South Bend factory production records.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement – the nickel bridge movement has a lever escapement with a micrometer regulator. The movement is decorated with striped damascening”
  • “signed “South Bend Watch Co, USA, 429, 19 Jewels, Adj Temp 4 positions”.”
  • “Vintage pocket watch by South Bend with a Masonic dial c1919”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement serial number stamped on the calibre 429 plates to confirm the dealer's circa 1919 date attribution against South Bend serial tables?
  • Does the interior case back bear factory South Bend trademarks, gold-fill warranty stamps, or an identifiable contract case maker's hallmark?
  • Was the Masonic dial produced originally by the South Bend factory or fitted as an aftermarket or fraternal lodge customisation?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for South Bend Masonic dial open face pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Size12 size“This is a 12 size American pocket watch with a Masonic dial”
Movement InscriptionSouth Bend Watch Co, USA, 429, 19 Jewels, Adj Temp 4 positions“signed “South Bend Watch Co, USA, 429, 19 Jewels, Adj Temp 4 positions””
Case ConstructionGold plated open face case“the movement comes in a gold plated open face case by South Bend”
Dial DetailingMasonic symbols instead of numbers“The dial has gold coloured Masonic symbols instead of numbers.”
Dimensions45mm wide x 10mm deep“The watch measures 45mm wide x 10mm deep”
Winding MechanismStem wound / stem set“The watch is stem wound / stem set”
Escapement and RegulatorLever escapement with micrometer regulator“the nickel bridge movement has a lever escapement with a micrometer regulator.”
Movement FinishStriped damascening“The movement is decorated with striped damascening”
Case Back DetailsEngine turned with vacant crest“The case is decorated with engine turning and a vacant crest.”

Visible details

  • Frontal view shows a silvered dial surrounded by a black railway-style outer minute track.
  • Hour positions are marked by gilt and black Masonic emblems, including the square and compasses at 12 o'clock.
  • A central decorative gilt disc features scrolling foliate carving and is signed 'SOUTH BEND' in black capital letters.
  • A gold-toned subsidiary seconds dial is located at 6 o'clock with Arabic numerals at ten-second intervals and blued steel hand.
  • The watch features blued steel spade-style hour and minute hands.
  • The gold-plated case incorporates an open bow and a fluted crown at 12 o'clock.

Research qualifications

  • The movement and rear case back are not depicted in the provided photograph and rely solely on dealer description.
  • The production date of circa 1919 is dealer-reported and not corroborated by visible serial numbers.

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

Consulted source

Vintage pocket watch by South Bend with a Masonic dial c1919 in Antique Mens Watches

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 0aefe8a12a

Terms in this record

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

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