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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

South Bend Studebaker gold-filled pocket watch

Partially verified

This open-face pocket watch is attributed by the auction house to South Bend and features a dial signed Studebaker. The yellow-tone case measures 52 mm in diameter and showcases an engraved Art Deco meander or Greek key patterned bezel. Its white dial includes bold Arabic numeral hour markers, an outer minute track, and a subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position. The source notes that the movement winds, sets, and runs, while indicating visible damage to the dial and describing the hands as heavy blue steel spade hands with a fine blue steel second hand.

Dial and front view of the South Bend Studebaker gold-filled pocket watch
Dial and front view of the South Bend Studebaker gold-filled pocket watch — Morphy Auctions. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
South Bend
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
291
Source-reported date
Not established
Source-reported place
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

Case Construction and Exterior Design

The pocket watch features an open-face yellow-tone case measuring 52 mm in diameter. The auction catalog notes a "Deco design to case," which corresponds visibly to an engraved repeating Greek key pattern decorating the bezel.

Visible observation shows plating wear and surface loss on the pendant and bow mount. The listing title designates the watch as "Gold Filled," though internal case hallmarks and warranty engravings are not documented in the source.

Evidence for this section
  • “52mm case diameter.”
  • “Deco design to case.”
  • “Bezel decorated with an engraved continuous Greek key pattern.”
  • “Plating wear and surface loss evident on the pendant and bow mount.”
  • “South Bend Studebaker Gold Filled Pocket Watch.”

Dial Presentation and Physical Condition

The white dial is signed "STUDEBAKER" under the central pinion and displays bold Arabic numerals, an outer minute track, and a subsidiary seconds dial located above the 6 o'clock numeral. The catalog describes the handset as "Heavy blue steel spade hands with fine blue steel second hand."

The auction description records "Damage to dial." In visible observations, this corresponds to surface cracking or hairline fractures in the dial around the 11 and 12 o'clock numerals.

Evidence for this section
  • “White dial signed 'STUDEBAKER' under the central pinion.”
  • “Subsidiary seconds dial located above the 6 o'clock numeral.”
  • “Heavy blue steel spade hands with fine blue steel second hand.”
  • “Damage to dial.”
  • “Visible surface cracking or hairline fractures in the dial around the 11 and 12 o'clock numerals.”

Mechanism and Source Limitations

The auction listing reports that the movement "Winds, sets, and runs," but no timing machine results, accuracy rates, or power reserve data are provided. The seller additionally notes "Condition(Good)."

Attribution to maker South Bend rests entirely on the auctioneer's lot title and listing text, as the dial itself is signed Studebaker and the internal movement is neither photographed nor described. Mechanical specifications such as caliber, grade, jewel count, and movement serial number are not recorded in this source.

Evidence for this section
  • “Winds, sets, and runs.”
  • “Condition(Good).”
  • “South Bend Studebaker Gold Filled Pocket Watch.”

Open research questions

  • What movement grade, jewel count, and serial number are stamped on the internal plates?
  • What manufacturer hallmarks and gold-filled warranty marks are stamped on the inside of the case back?
  • Which factory produced the case for this Studebaker-branded South Bend watch?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for South Bend Studebaker gold-filled pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case diameter52mm“52mm case diameter.”
HandsHeavy blue steel spade hands with fine blue steel second hand“Heavy blue steel spade hands with fine blue steel second hand.”
Case designDeco design“Deco design to case.”
Operational stateWinds, sets, and runs“Winds, sets, and runs.”
Reported condition notesDamage to dial“Damage to dial.”
Auction house overall condition assessmentGood“Condition(Good).”
Lot number291“Lot 291 : South Bend Studebaker Gold Filled Pocket Watch.”
Estimated price range$100 USD - $300 USD“Est: $100 USD - $300 USD”

Visible details

  • White dial signed 'STUDEBAKER' under the central pinion.
  • Bezel decorated with an engraved continuous Greek key pattern.
  • Subsidiary seconds dial located above the 6 o'clock numeral.
  • Visible surface cracking or hairline fractures in the dial around the 11 and 12 o'clock numerals.
  • Plating wear and surface loss evident on the pendant and bow mount.

Research qualifications

  • South Bend maker attribution is derived from the auction title and description rather than visible movement signatures, as the movement is not shown.
  • Movement caliber, grade, and serial numbers cannot be confirmed from the front photograph.
  • Country of manufacture is not explicitly specified in the source text.

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

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: South Bend Studebaker Gold Filled Pocket Watch.

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 73cf09d2d5

Terms in this record

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

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