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The Encyclopedia of Horology

South Bend, Indiana, United States

South Bend Watch Company

Partially verified

Jewelled pocket watch movements, including railroad grades

History

A comparatively short-lived American factory backed by Studebaker capital, South Bend built a reputation for well-finished movements, notably the Studebaker and Polaris grades, before closing during the collapse of American pocket watch demand.

Major innovations

  • Careful adjustment work on mid-priced grades

Known markings

  • 'South Bend Watch Co.'
  • 'Studebaker' on selected grades

Serial numbers

Serial ranges are documented but production was small compared with Elgin or Waltham, so survival rates for high grades are low.

Collecting significance

Scarcity rather than volume defines the field; condition and originality of dial and case matter more than grade name alone.

Sources & references

  1. NAWCC Bulletin
  2. Collector serial compilations

Where sources disagree, the disagreement is stated rather than resolved silently.