My first South-Bend... (and an interesting re-uniting of consecutive numbers!)

Internet Horology Club 185

This topic can be found at:
https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1086047761/m/1251094491

July 04, 2006, 13:21

Ron Birchall

My first South-Bend... (and an interesting re-uniting of consecutive numbers!)

I picked this off of ebay a while back. Frankly, I was after the case for another watch. (Please don't shoot me!

) When I received it however and found the case and movement apparently original and the movement so striking, I decided that I clealy have to leave them together.

Not knowing much about South Bends, I am wondering what I have!

The seller says that this is a grade 290 ca. 1909.

From the IHC185 South Bend Catalogs and Literature, I found the gr 290 in the Current Movements from 1904. I do not see this grade listed in the 1909 catalog. I gather this grade would not likely qualify as a RR Standard Watch.

Can anyone add to or correct what I've learned? If not a RR grade, where did the 290 fit in the South Bend lineup?

Here is the movement: (and thanks to IHC185 for the GREAT resource!)

July 04, 2006, 13:22

Ron Birchall

the dial:

July 04, 2006, 13:22

Ron Birchall

front:

July 04, 2006, 13:24

Ron Birchall

and back:

July 04, 2006, 16:50

Thomas Nelson Walker

Ron,
What a great looking watch! I don't this grade listed anywhere as a railroad grade watch. It was probably finished in 1909, which may have been too late for the 1909 catalog. Good for you to keep it all together. One of the South Bend experts will expound on the grade 290, I'm sure.
Tom Walker

July 05, 2006, 12:11

Lindell V. Riddle

Ron,

There were about 9,800 were Grade 290 produced in at least three variations. Your number 504275 is from approximately 1907 production. I say "approximately" because we do not have definitive South-Bend listings. Unfortunately the company records were destroyed many years ago so we are left to our own devices.

The 290 was adjusted to 3 positions which ruled it out as a Rail-Road watch, it was a medium priced, medium grade movement. However if you look closely at the image below, you'll see there is a special relationship between your watch and one of mine that perhaps we should be talking about.

Lindell

What an interesting pair these two would make...

July 05, 2006, 14:19

Tim Hills

Now that's neat!

What are the chances of that happening?

Nice watches.

Tim.

July 05, 2006, 14:58

John Woolsey

Quite incredible ............ Beautiful too!

Best regards

John

July 22, 2006, 18:23

Lindell V. Riddle

South-Bend "Twins" reunited after a hundred years...

Thought you might like to see these rascals side by side. I find the similarities in dial design and hands very interesting. Think of the fact they began life together a hundred years ago and all the places they've each been before being reunited just recently. Thanks to Ron and I working out a deal these watches will always be together.

They sure do make a very handsome couple...