I have a likely not uncommon problem.

I came into a South Bend watch with a Studebaker Montgomery dial, after reading Mr. Lindell's article, I understand I have a nice, 1927 South Bend, Grade 227 watch.
I spent not much money getting it working and I'm still interested in the watch, but what do do I do about the incorrect dial?

Is there a way to learn what dial a watch originally had?

Is there a way to find out what dial might, or might not have been on this watch? Not to make it more collectible, but to make it less uncollectable as it is now.

Is a dial swap like this something I could leave to a local watch repair shop familiar with South Bend watches? It seems to me, it should be a straightforward operation, but I understand I could be wrong.

Also, why does it seem like so many Montgomery dial watches discolor or get so dirty, in comparison to other style dials? Maybe, it's just me, but I feel I see that.

Thank you for your comments and suggestions,

Leo Horishny
Sun Valley, NV

Here's a picture of the mechanism. I hope the number is able to be seen. It is: 1189348

Leo the 227's I have had in the past have had a double sunk bold arabic numbered dial marked South Bend...It could also be a double sunk marked South Bend bold arabic numbered Montgomery dial I have had them both ways.....I am not an expert on this but that has been my experience...If you are interested in watches this is the site to belong to....A lot of good information here for a small fee of $12 a year....Hope you will consider become a member....

Thank you very much for those inputs!

I was just looking at cheap watches on eBay, to consider for dial swap and it struck me: I needed to know if the original South Bend dial needed to be double or single sunk! Much less, dials that were more likely contemporary to the watch originally...best as I could shoot for.

I'll keep your images in mind.

Gary, do the hands at least, look likely original to the watch...or might be?

Have you cleaned a watch dial yourself?

Mr. Riddle, thank you for the comments. I'll start looking at the dials more closely to note what you pointed out.

I never considered studying the ads, I imagine that should help me decide what dial I might consider. Thank you for steering me there.

Much as I honestly would like an appropriate Studebaker dial, block Studebaker mechanism watch, I'll first focus on selecting period fitting South Bend dials and then look for a member here who might have a suitable face for the watch.

Are there different qualities or notable differences in the varied constructions of watch mechanisms? Let's see if I can clarify this:

As an example, I've noticed different placement of the block Studebaker lettering, sometimes in a line, sometimes arced under a wheel, depending on the width and surface available because of however the mechanism is constructed.

Looking at watch mechanisms, what can I say looking at the strips, and swoops,
and wide plates sometimes...when I look at a watch mechanism, is there a correlation with quality or complexity that can be made depending on what you see?

I understand the history and quality leans towards the actual South Bend watch I can get assembled, and South Bend Studebaker marked mechanisms, I do have a sentimental tug more towards the designated Studebaker watches. First step, get this watch correct as can reasonably be done.

Thanks for the tips!

Leo