found this awhile back, looked pretty woeful and needed work. pics with new camera, trying it out.
-South Bend, 293, model 1
-Ser# 505110, 16 size
-19 Jewel,adj. 5 Position
-stem wind, lever set
-double hinge
case, SB Watch Co.

cuvette face

cuvette

cover

cover again

watch

forgo movement

You have another one of those infallibly maintained Canadian-held watches. The "Fat Book" values this (even though it is a 1 star rare) @US$200.00 or so, BUT . . . I would add the value for that case to AT LEAST US$200-250.00 ALONE!

All in all with a little careful cleanup and restoration of the dial, you have a rare and very valuable (US$500.00+) collectible!

Nice watch, great case. I'm fond of this model as well.

I have a couple 291's and have had a bit of a challenge landing that early Arabic, DS, script signature dial. They do not come available that often.

Now that's a nice early South Bend!!Factory cased to boot,I really like the look of those first-model S.B.'s.That one is a keeper!

The case is what attracted me to the watch also. The pictures really really don't do the case or the movement justice. Even thought the dial has has flaws I did not want it junked.

Rick, that style dial is really hard to find and it is still pretty decent.When it's cleaned it will look way better,you did the right thing keeping it with it.For some reason, South Bend dials are almost always hairlined.Take care, Ted.

Yes, the 292 and 293 are 2 of my most favorite South Bend models. Heck, all of the 290-299 grades are! They are the focus of my collection. I cant tell in the photo but the marked grade ones are a scarce sub-series of this grade and any of the early model 1 16s South Bends as far as that goes. Congrats on a nice watch. I would agree with David that the value would bring $400+ in today's market for this example.

Jared

Rick, is your movement marked 293 where the upper red arrow is pointed?

And the lower red arrow, what does it say there.

My 293, #490635, which I believe has the more common markings, lacks the 293 mark and has adjusted on the balance cock, green arrow.

Lorne-

That is the marked version he has. They are less common than the unmarked version. I would have to look at the runs but my estimate would be 500 or less with the grade mark.

Thanks,

Jared

Hi Lorne, upper red arrow has "293" mark and lower red arrow has "Adjusted to 5 Positions" adjacent to the balance wheel

Rick

Here is mine butchered by someone, seems to be not marked one. I got it of ebay with some scrap movement and discovered that its 293... so if someone has spare balance bridge and assembly let me know please

Here are a couple of images of my 505155 Grade 293 from the same run as 505110. The lovely dial of 505155, which I like very much, is original to the movement. I performed a careful restoration from as found condition, after which the original wonderful qualities of close adjustment for accurate performance shone through. See the platinum mean time screws. As others have stated, these South Bend Grade 293 watches are quite wonderful.

505155 original dial

Hello John, I especially like the dial on your 293, it's great. I too had to have some work done on mine which was beyond my ability so away it went and am happy with the result.