Well I found a thief. I caught him red handed. Regretfully though it is me! At least I feel like a thief anyway. Here's the story sad but true.

I know very little if anything much about South Bend. Well I purchased a SB 291 from Keith Klomkowicz. I though the price was more than fair for the running watch. I now have it running within 5 seconds a day. I think that is pretty good but I don't really know what everyone else considers good.

Well Jared said I should collect South Bend's and give up on Hamilton's. I made the remark that if I could find another good deal on a SB I would by it and start a SB collection. Well that is where my stealing started.

I found a SB 280 with a fancy dial with a little damage to it that did not run. I got it for $36 and it was just overbanked. I took the balance cock out and repositioned the balance assembly and it is running within 10 seconds a day.

I bid on another South Bend and again I won it for $36 again with a repairable dial and again it did not run. This time it was a size 18 model 330. Again it was overbanked and again a very easy fix.

Again I bid on a watch a South Bend 219 and again I won it for $33 again not running. I received it and again it was overbanked and again an easy fix.

The lowest book price for any of them started at $100. I really do feel guilty because I know how bad it hurts when you sell a running complete watch and it doesn't even get near the low book.

I don't know why all these South Bend's were overbanked. Maybe a design flaw or maybe just a coincidence. But Jared it looks like I am officially a South Bend collector now.

I will give you $20 more of what you pay for all
3 to make you feel better

Harry you are a hoot.

who is gary?

Harry - I guess this means you are selling me the 18s Hamiltons, and Jared has taken you to the dark side... He has been working to bring me to the dark side, too bad, so sad - Jared... This is war!

The G and H are right next to each other Sorry Jon. FAT fingers.

I failed to mention I am still collecting Hamilton's. That is still #1. So I thought collecting means to collect. When I joined I collected Hamilton's, Hampden's, and Illinois. But since joining I have added a few Columbus and now a few South Bend's.

I figure a low bid on a working watch that starts at $100 and up is about $75 and depending on what is wrong with a watch that is not working a low bid is about $50. But to win these watches for $35 is crazy. I just hope I don't get arrested.

Harry and Gene - just messing with you...

I caved in and purchased a 16s 21j South Bend, but it will be our secret... If the SBs are working for you stick with it. On the flip side, that is why I threw in the towel on 18s Elgins a long time along, it seemed everyone needed a staff, roller jewel, or pinion.

Jon I know your messing with us and I'm sure Gene knows that. I meant to tell Gene that besides fat fingers being cross eyed causes a lot of typo's also.

Harry-

About a 120 more of them and you'll be caught up to me . You didn't happen to purchase the 312 SB that was on ebay this weekend did you? I missed it and wanted it for the collection....

Jared

Hi Jared,

No I had a low bid on it but decided I had bought enough for now so I let it go. I wanted it but I figure another one will come around later. I need to spread my purchases out a little more. Plus I am going to have to put the watches aside until after May 6th since I am trying to get all my fossils, minerals and gemstones ready for a show in Charlotte, NC and that will take most of my time.