315 Military Watch Questions and Information

November 19, 2006, 19:52

Jeffrey Tibbs

I have seen a few of the 315 South Bends this year come to ebay, Jones-Horan and turn up in flea markets or shops. Just wanted to ask if there was a single combination for the military version. Most obvious is the swing out US shipping board case, but what about dials? This image is from a 2005 J-H auction showing an arabic dial with Red 5 min Markers. The next post will show the dial from a 315 in the same 893000
run with a roman numeral dial. Both were cased in the swing out US Shipping board case. Of the 315 watches I have seen, more have the roman numeral dial. Is this the correct dial, or were both an option? Also , several sorces I have read say the total production of the military version was 500.
Any comments to the accuracy of that number? I have seen 315's in both the 893000 block and 897000 block in US Shipping Board cases. Anyone have additional light they can shed?

Thanks

Jeff

November 19, 2006, 19:53

Jeffrey Tibbs

Roman Dial Pic , Both watches are in US Shipping Boards Cases, in the 893000 run.

Thanks

Jeff

November 21, 2006, 20:24

Lindell V. Riddle

Jeff,

You've asked some very interesting questions.

I'm afraid I have little in the way of answers, but looking at more examples may prove interesting. Below, see number 897126 from 897001-898000 which is the last run ever of 18-size South-Bend movements.

Roman dial is on 897126 from my collection...

November 21, 2006, 20:25

Lindell V. Riddle

17-Jewel Grade 315 South-Bend Movement...

November 21, 2006, 21:12

Frank Kusumoto

I list:

SN#893199 in a Fahys Oresilver Case, Dial No.19 (Arabic, no 5's, no TT's).

SN#897054 in a 20 yr gf case, Dial No.13 (Roman, same as the two above).

SN#897126 Base Metal Case, Dial No.13 (Roman, same as other two).

SN#897789 in a Star 20 yr swing, Dial No.211 (Arabic, red marginal 5's, bold).

What are your Serial Numbers Jeff??

November 23, 2006, 17:09

Jeffrey Tibbs

Frank

The two photos shown came from a Jones Horan Auction.
The first is 893148 , US Shipping board case, Arabic bold w/ 5 min red markers.
The second is 893713 , US Shipping board case, Roman Dial
I personally own 897789 in a SWC Co swing out 25 yr case. It has the Arabic 5 min red bold dial.
I have just aquired 897130 , in US Shipping board case , roman dial.

Lindell, once again a great watch . You own some fine pieces. Thanks for sharing them.

Jeff

March 07, 2008, 09:11

Frank Kusumoto

The one I have working now doesn't look nearly as nice as Lindell's. I thought it was funny, many years ago I got my first 315 (the one in the picture) and I thought it had the wrong balance cock and threw it in the parts watch drawer. I'm very glad I got educated on that soon after. Exact same Roman dial as Lindell's, single-sunk, train tracks and block letters.