Antique South Bend 19 J Open Face Panama 12s 1914 Pocket Watch 429 Running
See Video
South Bend open face pocket watch with a 429 19 jewell nickel mechanical movement. Complete with original gold fill 20 years PANAMA South Bend case. As seen in the video this pocket watch is running well but it does have a crack in the crystal.
- Grade: 429
- Movement Serial Number: 828936
- Estimated Production Year: 1914
- Run Quantity: 2000
- Size: 12s
- Jewels: 19j
- Movement Configuration: Openface
- Movement Finish: Nickel
- Model: 1 Gold Jewel Settings
- Movement Setting: Pendant
- Plate: Bridge Plate
- Double Roller: Yes
- Adjusted: Yes
- Adjusted to Positions: 4
- Adjusted to Temperature: Yes
- Condition: minor wear and tear, crack in crystal
- Video
South Bend Grade 429 production began with one batch in 1905 and then were not produced again until 1918. Their production rose and fell until the final batch was made in 1929.
The South Bend Watch Company manufactured pocket watches in South Bend, Indiana. The company started in 1903 upon purchasing the assets of the bankrupt Columbus Watch Company of Columbus, Ohio. The new factory was outfitted with mass production machinery, the workers from the former Columbus Watch Company were retrained, and in 1905 production began.
Several styles of pocket watches were manufactured and sold at prices ranging from $16 to $125. The watches were well received and the company was a success. Watch production was interrupted during World War I, when the company was contracted by the government to build gun sights. By the time watch production resumed in 1918, the market had changed, with the wristwatch rapidly gaining popularity over the pocket watch. Regardless, the South Bend Watch Company prospered through the 1920s.
