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South Bend Watch Company was in operation from 1903–1929 and was an American pocket watch manufacturer. Manufacturing of South Bend watches took place at their facility in South Bend, Indiana.
This is our first time ever offering a conversion powered by a movement originally manufactured by the South Bend Watch Company. South Bend was only in operation for a little more than 25 years, making surviving examples exceptionally rare today. The original porcelain-enamel dial features Arabic numerals with golden inlay around the perimeter while golden stars are placed between each numeral. On the minute track, a floral bouquet motif appears at each 15-minute interval, and larger golden circles highlight every five-minute marker. The original golden hands provide excellent contrast against the dial and pair naturally with the warm golden accents throughout the design. This piece is powered by South Bend’s Grade 110, a movement produced for an exceptionally short period between 1911 and 1912. The grade is known for its distinctive three-finger bridge layout and exposed gear train. Every movement component was carefully restored by hand. Screws and steel hardware were thermally blued using traditional methods to improve corrosion resistance while adding depth and contrast (read more here). The jewel settings, gear train, balance, and balance weights were individually hand polished to restore their original golden tone. American conversions can now be compact, low profile, and genuinely dress oriented. At just 36 mm, this piece carries the styling and proportions of a modern dress watch while preserving the character of a vintage American movement.
Housed in our 36 mm conversion case, this timepiece is designed to preserve the elegance of its vintage aesthetic while offering the refined proportions of a modern dress watch. Crafted from surgical-grade 316L stainless steel, the case features both caseback and crown gaskets for enhanced durability and water resistance up to 50 meters (though we recommend removing the watch before water activities). At just 36 mm across with a slim profile, the case wears compact, elegant, and exceptionally comfortable on the wrist. Every piece is fully serviced, meticulously tested, and built for reliable everyday wear.
Watch Performance
Accuracy: +/- 10 seconds per day
Amplitude: 275 degrees
Beat Error: 1.5 ms
Frequency: 18,000 (5 beats per second)
Power Reserve: 24-30 hours
Complication: Sub second hand
Watch Specifications
Manufacture: South Bend Watch Company
Location: South Bend, Indiana
Year Manufactured: 1912
Dial Material: Porcelain-enamel
Jewels: 15 jewels
Case Diameter: 36 mm
Front Crystal: Domed sapphire
Back Crystal: Flat sapphire
Case Material: 316L stainless
Lug width: 20 mm
Lug to Lug: 44 mm
Height: 10 mm
Serial Number: 741455
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.