36 mm South Bend Grade 120 from 1911 with a Railroad Dial

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.

With only 2,000 examples ever manufactured, South Bend’s Grade 120 is an exceptionally uncommon American movement. Produced for a remarkably short period between 1911 and 1912, this example dates to 1911, placing it among the earliest pieces manufactured in the grade. The Grade 120 features a distinctive three-finger bridge and exposed gear train, a layout that gives the movement an open mechanical appearance. South Bend is always a special watchmaker for us to work with. The company was in operation for little more than 25 years, a relatively brief chapter in American watchmaking compared with manufacturers such as Waltham, Elgin, and Hamilton. The original porcelain-enamel dial features bold Arabic numerals and an outer minute track in quintessential American railroad style. The monochromatic black-and-white design provides exceptional contrast and legibility. Along the outer track, bold triangles mark each five-minute interval, while smaller hash marks indicate individual minutes. The overall design is beautifully proportioned, highly legible, and distinctly American. 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. At just 36 mm, this piece carries the styling and proportions of a modern dress watch while preserving the character of a rare American movement manufactured more than a century ago.

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: 1911

• 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: 681518

• Water Resistance: 50 meters

• Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty

All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.