SOLD - Historic South Bend Grade 227 "Special Railroad" 21 Jewel Size 16s Railroad Approved Pocket Watch Ca. 1912
This South Bend railroad grade 227 is one of the highest grade watches South Bend made. In fact, when reading information about the history of the South Bend Watch Co. often if not all (or many) discuss the importance of the grade 227, referenced as one of the watches that South Bend manufactured among the highest grades, including the well known Studebaker grades and the Illusive Polaris. These, among a few other grades, completes the pinnacle of South Bend watchmaking for the railroad industry. Keeping in mind that South Bend made mostly, non-railroad grade watches, all of these that are, are fairly rare due to collectors holding onto them. This example of the 227 has a near perfect porcelain montgomery dial (just a couple tiny nicks no hairlines noted). The movement is decorated is a spectacular way. In fact. it is so decorated that it is difficult to read the marks on the movement. This 227 has the prefered 227 in a circle on the movement along with all its other accolades. I will point out that all the jewels on the 3 fingered bridge, are gold set and screwed in, along with a gold center wheel. The movement is adjusted 5 times like their other high end movements. The case is in excellent original shape. Marks inside the caseback shows service marks and pride of ownership. There is some wear on the watch and very little brassing noted on the bow and some small amount on the caseback. This watch is fascinating if you just consider the amount of hand decoration that was done...it must have taken days I would imagine. I've also have not seen this type of pattern used on a USA watch of this period. The watch was serviced September 2018. This piece would be a great investment piece, or an important addition to any serious collection - railroad watches also make great gifts.
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Grade: 227
Manufacturer:South Bend Manufacturer Location:South Bend, Indiana Movement Serial Number:714166 Grade:227 Model:2 Estimated Production Year:1912 Run Quantity:1,000 Total Production:45,000 Size:16s Jewels:21j Movement Configuration:Openface Movement Finish:Nickel Movement Setting:Lever Plate:Bridge Plate Bridge Type:3-finger Double Roller:Yes Adjusted:Yes Adjusted # of Positions:5 Adjusted to Temperature:Yes Railroad Grade:Yes |
