Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Key-winding open-face pocket watch

J. G. Graves "The Express English Lever" pocket watch

Partially verified

This J. G. Graves "The Express English Lever" is a key-wound open-face pocket watch manufactured circa 1900. Housed in a 54 mm sterling silver case, it features a double-sunk white enamel dial with black Roman numerals, gold-toned hands, and a blued steel small seconds hand. The dial prominently displays the model name in red and the maker's details. The movement is an English lever escapement with a double hinge, which is decorated and signed. The sterling silver case was produced by Thomas Peter Hewitt of the Lancashire Watch Company and carries official Chester hallmarks dated 1900. The case back is finished with a machine-turned pattern and a central shield for personalization. The watch is supplied with its original winding key. According to the source, the mechanism performs regularly, and the exterior exhibits minor surface wear consistent with its age.

A 1900 J. G. Graves "The Express English Lever" open-face pocket watch, accompanied by its winding key.
A 1900 J. G. Graves "The Express English Lever" open-face pocket watch, accompanied by its winding key. — Ashton-Blakey Antiques / Zamanito. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Pocket watch · Key-winding open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
J. G. Graves
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1900
Source-reported place
England

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial

The watch is contained within a 54 mm open-face sterling silver case, which features a machine-turned exterior pattern. A central shield is provided on the reverse for engraving purposes. The case construction includes a double-hinged lid design and carries Chester hallmarks dating the piece to 1900.

The dial is a white double-sunk enamel type. It features black Roman numeral hour markers and is equipped with gold-toned hands, supplemented by a blued steel small seconds indicator. The model name 'The Express English Lever' is printed in red on the dial, along with the maker's name and location.

Evidence for this section
  • “قاب ساعت دارای قطر ۵۴ میلی‌متر و از جنس نقره استرلینگ است”
  • “نشان‌های عیارسنجی رسمی چستر انگلستان با تاریخ ۱۹۰۰”
  • “صفحه ساعت از نوع لعابی سفید دوپله (Double Sunk) با ارقام رومی مشکی”
  • “امضای مدل با رنگ قرمز و نام سازنده بر روی آن به چشم می‌خورد”

Movement and Mechanism

The movement is an English lever design, recognized for its double-hinged construction. It is finished with decorative elements and includes the maker's signature. The watch utilizes a traditional key-winding system and is provided with the appropriate winding key.

Regarding the mechanical condition, the source reports that the watch displays a consistent and functional performance.

Evidence for this section
  • “به موتور لنگری انگلیسی (English lever) با لولای دوبل”
  • “موتور ساعت نیز به زیبایی امضا و تزئین شده است”
  • “مکانیزم حرکتی ساعت طبق اطلاعات منبع، عملکردی روان و منظم دارد”

History and Provenance

J. G. Graves, based in Sheffield, was a notable retailer during the late Victorian and early Edwardian periods. The firm specialised in distributing branded timepieces like 'The Express English Lever', often coordinating with prominent workshops such as the Lancashire Watch Company for the supply of cases and components.

The provenance documentation provided by the source is based on the professional records of Ashton-Blakey Antiques. The information identifies Thomas Peter Hewitt as the case manufacturer, linking the piece to the broader production output of the Lancashire watchmaking industry at the turn of the century.

Evidence for this section
  • “برند J G Graves در اواخر دوره ویکتوریا و اوایل قرن بیستم در شهر شفیلد انگلستان یکی از برجسته‌ترین نام‌ها در زمینه عرضه و توزیع ساعت‌های معتبر با عنوان تجاری The Express English Lever بود”
  • “سازنده قاب طبق علائم، توماس پیتر هیوئیت (از Lancashire Watch Company) ثبت شده است”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement serial number located under the balance cock?
  • Does the hallmark on the case bow match the Chester date letter of the inner case back?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for J. G. Graves "The Express English Lever" pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJ. G. Graves“توسط J G Graves در شفیلد عرضه شده است”
ModelThe Express English Lever“مدل The Express English Lever”
Case Diameter54 mm“قاب ساعت دارای قطر ۵۴ میلی‌متر”
Case MakerThomas Peter Hewitt“سازنده قاب طبق علائم، توماس پیتر هیوئیت (از Lancashire Watch Company) ثبت شده است”
HallmarksChester 1900“نشان‌های عیارسنجی رسمی چستر انگلستان با تاریخ ۱۹۰۰”
Winding MethodKey-wound“مکانیزم کوک با کلید”

Visible details

  • Machine-turned pattern on the case back with a central shield
  • Double-sunk white enamel dial with red branding
  • Gold-toned main hands with a blued steel seconds hand
  • Key-wound English lever movement

Research qualifications

  • Authentication and condition are based on vendor description only
  • Serial numbers are not provided in the source documentation

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ساعت جیبی J G Graves مدل The Express English Lever نقره استرلینگ حدود ۱۹۰۰

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record d036dc0580

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.