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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Full hunter pocket watch

J. W. Benson Full Hunter Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This full hunter pocket watch is signed by J. W. Benson. It features a 50 mm diameter sterling silver case with a smooth, plain finish and a stem-wound, stem-set mechanism. The dial is white, inscribed with the J. W. Benson name, and includes black Roman numeral hour markers paired with spade-style hands and a subsidiary seconds dial. The internal movement is described as a 15-jewel 3/4 plate caliber equipped with a lever escapement. The auction description notes that hallmarks located within the three covers identify the place of manufacture as London, with a date corresponding to 1930. The overall condition is reported as fine, with the presence of two minor dings on the reverse of the case.

J. W. Benson full hunter pocket watch showing the open hunter cover, white dial with Roman numerals, and subsidiary seconds dial.
J. W. Benson full hunter pocket watch showing the open hunter cover, white dial with Roman numerals, and subsidiary seconds dial. — Ashton-Blakey Vintage Watches. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
ashton-blakey-antiques.com
Category
Pocket watch · Full hunter pocket watch
Maker / attribution
J. W. Benson
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1930
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 housed in a full hunter sterling silver case with a polished, plain exterior. The design includes a hinge mechanism for the hunter cover and a stem-winding crown located at the 12 o'clock position. The case displays the J. W. Benson signature in association with its construction.

The dial is finished in white and features black Roman numerals for the hours. It includes a subsidiary seconds register at the bottom, marked with numerals at ten-second intervals. The time is indicated by black spade-style hands. The dial itself bears the signature "J. W. Benson London" below the 12 o'clock position and the words "Swiss Made" at the bottom edge.

Evidence for this section
  • “Encased in sterling silver with a smooth, plain finish”
  • “The pristine white dial, bearing the signature of J. W. Benson, further enhances its allure along with black Roman numbers and black spade pointers.”

Movement and Function

Power is provided by a 15-jewel 3/4 plate movement, which the auction description states contains a lever escapement. The movement is signed by J. W. Benson. The timepiece functions as a stem-wound and stem-set watch.

The auction description reports that the movement is in mint condition. The timepiece is currently described as a well-running watch.

Evidence for this section
  • “The movement, a 15-jewel 3/4 plate marvel, resides in a sparkling mint condition, featuring a lever escapement and bearing the distinguished signature of J. W. Benson.”
  • “this stem-set, stem-wound watch is both elegant and functional.”

Signatures and Hallmarks

The watch is identified by the J. W. Benson signature on the dial and the movement. J. W. Benson was a retail firm founded in 1847 by James William and Samuel S. Benson.

Hallmarks are located within the three covers of the watch. These marks serve as evidence of the item's manufacture in London and provide the date of 1930.

Evidence for this section
  • “Hallmarks within the three covers reveal its origin in London, dating back to 1930.”

Open research questions

  • Do the hallmarks provide a more precise date of manufacture within 1930?
  • What is the specific movement caliber used in this J. W. Benson model?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for J. W. Benson Full Hunter Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJ. W. Benson“timepiece by J. W. Benson”
MaterialSterling silver“Encased in sterling silver”
Movement15-jewel 3/4 plate“15-jewel 3/4 plate marvel”
EscapementLever“featuring a lever escapement”
Datecirca 1930“dating back to 1930”
OriginLondon, England“reveal its origin in London”
Diameter50 mm“diameter of 50 mm”

Visible details

  • Case diameter of 50 mm
  • White dial with black Roman numerals and spade hands
  • Subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position
  • Sterling silver full hunter case

Research qualifications

  • Presence of two minuscule dings on the back of the case
  • Condition reported by the auction house rather than verified by an independent horologist

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

Consulted source

ساعت جیبی تمام‌هانتر J. W. Benson از جنس نقره استرلینگ حدود ۱۹۳۰

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 28c7d0135d

Terms in this record

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

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