Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Half hunter pocket watch

J.W. Benson Half-Hunter Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This J.W. Benson half-hunter pocket watch, attributed to circa 1936, is housed in a sterling silver case measuring 50 mm in diameter. The exterior of the front cover features blue enamel Arabic numerals, while the case itself has a smooth finish with some slight unevenness on the back. The white dial is signed J.W. Benson and includes hands, one of which is a dual-swell design allowing the time to be read without opening the case. The movement is a 15-jewel 3/4 plate caliber with a lever escapement, signed J.W. Benson. The watch is stem-wound and stem-set. Hallmark evidence indicates a 1936 London assay.

Front view of the J.W. Benson half-hunter pocket watch showing the case aperture and enamel dial.
Front view of the J.W. Benson half-hunter pocket watch showing the case aperture and enamel dial. — Ashton-Blakey Vintage Watches. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
ashton-blakey-antiques.com
Category
Pocket watch · Half hunter pocket watch
Maker / attribution
J.W. Benson
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1936
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 features a sterling silver half-hunter case, characterized by a smooth, plain finish. The front cover is set with blue enamel Arabic numerals, which are reported to be in perfect condition with no enamel loss. The white dial displays Arabic numerals for the hours and a small seconds sub-dial at the six o'clock position.

The dial is signed 'J.W. Benson' and 'London', with the lower portion marked 'Swiss Made'. The hands include a distinct dual-swell design, which enables the user to read the time through the aperture of the half-hunter cover without needing to open the watch.

Evidence for this section
  • “The sterling silver case has perfect blue enamel Arabic numbers on the front cover with no enamel missing.”
  • “The white dial is in mint condition and has hands with one being dual swell so as to be able to read the time without opening the case.”

Movement and Functionality

The timepiece is powered by a 15-jewel 3/4 plate movement equipped with a lever escapement. The movement is signed by J.W. Benson and is described by the source as being in mint condition.

The watch is designed for stem-winding and stem-setting operation. It is noted to be in fine, well-running condition.

Evidence for this section
  • “The movement is a sparkling mint condition 15 jewel 3/4 plate which has a lever escapement and is signed J W Benson.”
  • “English sterling silver J W Benson half hunter which is a well running watch in fine condition.”

Hallmarks and Identification

Inside the covers, the case bears hallmarks indicating it was assayed in London and dates the manufacture to 1936. The watch bears the J.W. Benson signature on both the dial and the movement.

The case measures 50 mm in diameter. The rear of the watch casing exhibits minor unevenness consistent with age.

Evidence for this section
  • “There are hallmarks inside the three covers for London and indicating 1936”
  • “The case has a smooth plain finish with some slight unevenness to the back.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific manufacturer of the movement caliber?
  • Do the internal movement serial numbers correspond with J.W. Benson production records for 1936?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for J.W. Benson Half-Hunter Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJ.W. Benson“signed J W Benson”
Datecirca 1936“indicating 1936”
Case MaterialSterling silver“English sterling silver J W Benson”
Movement15-jewel, 3/4 plate, lever escapement“15 jewel 3/4 plate which has a lever escapement”
Dimensions50 mm“The watch is 50 mm diameter”
Winding/SettingStem-wound and stem-set“stem set and stem wound”
Dial MarkingJ.W. Benson London“Dial is signed J W Benson.”

Visible details

  • Blue enamel Arabic numerals on the front cover
  • White enamel dial with small seconds sub-dial
  • Dual-swell hands designed for reading through the half-hunter aperture
  • Stem-winding crown with knurled grip

Research qualifications

  • The exact serial number is not provided in the text
  • The origin of the movement components is not explicitly confirmed beyond the Swiss Made marking on the dial

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

Consulted source

ساعت جیبی هاف‌هانتر نقره J W Benson حدود ۱۹۳۶

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record f40db0a97b

Terms in this record

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

Other half hunter pocket watch records