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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-faced pocket watch

J.W. Benson Open-Faced Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This J.W. Benson open-faced pocket watch features a white enamel dial with black Roman numerals, gold-tone spade hands, an outer minute track, and a subsidiary seconds dial located at the six o'clock position. The dial is signed "J.W. Benson London". The watch is housed in a plain, sterling silver case measuring 50 mm in diameter. It is powered by a stem-winding 15-jewel movement, identified by the source as being manufactured for J.W. Benson by Revue. The movement and inner case covers are signed by J.W. Benson. The inner case back bears a serial number, recorded as 660535. Both the back case and the inner movement cover are fully hallmarked for sterling silver. The watch is presented as an English sterling silver pocket watch dated to approximately 1937.

Front view showing the white enamel dial signed J.W. Benson London.
Front view showing the white enamel dial signed J.W. Benson London. — Ashton-Blakey Vintage Watches. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
ashton-blakey-antiques.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-faced pocket watch
Maker / attribution
J.W. Benson
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1937
Source-reported place
England
Source-reported serial
660535

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

Dial and Case Description

The watch features an open-faced configuration with a white enamel dial. The dial layout includes black Roman numerals, an outer minute track, and a subsidiary seconds dial positioned at the six o'clock mark. The dial is signed "J.W. Benson London" and fitted with gold-tone spade pointers.

The case is constructed from sterling silver and has a smooth, plain finish. It measures 50 mm in diameter. The interior of the case back and the inner movement cover contain full hallmarks to denote the silver content and origin. The stem-winding mechanism is located at the top of the case.

Evidence for this section
  • “White enamel dial is in perfect condition and signed.”
  • “The case is sterling silver and is fully hallmarked on both the back case and the inner movement cover.”
  • “50 mm is the diameter (2”). The outer case is in good condition and is plain and smooth.”

Movement Details

The watch is powered by a stem-winding 15-jewel movement. According to the auction description, this movement was produced for J.W. Benson by the manufacturer Revue. The movement is visible through an open case back, revealing the caliber and technical markings.

The movement bridge is marked with the firm's name and the jewel count. The overall condition of the internal mechanism is described by the vendor as being in excellent running condition.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch has a stem winding 15 Jewel movement made for J.W.Benson by Revue”
  • “ENGLISH J. W. BENSON sterling silver open faced pocket watch in excellent running condition.”

Provenance and Documentation

The watch is identified as a product of J.W. Benson, a firm founded in 1847 by J.W. and Samuel W. Benson.

The object is dated to circa 1937. It is catalogued as an example of the firm's later production, following their established history as watchmakers and jewelers in London.

Evidence for this section
  • “JW Benson originated in 1847 founded by JW Benson and Samuel W Benson.”
  • “They were regarded as one of Victorian London’s most prestigious retail jewellers”
  • “Circa 1937”

Open research questions

  • Can the serial number 660535 be cross-referenced with J.W. Benson production logs to confirm a 1937 date?
  • Are the hallmarks visible on the inner cover consistent with an assay office and date letter for 1937?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for J.W. Benson Open-Faced Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJ.W. Benson“J.W.Benson”
Movement manufacturerRevue“made for J.W.Benson by Revue”
Jewel count15“15 Jewel”
Case diameter50 mm“50 mm is the diameter”
Case materialSterling silver“The case is sterling silver”
Datecirca 1937“Circa 1937”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial signed J.W. Benson London
  • Movement bridge engraved 15 Jewels and J.W. Benson
  • Serial number 660535 engraved on the inside of the case back
  • Sterling silver hallmarks present on the inner case cover

Research qualifications

  • The movement is stated to be made by Revue, a detail not explicitly visible on the movement plates
  • The date attribution of circa 1937 is provided by the source but not verified by official assay marks in the provided imagery

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

Consulted source

ساعت جیبی نقره استرلینگ J.W. Benson اوپن‌فیس

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record ef17af10ed

Terms in this record

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

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