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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Key-wind pocket watch

J.W. Benson Silver Pocket Watch with Albert Chain and Fob

Partially verified

This J.W. Benson pocket watch, dated to 1891, is constructed with a solid silver case measuring 66mm in diameter. It features a white dial with black Roman numerals, gold-colored hands, and a subsidiary seconds dial. The movement is engraved "The Ludgate Watch, J.W. Benson, Patent No. 4658, Best London Make, Warrant to H.M. The Queen, Ludgate Hill, London." The watch includes an inner movement cover and the original winding key. It is accompanied by a silver Albert chain weighing 44 grams, dated 1901, and a Victorian silver fob with a gold center, dated 1897. The auction description reports the watch is in functional condition. The case includes a plain cartouche and strong hinges. The back of the case exhibits minimal age-related dent marks.

J.W. Benson silver pocket watch with associated Albert chain and Victorian fob.
J.W. Benson silver pocket watch with associated Albert chain and Victorian fob. — Ashton-Blakey Vintage Watches. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
ashton-blakey-antiques.com
Category
Pocket watch · Key-wind pocket watch
Maker / attribution
J.W. Benson
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1891
Source-reported place
England
Source-reported serial
7556

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 silver case features a plain cartouche design. The construction incorporates strong hinges and a secure top loop for attachment of the chain. Inside the case, there is an inner movement cover. The back of the case exhibits a small number of age-related dent marks, which the source describes as minimal.

The white dial displays black Roman numerals for the hours and gold-colored hands. A subsidiary dial provides a small sweep second hand, marked with a 60-second scale. The dial is reported as being in pristine condition.

Evidence for this section
  • “The solid silver case features a plain cartouche and has strong hinges with a secure top loop.”
  • “Inside, there is an inner movement cover, and while the back of the case shows a few small age-related dent marks, they are minimal.”
  • “The white dial is in pristine condition with black numerals, gold-colored hands, and a small sweep second hand.”

Movement and Signatures

The watch movement is signed with the brand and specific model designation, reading "The Ludgate Watch" alongside "J.W. Benson" and the patent number 4658. The engraving also denotes the maker as the "Best London Make" and includes the warrant statement to H.M. Queen Victoria.

The movement operates as a key-wind system, and the listing confirms that the original watch key is included with the object.

Evidence for this section
  • “The movement is signed "JW Benson, The Ludgate Watch, London. Finest Maker. By Warrant to HM Queen Victoria.”
  • “It comes with its original watch key.”

Chain and Fob

The ensemble is completed by a substantial silver Albert chain and a Victorian-style fob. The chain weighs 44 grams and is documented as fully hallmarked, with a manufacturing date attributed to 1901.

The fob features a central gold element and is dated 1897. Both the chain and fob are integrated into the display with the watch, serving as accompanying elements of the set.

Evidence for this section
  • “Accompanying the watch is a substantial silver Albert chain, weighing 44 grams and fully hallmarked.”
  • “It is in great condition and has a lovely Victorian fob attached, which has a gold center and is dated 1897.”

Open research questions

  • What is the significance of Patent No. 4658 in the context of the J.W. Benson Ludgate model?
  • Are the hallmark stamps on the Albert chain consistent with the 1901 date provided?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for J.W. Benson Silver Pocket Watch with Albert Chain and Fob
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJ.W. Benson“J W Benson”
Date of watch1891“dates to the late Victorian period (1891)”
Date of fob1897“a fob from 1897”
Date of chain1901“an Albert chain added a little later in 1901”
Diameter66mm“At 66mm in diameter”
Movement signatureThe Ludgate Watch, J.W. Benson, Patent No. 4658, Best London Make, Warrant to H.M. The Queen, Ludgate Hill, London“The movement is signed "JW Benson, The Ludgate Watch, London. Finest Maker. By Warrant to HM Queen Victoria.”
Chain weight44 grams“weighing 44 grams”
ConditionThe auction description reports the watch is in functional condition“The watch is in excellent vintage condition, fully functional, and keeps time accurately.”

Visible details

  • Subsidiary seconds dial with 60-second markings
  • Engraved movement signature with patent information
  • Albert chain attached to top loop
  • Victorian fob with gold center element

Research qualifications

  • The exact chronological origin of the movement components cannot be independently verified from markings
  • The stated year of 1891 is attributed by the source

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

Consulted source

ساعت جیبی نقره J W Benson به همراه زنجیر و آویز

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 351c7ca6d0

Terms in this record

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

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