Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-faced pocket watch

J.W. Benson Sterling Silver Open-Faced Pocket Watch and Chain

Partially verified

This J.W. Benson pocket watch, paired with a matching heavy sterling silver Albert chain, is an open-faced timekeeper with a 49 mm sterling silver case. The case features engine-turned detailing on the exterior, including a central vacant shield for personalization. The watch is powered by a stem-winding 15-jewel movement, identified by the source as being manufactured for J.W. Benson by the firm Revue. The white enamel dial is signed "J.W. Benson, London" and features black Roman numerals, gold spade-style hands, and a subsidiary seconds dial positioned at six o'clock, complemented by an outer minute track. The watch is accompanied by a sterling silver Albert chain. The source reports that the piece is in running condition, with full hallmarks present on both the back case and the inner movement cover.

Front view of the J.W. Benson open-faced pocket watch and attached sterling silver Albert chain.
Front view of the J.W. Benson open-faced pocket watch and attached sterling silver Albert chain. — 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 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 Design

The pocket watch is housed in a sterling silver open-faced case measuring 49 mm in diameter. The exterior back of the case is decorated with an engine-turned pattern and incorporates a central, vacant shield intended for the addition of initials. Both the back case and the inner movement cover feature full silver hallmarks.

The dial is finished in white enamel and is signed by J.W. Benson, London. It displays black Roman numerals for hour indication, gold-colored spade pointers, and an outer minute track. A subsidiary seconds dial is located at the six o'clock position.

Evidence for this section
  • “The case is sterling silver and is fully hallmarked on both the back case and the inner movement cover.”
  • “49 mm is the diameter (2”). The outer case is in good condition with engine turned detail and a vacant shield in the center”
  • “The dial has Black Roman numbers, gold spade pointers and subsidiary seconds at number six position as well as an outer minute track”

Movement and Construction

The watch operates using a stem-winding mechanism. The movement is specified as a 15-jewel caliber. According to the auction description, this movement was manufactured for J.W. Benson by the Swiss firm Revue.

The movement is visibly signed "J.W. Benson, London" on the main plate. The interior of the watch case is accessible via a hinged dust cover which bears the same hallmarking as the exterior casing.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch has a stem winding 15 Jewel movement made for J.W.Benson by Revue”
  • “The case is sterling silver and is fully hallmarked on both the back case and the inner movement cover.”

Associated Accessories

The watch is accompanied by a single, heavy sterling silver Albert chain. The chain includes a T-bar and is confirmed to be composed of sterling silver, matching the material of the watch case.

The assembly is presented as a set in what the auction description reports to be excellent running condition.

Evidence for this section
  • “with single heavy sterling silver Albert chain”
  • “ENGLISH J. W. BENSON sterling silver open faced pocket watch with single heavy sterling silver Albert chain in excellent running condition.”

Open research questions

  • What specific hallmarks are present on the case to further confirm the assay office and date of production?
  • Is there additional technical documentation verifying the partnership between J.W. Benson and Revue for this specific movement grade?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for J.W. Benson Sterling Silver Open-Faced Pocket Watch and Chain
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement15 Jewel movement made for J.W.Benson by Revue“The watch has a stem winding 15 Jewel movement made for J.W.Benson by Revue”
Case MaterialSterling silver“The case is sterling silver and is fully hallmarked on both the back case and the inner movement cover.”
Diameter49 mm“49 mm is the diameter (2”)”
DateCirca 1900“Circa 1900’s”
ChainSterling silver Albert chain“with single heavy sterling silver Albert chain”

Visible details

  • Engine-turned pattern on the exterior back case
  • Subsidiary seconds dial at the six o'clock position
  • Movement signed J.W. Benson London
  • Single Albert chain with T-bar

Research qualifications

  • The exact provenance of the Revue manufacturing origin is not documented beyond the vendor's statement.
  • The precise date of manufacture beyond the 'Circa 1900's' estimate is not verified.

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

Consulted source

ساعت جیبی نقره اوپن‌فیس J. W. Benson به همراه زنجیر آلبرت

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record c7ab07e4fb

Terms in this record

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

Other open-faced pocket watch records