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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-faced pocket watch

J.W. Benson Sterling Silver Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This J.W. Benson pocket watch is a key-wound and key-set open-faced timepiece produced in 1891. The watch features a sterling silver case measuring 50mm in diameter, manufactured by the Dennison Watch Case Company. The white enamel dial displays black Roman numerals, black spade pointers, and a subsidiary seconds dial located at the six o'clock position. The movement is a 15-jewel caliber, inscribed with the signature "J W Benson, BEST LONDON MAKE, 62 & 64 Ludgate Hill, London," and features a dust cover for protection. The case back is finished with engine-turned detailing and incorporates a blank cartouche. The timepiece is accompanied by an original J.W. Benson watch key. The auction description notes the movement is Swiss-made and the watch is in fine running condition.

Front view of the J.W. Benson pocket watch alongside its original winding key.
Front view of the J.W. Benson pocket watch alongside its original winding key. — 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
1891
Source-reported place
Britain
Source-reported serial
94267

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 an open-faced sterling silver case with a diameter of 50mm. The exterior of the case back is decorated with engine-turned patterning and features a central cartouche left blank for personalization. The case was manufactured in Britain by the Dennison Watch Case Company.

The dial is composed of white enamel and displays black Roman numerals for the primary time indication. It features black spade-style hands and a subsidiary seconds dial situated at the six o'clock position. The dial is signed with the maker's name and location, "J.W. Benson, London."

Evidence for this section
  • “The case is 50mm in diameter and was made in Britain by the Dennison Watch Case Company.”
  • “It is sterling silver and in very good condition with the engine turned details still extremely crisp and a blank cartouche on back.”
  • “The signed JW Benson, London white enamel dial is excellent with black Roman numbers and black spade pointers.”

Movement and Mechanism

The watch utilizes a key-wind and key-set mechanism. According to the auction description, the movement is of Swiss origin. It is a 15-jewel movement protected by an internal metal dust cover.

The movement plate is engraved with the designation "The Ludgate Watch" alongside the J.W. Benson name and address at Ludgate Hill, London. The inscription also references a patent number 4658 and the statement "By Warrant to H.M. The Queen."

Evidence for this section
  • “This is a Swiss made key wind and key set watch movement and movement is signed J W Benson, BEST LONDON MAKE 62 & 64 Ludgate Hill, London BY WARRANT TO HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN”
  • “Watch movement is protected by an inner dust cover.”

Condition and Accoutrements

The auction description reports that the pocket watch is in fine running condition. The silver case is described as being in very good condition, noting that the engine-turned detailing remains crisp.

The timepiece includes an original J.W. Benson branded watch key. The watch is depicted in a box labeled "Goldsmiths Company, Newcastle upon Tyne," though the listing focuses on the watch itself as the catalogued object.

Evidence for this section
  • “JW BENSON antique STERLING SILVER open faced pocket watch in fine running condition.”
  • “It is sterling silver and in very good condition with the engine turned details still extremely crisp”
  • “Comes with a rare JW Benson original watch key.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific nature of the movement patent 4658 mentioned on the movement plate?
  • Was the movement produced by a specific Swiss manufacturer for J.W. Benson?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for J.W. Benson Sterling Silver Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJ.W. Benson“J W Benson”
MaterialSterling silver“STERLING SILVER”
Case diameter50mm“The case is 50mm in diameter”
Movement jewels15 jewels“15 jewels”
Case manufacturerDennison Watch Case Company“made in Britain by the Dennison Watch Case Company”
Hallmark date1891“London 1891”

Visible details

  • Case features engine-turned detailing on the back with a blank cartouche
  • Movement is signed "The Ludgate Watch" and "Patent No 4658"
  • Dial includes "J.W. Benson London" signature
  • Movement features a "Fast/Slow" regulator adjustment

Research qualifications

  • The source claims the movement is "Swiss made" while the dial and movement plates feature "London" or "Best London Make" inscriptions
  • The listing states "Full and clear hallmarks" but the specific assay office mark is not detailed in the text

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

Consulted source

ساعت جیبی نقره استرلینگ J W Benson لندن ۱۸۹۱

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 0e0934c229

Terms in this record

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

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