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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch

J.W. Benson "The Bank" Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This J. W. Benson pocket watch, known as "The Bank" model, dates to 1893 and is constructed in sterling silver. The watch features a 50mm diameter case equipped with a top-winding mechanism, an original bow, and a side-pin for time setting. Internally, the case contains a dust cover. The white dial displays black Roman numerals, blue steel hands, and a 60-second sweep subsidiary dial. It is signed "J.W. Benson London" on the dial. The watch is accompanied by a silver Albert chain dating from circa 1900, and the set is presented within a fitted antique box from the Northern Goldsmiths Company of Newcastle upon Tyne. The watch utilizes the movement identified by the maker as "the renowned Bank movement," hallmarked in London.

Front view of the J.W. Benson pocket watch in its original Northern Goldsmiths Company box with the accompanying silver Albert chain.
Front view of the J.W. Benson pocket watch in its original Northern Goldsmiths Company box with the accompanying 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 · Pocket watch
Maker / attribution
J. W. Benson
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1893
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 pocket watch is housed in a sterling silver case measuring 50mm in diameter. The rear of the case incorporates a plain central cartouche set against an engine-turned finish. The piece features a top-winding action with its original bow and a side-mounted pin to facilitate the time-setting process.

The dial is finished with black Roman numerals and blue steel hands, providing high contrast against the white ground. A subsidiary 60-second sweep dial is positioned at the 6 o'clock mark. The crystal is an original glass with a beveled edge, protecting the dial surface.

Evidence for this section
  • “The finely crafted sterling silver case features an inner dust cover, a plain cartouche on the back, and is complemented by a top-winding action with an original bow”
  • “The dial remains pristine with elegant black numerals and blue steel hands, alongside a refined 60-second sweep dial.”
  • “protected by the original crystal glass with a beveled edge.”

Movement and Signatures

The watch utilizes a movement referred to as the Bank movement. The watch is signed on the dial as J.W. Benson London. The case is fully hallmarked in London, confirming its origin and metallic composition.

The internal configuration includes a protective dust cover within the silver case, which is designed to shield the movement from debris.

Evidence for this section
  • “showcasing the renowned Bank movement and fully hallmarked in London”
  • “The finely crafted sterling silver case features an inner dust cover”

Associated Items

The watch is accompanied by a silver Albert chain, which is attributed to the period of circa 1900. This accessory is designed to be used in conjunction with the pocket watch.

The entire set is presented in a period antique box sourced from the Northern Goldsmiths Company, based in Newcastle upon Tyne. The box is lined to protect the contents.

Evidence for this section
  • “Accompanied by a matching Silver Albert chain from circa 1900 and presented in a fine antique box from the Northern Goldsmiths Company, this pocket watch combines a cool style with historical significance”

Open research questions

  • What are the specific technical properties of the 'Bank' movement in J.W. Benson models?
  • Are there additional hidden hallmarks on the inner dust cover that might provide a more precise date of manufacture?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for J.W. Benson "The Bank" Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJ. W. Benson“JW Benson”
Case MaterialSterling silver“sterling silver case”
Diameter50mm“50mm in diameter”
MovementBank movement“the renowned Bank movement”
Setting MechanismSide pin“includes a side pin for easy time setting”
Accompanying ObjectSilver Albert chain“matching Silver Albert chain”
Box MakerNorthern Goldsmiths Company“antique box from the Northern Goldsmiths Company”

Visible details

  • Case back features a plain, engine-turned cartouche
  • Dial includes a sub-seconds indicator at the 6 o'clock position
  • Movement utilizes a top-winding crown
  • Object is presented with a curb-link chain

Research qualifications

  • The exact provenance of the watch prior to being acquired by the vendor is not provided.
  • The specific technical specifications of "the renowned Bank movement" beyond its marketing name are not detailed.

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

Consulted source

ساعت جیبی نقره J.W. Benson مدل The Bank سال ۱۸۹۳ با زنجیر

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 8464443ecf

Terms in this record

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

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