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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face key wind pocket watch

John Forrest Open-Face Sterling Silver Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This Edwardian-era pocket watch is constructed from sterling silver and features a classic open-face design. It is powered by a key-wind and key-set swing-out cylinder movement. The timepiece is signed 'John Forrest London Chronometer maker to the Admiralty' and incorporates a distinct tree motif on the white enamel dial. The dial layout includes Roman numerals, an outer minute track, and a subsidiary seconds dial at the six o'clock position. The silver case measures 52mm in diameter and has an engine-turned reverse side with a vacant central cartouche. The watch is accompanied by its original winding key and is protected by a beveled glass crystal. Hallmarks indicate a Chester assay office origin for the year 1904, with the maker's mark associated with The Lancashire Watch Co Ltd. The total weight of the object is recorded as 131 grams.

Edwardian sterling silver open-face pocket watch by John Forrest with the original winding key.
Edwardian sterling silver open-face pocket watch by John Forrest with the original winding key. — Lawsons (via Invaluable). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face key wind pocket watch
Maker / attribution
John Forrest
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1904
Source-reported place
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
730800

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 Construction

The pocket watch features an open-face sterling silver case measuring 52mm in diameter. The reverse of the case is decorated with an engine-turned finish and contains a vacant cartouche for personalization. The case back is hallmarked for the Chester assay office and dated 1904.

The white enamel dial displays black painted Roman numerals for the hours and an outer track for minutes. A subsidiary dial at the six o'clock position tracks seconds. The center of the dial bears the signature of the retailer or maker alongside a tree motif. A beveled glass crystal covers the face.

Evidence for this section
  • “The silver case, measuring 52mm in diameter and weighing 131g, is hallmarked for Chester, 1904”
  • “The reverse side of the case is decorated with an engine-turned pattern and features a vacant central cartouche”
  • “The dial is made of white enamel and is marked with Roman numerals, an outer minute track, and a subsidiary seconds dial.”

Movement and Mechanism

The watch employs a key-wind and key-set swing-out cylinder movement. This movement type is accessible via the case configuration, which allows for the swing-out mechanism. The internal movement is recorded as having the number 737339.

An original winding key is included with the watch to facilitate winding and setting the time through the dial-side or case-back ports. The technical specifications reflect standard production methods for British silver watches of the early 20th century.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch is powered by a key-wind and key-set swing-out cylinder movement, numbered 737339.”
  • “The watch includes its original winding key.”

Signatures and Marks

The dial is signed with the name 'John Forrest' and the title 'Chronometer maker to the Admiralty', indicating a professional branding on the watch face. This is accompanied by a tree motif. The case marks include the initials TPH, which identify the manufacturer as The Lancashire Watch Co Ltd (Thomas Peter Hewitt).

The movement is individually numbered 737339, which differs from the case number 730800, a common occurrence in watches produced in this manner during the era. These marks provide evidence of the regional production location in Chester and the corporate involvement of The Lancashire Watch Co Ltd.

Evidence for this section
  • “It bears the signature 'John Forrest London Chronometer maker to the Admiralty' along with a tree motif.”
  • “is hallmarked for Chester, 1904, with the maker's mark TPH for The Lancashire Watch Co Ltd (Thomas Peter Hewitt) and is numbered 730800.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific nature of the relationship between John Forrest and The Lancashire Watch Co Ltd regarding the assembly of this timepiece?
  • To what extent does the movement number 737339 align with known Lancashire Watch Co production registers?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for John Forrest Open-Face Sterling Silver Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJohn Forrest“John Forrest London Chronometer maker to the Admiralty”
MaterialSterling silver“crafted from sterling silver”
Movement TypeKey-wind, key-set swing-out cylinder“key-wind and key-set swing-out cylinder movement”
Case Diameter52mm“52mm in diameter”
Weight131g“weighing 131g”
Date1904“hallmarked for Chester, 1904”
Maker's MarkTPH (The Lancashire Watch Co Ltd)“maker's mark TPH for The Lancashire Watch Co Ltd (Thomas Peter Hewitt)”
Case Number730800“numbered 730800”
Movement Number737339“numbered 737339”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with Roman numerals
  • Subsidiary seconds dial at six o'clock
  • Key-wind and key-set mechanism
  • Engine-turned case back with vacant cartouche

Research qualifications

  • The specific attribution to John Forrest as the movement manufacturer is qualified by the source listing the maker's mark as The Lancashire Watch Co Ltd.
  • The status of internal components is described as 'partial' in the provided records.

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

Consulted source

Edwardian Sterling Silver Open Face Key Wind Pocket Watch by John Forrest

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record b8679da614

Terms in this record

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

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