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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

John Forrest Solid Silver Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This open-face pocket watch is housed in a solid silver case attributed by the seller to Dennison, bearing hallmarks for Birmingham in 1907. Measuring approximately 52 mm in diameter and 19 mm in thickness, the case features a coin-edged perimeter, a plain rear cartouche, and an inner brass movement protector. The white enamel dial exhibits black Roman numerals, an outer minute track, and a subsidiary seconds subdial at 6 o'clock. It is inscribed 'CHRONOMETER MAKER TO THE ADMIRALTY' and 'JOHN FORREST LONDON' below a depicted tree trademark.

Front view of the silver open-face pocket watch on a stand, showing the enamel dial and hands
Front view of the silver open-face pocket watch on a stand, showing the enamel dial and hands — Spencer James Antiques. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.antiques-atlas.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
John Forrest
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
as703a748 / 987
Source-reported date
1907
Source-reported place
United Kingdom

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

Dial and Hands

The watch features a white enamel dial with black Roman numeral hour indices and an outer minute track. A subsidiary seconds subdial is situated at the 6 o'clock position. The dial surface is marked 'CHRONOMETER MAKER TO THE ADMIRALTY' and 'JOHN FORREST LONDON' beneath a depiction of a tree emblem.

Visual observation indicates disparate coloration among the hands, with a gold-tone hour hand accompanied by darker minute and subsidiary seconds hands. The seller describes the dial as having 'no major damage' and notes 'gold hands' alongside a 'small sweep second hand dial'.

Evidence for this section
  • “White enamel dial with black Roman numeral hour indices and an outer minute track”
  • “Subsidiary seconds subdial positioned at 6 o'clock”
  • “Dial marked 'CHRONOMETER MAKER TO THE ADMIRALTY' and 'JOHN FORREST LONDON' beneath a tree emblem”
  • “Disparate hand coloration with a gold-tone hour hand and darker minute and subsidiary seconds hands”
  • “Clear White enamel dial no major damage , black numeral, gold hands, small sweep second hand dial”

Case Construction and Dimensions

The open-face pocket watch is housed in a solid silver case attributed by the seller to Dennison. The seller reports coin-edged rim detailing, a strong top bow with original fixing, and an unengraved plain cartouche on the back cover. The listing also records an inner brass movement protector.

Reported dimensions for the case are 52 mm in diameter and 19 mm in thickness. The seller claims the case carries full hallmarks for Birmingham dating to 1907.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case made by Dennison and very well made good weight of silver”
  • “coin edged strong top bow with original fixing”
  • “plain cartouche on the back of the watch”
  • “with inner brass movement protector”
  • “Size 52mm diameter x 19mm”
  • “With full Hallmarks for Birmingham 1907”

Listing Inconsistencies and Movement Documentation

Several discrepancies appear in the seller's description. The listing headline mentions 'London 1907', whereas the descriptive text cites 'full Hallmarks for Birmingham 1907'. Additionally, while the listing title labels the item as a 'Pocket Watch Chronograph', the visible dial layout reflects a standard time-only watch with running subsidiary seconds rather than a chronograph mechanism.

The movement is not depicted in listing imagery and remains concealed behind the reported inner brass protector. Movement specifications, calibre, and escapement details are not recorded in this source beyond the seller's remarks that the watch is in working condition and inscribed 'John Forres maker to the Admiralty'.

Evidence for this section
  • “John Forrest Silver Pocket Watch London 1907”
  • “With full Hallmarks for Birmingham 1907”
  • “A Fine Quality John Forrest Solid Silver Pocket Watch Chronograph Maker to the Admiralty”
  • “watch working fine , all signed with John Forres maker to the Admiralty”

Open research questions

  • What specific hallmarks and maker's marks are stamped on the Dennison case to resolve the conflict between the London listing title and Birmingham description?
  • What movement calibre, escapement design, and serial markings are present beneath the inner brass protector?
  • Does physical examination confirm whether the darker minute and subsidiary seconds hands are later replacements or discolored original parts?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for John Forrest Solid Silver Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Hallmark Date1907“With full Hallmarks for Birmingham 1907”
Case MakerDennison“Case made by Dennison and very well made good weight of silver”
Dimensions52mm diameter x 19mm“Size 52mm diameter x 19mm”
Movement ProtectorBrass“with inner brass movement protector”
Dial MaterialWhite enamel“Clear White enamel dial”
Crystal AssessmentSeller notes the watch glass looks new“Watch glass looks new”
Hinge ConditionSeller reports both hinges perfect“both hinges prefect”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with black Roman numeral hour indices and an outer minute track
  • Subsidiary seconds subdial positioned at 6 o'clock
  • Dial marked 'CHRONOMETER MAKER TO THE ADMIRALTY' and 'JOHN FORREST LONDON' beneath a tree emblem
  • Silver case with coin-edged rim detailing, pendant, and circular top bow
  • Disparate hand coloration with a gold-tone hour hand and darker minute and subsidiary seconds hands

Research qualifications

  • The seller describes the watch as a 'Pocket Watch Chronograph', but visible dial layout reflects a standard time-only watch with subsidiary seconds
  • Movement is concealed and not depicted in the listing imagery
  • The listing title cites 'London 1907' while description text specifies Birmingham hallmarks for 1907

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

Consulted source

Antiques Atlas - John Forrest Silver Pocket Watch London 1907 as703a748 / 987

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 71cdb3385d

Terms in this record

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

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