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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Demi-hunter pocket watch

JW Benson Demi-Hunter Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This antique demi-hunter pocket watch is attributed to the London-based retailer JW Benson. Constructed with a 50mm sterling silver case, the watch features a hinged front cover with a central viewing aperture surrounded by blue enamel Roman numerals, allowing the user to view the time without opening the case. The watch is powered by a 17-jewel mechanical movement of Swiss origin, signed "JW BENSON LONDON" on the movement bridge. The dial is white with black Roman numerals, spade-style hands, and a recessed small seconds sub-dial at the six o'clock position. The internal case covers bear British sterling silver hallmarks. According to the provided description, the watch dates to approximately 1902, is in good condition, and has undergone recent service. The exterior displays minor wear consistent with its age, and the blue enamel on the cover remains intact.

Full view of the demi-hunter pocket watch showing the aperture on the front cover.
Full view of the demi-hunter pocket watch showing the aperture on the front cover. — Ashton-Blakey Antiques. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Pocket watch · Demi-hunter pocket watch
Maker / attribution
JW Benson
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1902
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 watch is housed in a 50mm sterling silver demi-hunter case. The front cover incorporates a circular glass aperture, rimmed with blue enamel Roman numerals to enable reading the time while the watch is closed. The silver casing features hallmarks on the interior surfaces, documenting its composition.

The white dial displays black Roman numerals and spade-style hour and minute hands. A recessed seconds register is positioned at the six o'clock mark. The auction description notes the dial is in clean condition, and the blue enamel decoration on the exterior cover is free from damage.

Evidence for this section
  • “قطر قاب نقره این ساعت ۵۰ میلی‌متر اعلام شده است”
  • “مینای آبی قاب جلو بدون آسیب‌دیدگی باقی مانده است”

Movement and Origin

The movement is a Swiss-made, 17-jewel mechanical caliber. It is signed by the retailer JW Benson, London. The movement is visible through the rear hinged cover and exhibits a gilded finish.

The mechanism has recently been serviced and is described as being in clean and functional condition.

Evidence for this section
  • “موتور کوکی ۱۷ سنگ ساخت سوئیس مجهز است که نام JW BENSON بر روی آن امضا شده است”
  • “شرکت بنسون علاوه بر سازندگان طراز اول انگلیسی، با شرکت‌های برجسته ساعت‌سازی سوئیسی مانند لانژین، تاوانس و رِویو نیز همکاری داشته است”
  • “اخیراً مورد سرویس فنی قرار گرفته و مکانیزم حرکتی آن در وضعیت تمیز و درخشان قرار دارد”

Provenance and Condition

The watch is attributed to the year 1902. It exhibits minor cosmetic signs of use, primarily light scratching on the silver body, which the auction description indicates is commensurate with the age of the object.

No previous ownership history is provided. The watch is sold as a vintage item with its current service status noted by the seller.

Evidence for this section
  • “تاریخ ساخت تقریبی این ساعت به حدود سال ۱۹۰۲ میلادی بازمی‌گردد”
  • “روی بدنه نقره‌ای تنها خراش‌های بسیار جزئی و فرسودگی بسیار اندک متناسب با قدمت آن دیده می‌شود”

Open research questions

  • Which Swiss manufacturer produced the movement caliber for this specific JW Benson watch?
  • Can the British silver hallmarks be identified to determine the exact assay office and date letter?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for JW Benson Demi-Hunter Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJW BENSON“ساخت عرضه‌کننده نامدار انگلیسی JW BENSON در لندن است.”
Case materialSterling silver“قاب ساعت از نقره استرلینگ ساخته شده”
Case diameter50mm“قطر قاب نقره این ساعت ۵۰ میلی‌متر اعلام شده است.”
Movement typeMechanical, hand-wound“یک موتور کوکی ۱۷ سنگ ساخت سوئیس”
Jewel count17 jewels“۱۷ سنگ”
Approximate datecirca 1902“تاریخ ساخت تقریبی این ساعت به حدود سال ۱۹۰۲ میلادی بازمی‌گردد.”
Dial featuresSpade hands and sub-seconds“عقربه‌های طرح اسپید (Spade) به رنگ تیره و عقربه ثانیه‌شمار کوچک در موقعیت ساعت شش است.”

Visible details

  • Blue enamel Roman numerals on the front cover
  • Recessed small seconds sub-dial at 6 o'clock
  • Gilded mechanical movement plate

Research qualifications

  • Precise dating is approximate
  • The extent and date of the "recent service" are not specified

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

Consulted source

ساعت جیبی هاف‌هانتر نقره استرلینگ JW BENSON حدود ۱۹۰۲

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record fc20e7ecc9

Terms in this record

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

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