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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face key wind pocket watch

Rotherham's Sterling Silver Pocket Watch for Russells

Partially verified

This is a man’s open-face pocket watch manufactured in sterling silver, featuring both movement and case by John Rotherham and Sons for Russells Jewellers and Watchmakers Ltd. of Liverpool. The watch utilizes a key-wind and key-set mechanism. The dial, finished in white with black Roman numerals and gold spade pointers, includes a subsidiary seconds dial at the six o'clock position. The internal movement is branded with the trade mark “The Time O Day” and contains an English lever escapement with an engraved balance cock. The double-back sterling silver case bears Chester hallmarks indicating a production date of 1911 and includes the maker's mark for John Rotherham. The watch is accompanied by its original blue satin and velvet-lined box and an associated antique key. The watch measures 52 mm in diameter and exhibits minor surface wear consistent with age.

Movement and inner case back showing the signature of Russells Ltd. and the engraved balance cock.
Movement and inner case back showing the signature of Russells Ltd. and the engraved balance cock. — Ashton-Blakey Vintage Watches. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
ashton-blakey-antiques.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face key wind pocket watch
Maker / attribution
John Rotherham and Sons
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1911
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 double-back sterling silver case, which the auction description reports to have Chester hallmarks confirming an origin date of 1911. The case features a 52 mm diameter and is noted to display only minor wear consistent with its age.

The dial is white and features black Roman numerals paired with gold spade-shaped hands. A subsidiary seconds dial is positioned at the six o'clock mark. The dial is signed with the name and address of the retailer, Russells Ltd. of 18 Church Street, Liverpool.

Evidence for this section
  • “The double back sterling silver case has Chester hallmarks for sterling silver and date of 1911”
  • “Dial is fine and white with black Roman numbers and Gold spade pointers.”

Movement and Escapement

The watch operates via an English lever escapement mechanism, described by the vendor as being in good running order. The movement is fitted with an extravagantly decorated balance cock.

The movement is signed by the retailer, Russells Ltd., and carries the engraved trade mark “The Time O Day.” The watch requires the use of an antique key for both winding and setting functions.

Evidence for this section
  • “It is an English lever escapement sparkling and running in good order with an extravagantly decorated balance cock.”
  • “branded with Trade Mark as “The Time O Day” in fancy engraving on the movement.”

Provenance and Presentation

This watch is offered with its original blue satin and velvet-lined box. An antique key is included to facilitate the manual winding and setting of the watch.

The auction description reports that the watch was produced by John Rotherham and Sons for the retailer Russells Jewellers and Watchmakers Ltd. of Liverpool, who held the title of makers to the Queen.

Evidence for this section
  • “This lovely watch comes with its very own original blue satin and velvet box as well as an antique key.”
  • “Movement is signed Russell’s Ltd. who are “MAKERS TO THE QUEEN”.”

Open research questions

  • Verification of the specific John Rotherham and Sons hallmarks used in 1911
  • Detailed history of Russells Jewellers and Watchmakers Ltd. of Liverpool

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rotherham's Sterling Silver Pocket Watch for Russells
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJohn Rotherham and Sons“movement and case by John Rotherham and Sons”
RetailerRussells Jewellers and Watchmakers Ltd.“Russells Jewellers and Watchmakers Ltd. of 18 Church Street, Liverpool”
Trade MarkThe Time O Day“branded with Trade Mark as “The Time O Day””
Hallmark LocationChester“Chester hallmarks for sterling silver”
Production Year1911“date of 1911”
Diameter52 mm“52 mm diameter”
Movement signatureRussell’s Ltd.“Movement is signed Russell’s Ltd.”
EscapementEnglish lever“It is an English lever escapement”

Visible details

  • White dial with Roman numerals
  • Engraved balance cock visible on movement
  • Subsidiary seconds dial at six o'clock
  • Key-wind and key-set mechanism

Research qualifications

  • Maker history and status attributed to vendor
  • Running condition is a vendor claim

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

Consulted source

ساعت جیبی نقره استرلینگ Rotherham's برای Russells مدل The Time O Day سال ۱۹۱۱

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record d31473b7d6

Terms in this record

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

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