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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Sir John Bennett English Silver Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This Victorian open-face pocket watch features an English silver case that the source states bears London hallmarks for 1894. The white enamel dial is signed 'SIR JOHN BENNETT LTD LONDON' below twelve o'clock and displays black Roman numerals, an outer minute track, and a subsidiary seconds dial at six o'clock with gilt hands. According to the seller, the watch houses a gilt three-quarter plate lever escapement movement with a compensated balance, signed and numbered 59396 on the plate. The inner silver cover is engraved with the maker's details and Royal Observatory attribution.

Dial view of the Sir John Bennett silver pocket watch, London hallmarks dated 1894
Dial view of the Sir John Bennett silver pocket watch, London hallmarks dated 1894 — Atlam Watches via Antiques Boutique. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.antiquesboutique.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Sir John Bennett Ltd
Reference
WE49 (AB-129762)
Catalogue / lot identifier
itm129762
Source-reported date
1894
Country
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
59396

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 Visual Appearance

The pocket watch displays a white enamel dial featuring black Roman numeral hour indices, an outer minute ring, and an inset subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position. The dial is signed 'SIR JOHN BENNETT LTD LONDON' beneath the twelve o'clock marker and is fitted with a set of gilt hands, including a spade-shaped hour hand, an elongated minute hand, and a small subsidiary seconds pointer.

The open-face case is fitted with a ribbed winding crown enclosed by a smooth circular bow at 12 o'clock, with a small pin or lever projection visible adjacent on the bezel rim. The seller also notes that the front is fitted with a synthetic glass.

Evidence for this section
  • “White enamel dial signed 'SIR JOHN BENNETT LTD LONDON' beneath XII.”
  • “Black Roman numeral hour markers with an outer minute track and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock.”
  • “The watch has a synthetic glass.”

Reported Movement and Internal Markings

Internal components are not visible in the provided exterior photograph, but the vendor describes the movement as a gilt three-quarter plate configuration featuring a lever escapement and a compensated balance. According to the seller's description, the plate is inscribed 'Sir John Bennett Ltd London, No 59396'.

The inner silver cover is similarly reported by the dealer to bear an engraved logo alongside the inscription reading 'Maker to the Royal Observatory, Sir John Bennett, 53 Cheapside, London'.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement – the gilt  ¾ plate movement has a lever escapement and a compensated balance.”
  • “The movement is signed “Sir John Bennett Ltd London, No 59396” on the plate.”
  • “The inner cover is engraved with the elaborate logo and “Maker to the Royal Observatory, Sir John Bennett, 53 Cheapside, London”.”

Case Construction and Dealer Condition Notes

The watch is housed in an English silver case measuring 49 mm in width and 17 mm in depth. The seller states the case features a snap-on bezel along with a hinged inner and back cover, and reports clear London silver hallmarks dating to 1894. A vacant cartouche is noted on the back, and the dealer records general wear and tear along with missing gilt wire on the winder.

Operationally, the listing notes the watch as stem wound and stem set. The seller states that the watch ticks but does not keep time, and it is offered in their restoration section without warranty.

Evidence for this section
  • “The case has clear hallmarks for London 1894”
  • “Case – the movement comes in an English silver case which has a hinged inner and back and a snap on bezel.”
  • “This watch ticks but does not keep time.”

Open research questions

  • What specific silversmith or casemaker's sponsor mark accompanies the reported 1894 London hallmarks on the silver casing?
  • Does the projection visible at the bezel near 12 o'clock indicate a pin-set hand setting mechanism, despite the dealer listing stating stem set?
  • What specific mechanical faults prevent the movement from keeping time, and what is the physical state of the balance spring and escapement components?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Sir John Bennett English Silver Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case HallmarksLondon 1894“The case has clear hallmarks for London 1894”
Movement InscriptionSir John Bennett Ltd London, No 59396“The movement is signed “Sir John Bennett Ltd London, No 59396” on the plate.”
Inner Cover EngravingMaker to the Royal Observatory, Sir John Bennett, 53 Cheapside, London“The inner cover is engraved with the elaborate logo and “Maker to the Royal Observatory, Sir John Bennett, 53 Cheapside, London”.”
Dimensions49mm wide x 17mm deep“The watch measures 49mm wide x 17mm deep”
Winding and SettingStem wound / stem set“The watch is stem wound / stem set”
Front Crystal MaterialSynthetic glass“The watch has a synthetic glass.”
Case Back OrnamentationVacant cartouche“The case has a vacant cartouche on the back”
Mechanical ConditionTicks but does not keep time; sold for restoration without warranty“This watch ticks but does not keep time.”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial signed 'SIR JOHN BENNETT LTD LONDON' beneath XII.
  • Black Roman numeral hour markers with an outer minute track and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock.
  • Gilt spade-style hour hand, slender minute hand, and small seconds pointer.
  • Ribbed winding crown topped by a smooth rounded bow at 12 o'clock, with a small pin or lever projection adjacent on the bezel rim.

Research qualifications

  • The internal movement, inner cover engraving, and case hallmarks are not visible in the supplied single photograph and rely on dealer description.
  • The dealer explicitly notes that the watch ticks but does not keep time and is offered in a restoration section without warranty.

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

Consulted source

English Silver Sir John Bennett Pocket Watch. London 1894 in Antique Mens Watches

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 550c494a41

Terms in this record

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

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