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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Sir John Bennett English silver pocket watch with fitted box

Partially verified

This Victorian pocket watch by Sir John Bennett features an English silver open-face case hallmarked for London, 1891. Measuring 50 mm wide by 17 mm deep, the watch is stem wound and pin set. The seller reports a gilt three-quarter plate lever escapement movement signed 'Sir John Bennett Limited, London, No 64936'. The white enamel dial features black Roman hour numerals, blued steel hands, and a subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock. The silver case includes a snap-on bezel and a hinged inner cuvette. It is preserved within a fitted red leather presentation case lined in blue velvet and silk bearing a gilded maker's insignia.

Front view of the open-face pocket watch resting in its opened fitted presentation box
Front view of the open-face pocket watch resting in its opened fitted presentation box — Atlam Watches. 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
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
4.296 (AB-226687)
Source-reported date
1891
Source-reported place
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
64936

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 Presentation

In visible observation, the watch presents an open-face configuration with an upright winding crown and bow. The white enamel dial features black Roman hour numerals, an outer minute track, blued steel hands, and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock. The dial is reported signed "Sir John Bennett Ltd, London".

The watch is fitted with a bevelled mineral glass crystal. It rests in a fitted recess within an accompanying red leather presentation box lined with blue velvet and silk, featuring a gilded maker insignia on the interior lid.

Evidence for this section
  • “The dial is signed “Sir John Bennett Ltd, London” and is in 100% mint condition”
  • “The watch has a bevelled mineral glass.”
  • “The watch comes in a red leather box with gold tooled signature and logo on the front. The inside is lined with blue velvet and silk”
  • “White enamel dial with black Roman numerals and blued steel hands”
  • “Subsidiary seconds dial located at 6 o'clock”

Case Architecture and Inscriptions

The case is constructed in English silver, measuring 50 mm wide by 17 mm deep, with a smooth plain external finish, a snap-on bezel, and a hinged inner cuvette and back.

Hallmarks are reported for London, 1891, though internal case markings are not visible in the available photograph. According to the seller, the inner cuvette cover is engraved with an elaborate logo and the inscription "Maker to the Royal Observatory, Sir John Bennett, 65 Cheapside, London".

Evidence for this section
  • “The case has clear hallmarks for London 1891”
  • “comes in a top quality English silver case which has a hinged inner and back and a snap on bezel.”
  • “The inner cover is engraved with the elaborate logo and “Maker to the Royal Observatory, Sir John Bennett, 65 Cheapside, London”.”
  • “The watch measures 50mm wide x 17mm deep”

Reported Movement and Technical Details

The movement is described by the dealer as an English gilt three-quarter plate calibre with a lever escapement, operating via stem-wound and pin-set mechanisms. The seller reports that the movement is signed "Sir John Bennett Limited, London, No 64936".

Because the watch is shown only seated face-up inside the presentation case, the movement plate, jewel count, and specific finishing are not recorded in visual evidence and rely on the dealer's description.

Evidence for this section
  • “the gilt ¾ plate movement has a lever escapement and is signed “Sir John Bennett Limited, London, No 64936””
  • “The watch is stem wound / pin set”
  • “This is an English pocket watch by Sir John Bennett with an English case AND unusually an English movement.”

Open research questions

  • What maker or sponsor mark accompanies the reported 1891 London silver hallmarks inside the case?
  • What is the jeweling configuration and specific layout of the three-quarter plate movement numbered 64936?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Sir John Bennett English silver pocket watch with fitted box
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
HallmarksLondon 1891“The case has clear hallmarks for London 1891”
Movement signatureSir John Bennett Limited, London, No 64936“signed “Sir John Bennett Limited, London, No 64936””
EscapementLever escapement“the gilt ¾ plate movement has a lever escapement”
Winding and settingStem wound / pin set“The watch is stem wound / pin set”
Dimensions50mm wide x 17mm deep“The watch measures 50mm wide x 17mm deep”
Case materialEnglish silver“comes in a top quality English silver case”
Inner cuvette inscriptionMaker to the Royal Observatory, Sir John Bennett, 65 Cheapside, London“The inner cover is engraved with the elaborate logo and “Maker to the Royal Observatory, Sir John Bennett, 65 Cheapside, London”.”
Dial signatureSir John Bennett Ltd, London“The dial is signed “Sir John Bennett Ltd, London” and is in 100% mint condition”
Crystal typeBevelled mineral glass“The watch has a bevelled mineral glass.”

Visible details

  • Open-face silver case with top-winding crown and bow
  • White enamel dial with black Roman numerals and blued steel hands
  • Subsidiary seconds dial located at 6 o'clock
  • Watch seated in a fitted recess of a red presentation case
  • Inside lid lined with blue silk displaying an elaborate gilded maker crest reading 'John Bennett Watchmaker and Goldsmith'

Research qualifications

  • Movement details and internal case hallmarks are not visible in the primary photograph and rely entirely on dealer statements.
  • Dealer condition ratings are subjective assessments.

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

Consulted source

English Silver Sir John Bennett Pocket Watch. With original Box. London 1891 in Antique Mens Watches

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 4abba64eb5

Terms in this record

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

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