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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Full hunter pocket watch

Sir John Bennett Full Hunter Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This full hunter pocket watch is attributed to the retailer Sir John Bennett of 65 & 64 Cheapside, London, and dates to approximately 1870. The watch is constructed with an 18k gold polished hinged case measuring 37mm in diameter, featuring a monogram on the front cover. It is equipped with a gilt 3/4 plate Swiss lever movement utilizing a cut and compensated bi-metallic balance. The timepiece is designed for keyless winding. The white dial displays black Roman numeral hour markers, a black outer minute track, and blued steel spade hands. The movement is signed on the cuvette. The watch is accompanied by an 18k gold t-bar chain pendant. Condition report notes include surface scratches and nicks on the gold case, tarnish on the hands, light marks on the dial, and the loss of the watch bow. The piece is numbered 590248.

Full hunter pocket watch with the case open, showing the white dial and keyless crown.
Full hunter pocket watch with the case open, showing the white dial and keyless crown. — Bonhams, via Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Full hunter pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Sir John Bennett
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
c. 1870
Source-reported place
London, UK
Source-reported serial
590248

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 timepiece is housed in an 18k gold full hunter case, which measures 37mm in diameter. The exterior of the front cover is finished with a monogram. The watch is designed for keyless operation, with the winding crown positioned on the side of the case.

The white dial is marked with black Roman numerals for the hour chapters and includes a black outer minute track. The time is indicated by a set of blued steel spade hands. The overall appearance is marked by signs of previous use, with the auction description noting light marks on the dial and signs of tarnish on the hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “The timepiece features a white dial characterized by black Roman numeral hour markers and a black outer minute track, complemented by blued steel spade hands.”
  • “The watch is housed in a polished hinged case, measuring 37mm in diameter, which bears a monogram on the front cover”
  • “The watch exhibits signs of use, including nicks and surface scratches to the case, and is missing its bow.”

Movement and Mechanics

The watch functions via a Swiss lever movement. It is constructed as a 3/4 plate type with a gilt finish. To ensure timekeeping accuracy across varying temperatures, the movement incorporates a cut and compensated bi-metallic balance. The movement is accessed and protected by a cuvette, which carries the retailer's signature.

The watch utilizes a keyless winding system, which removes the necessity for a separate winding key. This specific example is identified by the serial number 590248, which is recorded in the source documentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “The movement is a Swiss lever, gilt 3/4 plate type, incorporating a cut and compensated bi-metallic balance.”
  • “The watch is signed on the cuvette.”
  • “It is designed for keyless winding.”

Provenance and Attribution

The watch is attributed to the premises of Sir John Bennett, located at 65 & 64 Cheapside in London. The dating is estimated at approximately 1870. The object is presented alongside an 18k gold t-bar chain pendant, which serves as part of the total ensemble provided in the original listing.

Documentation for this item is sourced from an auction archive, which identifies the object as a single, individual lot. No other catalogue references or unique numbers beyond the case serial were provided by the source.

Evidence for this section
  • “This 18k gold full hunter pocket watch, dating to approximately 1870, is attributed to Sir John Bennett of 65 & 64 Cheapside, London.”
  • “The item is presented with an 18k gold t-bar chain pendant.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific manufacturer of the Swiss movement contained within the Sir John Bennett-signed case?
  • Does the serial number 590248 align with known records for Sir John Bennett or a specific Swiss export movement maker from 1870?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Sir John Bennett Full Hunter Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Material18k gold“18k gold”
Diameter37mm“37mm in diameter”
MovementGilt 3/4 plate Swiss lever“gilt 3/4 plate Swiss lever”
Case number590248“590248”
Case typeFull hunter“full hunter”
Winding mechanismKeyless“keyless winding”
Signature locationCuvette“signed on the cuvette”
Additional components18k gold t-bar chain pendant“18k gold t-bar chain pendant”

Visible details

  • The case features a monogram on the outer front cover.
  • The bow is missing from the watch crown.
  • The dial uses black Roman numerals with a railroad-style minute track.
  • The crown is positioned at the three o'clock side of the case.

Research qualifications

  • The attribution to Sir John Bennett is described as approximate.
  • The exact date of 1870 is stated as an approximate attribution.

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

Consulted source

Sir John Bennett 18k gold keyless wind full hunter pocket watch, c. 1870

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 4fc55a8be5

Terms in this record

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

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