Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Minute repeating hunter case pocket watch

Sir John Bennett Ltd. 18K Gold Minute Repeating Hunter Case Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This is an 18K yellow gold Swiss-made hunter case pocket watch catalogued under Sir John Bennett Ltd. of London. The case measures 51 mm in diameter and weighs 121.1 grams gross, featuring an engraved cuvette marked 'Makers to the Royal Observatory' along with a royal seal. The single-sunken white enamel dial displays black Roman numeral chapter markers, blued steel spade hands, and a constant seconds subsidiary dial at 6 o'clock. The movement is described by the source as an unmarked transitional keyless pin-set mechanism equipped with a minute repeater complication.

Front view of Sir John Bennett Ltd. hunter case minute repeating pocket watch with open cover
Front view of Sir John Bennett Ltd. hunter case minute repeating pocket watch with open cover — Morphy Auctions. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Pocket watch · Minute repeating hunter case pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Sir John Bennett Ltd.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
1413
Source-reported date
Not established
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
34781

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 Construction and Exterior Markings

The pocket watch is catalogued as an 18K yellow gold hunter case measuring 51 mm in diameter, with a reported gross weight of 121.1 grams. Visual observation shows a polished gold case band and hinge positioned on the left side, along with a fluted onion winding crown and bow situated at the 3 o'clock position.

According to the auction cataloguing, the case is numbered 34781, marked "18C", and described as fully hallmarked. The exterior front cover is reported to bear a large fancy interlocked monogram, though this surface is not shown in the primary photograph. The cataloguer also notes two very small dings present around the outer rim of the case.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case is fully hallmarked, numbered and marked "18C"”
  • “Front cover with large fancy interlocked monogram.”
  • “There are two very small dings present around the outer rim of case”
  • “Polished gold case band and hinge visible on the left side.”
  • “Fluted onion winding crown and bow positioned at 3 o'clock, with a push-piece on the case rim adjacent to 2 o'clock.”

Dial Configuration and Hands

Direct visual inspection reveals an opened hunter case displaying a single-sunken white enamel dial framed by a polished gold bezel. The dial features a black Roman numeral chapter ring encircled by a segmented outer minute track, with time indicated by blued steel spade hands.

A recessed subsidiary seconds register is situated at 6 o'clock. A small push-piece is visible on the case rim adjacent to the 2 o'clock position, corresponding to the transitional keyless pin-set mechanism noted in the catalogue.

Evidence for this section
  • “Hunter case opened to reveal a white enamel dial with black Roman numerals and an outer minute track.”
  • “Blued steel spade hour and minute hands, with a sunken subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock.”
  • “Fluted onion winding crown and bow positioned at 3 o'clock, with a push-piece on the case rim adjacent to 2 o'clock.”
  • “Dial: White Enamel, Single Sunken.”

Movement, Cuvette, and Attribution Evidence

The movement is not visible in the provided lot photo and is documented entirely through auction records. The seller cataloguing specifies an unmarked transitional keyless pin-set movement equipped with a minute repeater complication.

Attribution to Sir John Bennett Ltd. of London is based on the cuvette markings rather than a movement signature. The auction catalogue states that the cuvette is signed "Sir John Bennett Ltd., London", numbered to match the case, and decorated with a hand-engraved royal seal along with the phrase "Makers to the Royal Observatory".

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement: Transitional/Keyless Pin-Set, unmarked.”
  • “Signed: Sir John Bennett Ltd., London" on cuvette.”
  • “signed and numbered cuvette with beautiful hand-engraved royal seal, marked "Makers to the Royal Observatory".”

Open research questions

  • What specific hallmarks and maker stamps are struck on the interior of the case and cuvette?
  • Which Swiss ébauche manufacturer produced the unmarked repeating movement?
  • What initials make up the interlocked monogram on the front hunter cover?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Sir John Bennett Ltd. 18K Gold Minute Repeating Hunter Case Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case Material18K Yellow Gold“Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold.”
Case Diameter51mm“Case Diameter: 51mm.”
Case Number34781“Case Number: 34781.”
ComplicationsMinute Repeater“Complications: Minute Repeater.”
DialWhite Enamel, Single Sunken“Dial: White Enamel, Single Sunken.”
Gross Weight121.1 grams“Gross Weight: 121.1 grams.”
MovementTransitional/Keyless Pin-Set, unmarked“Movement: Transitional/Keyless Pin-Set, unmarked.”
Front Cover DecorationLarge fancy interlocked monogram“Front cover with large fancy interlocked monogram.”
Cuvette SignatureSir John Bennett Ltd., London“Signed: Sir John Bennett Ltd., London" on cuvette.”
Cuvette InscriptionMakers to the Royal Observatory“marked "Makers to the Royal Observatory".”
Case Purity Stamp18C“Case is fully hallmarked, numbered and marked "18C"”

Visible details

  • Hunter case opened to reveal a white enamel dial with black Roman numerals and an outer minute track.
  • Blued steel spade hour and minute hands, with a sunken subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock.
  • Fluted onion winding crown and bow positioned at 3 o'clock, with a push-piece on the case rim adjacent to 2 o'clock.
  • Polished gold case band and hinge visible on the left side.

Research qualifications

  • The internal movement, cuvette engraving, and exterior monogram are not visible in the provided primary photograph.
  • Attribution to Swiss manufacture and Sir John Bennett Ltd. relies on auction house cataloguing and cuvette description.

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

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: 18K GOLD SIR JOHN BENNETT LTD. OF LONDON, SWISS-MADE MINUTE REPEATING H/C POCKET WATCH.

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 8df5bdbfb8

Terms in this record

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