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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Full hunter pocket watch

Sir John Bennett Ltd Full Hunter Gold Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This full hunter pocket watch is attributed by the auction source to Sir John Bennett Ltd of London. The case is constructed from 18ct yellow gold, measuring 47 mm in diameter with a total reported weight of 87.8 grams, and is hallmarked for London in 1911. The watch features a white enamel dial with black Roman numerals, blued steel hands, and a subsidiary seconds dial located at the six o'clock position. The source records a signed movement plate referring to Queen Victoria, as well as an inner case presentation inscription from October 1912.

Front view of open gold full hunter pocket watch by Sir John Bennett Ltd
Front view of open gold full hunter pocket watch by Sir John Bennett Ltd — Shapiro Auctioneers / Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Pocket watch · Full hunter pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Sir John Bennett Ltd
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
276
Source-reported date
1911
Country
United Kingdom

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 Presentation

This pocket watch is described in the auction catalog as an 18ct yellow gold full hunter configuration measuring 47 mm in diameter, with a stated total weight of 87.8 grams. The auction entry notes that the case is fully hallmarked for London 1911. The source also reports that the inner case back is engraved 'Robert B Bell, Ashburton, N.L, Oct, 1912'.

Direct visual observation of the provided photograph shows the front cover of the hunter case opened back to display the dial, with a ribbed fluted crown and rounded bow positioned at 3 o'clock relative to the dial. Dark patina or tarnishing is visible along the bottom exterior edge of the case near the hinge.

Evidence for this section
  • “18ct yellow gold”
  • “case 47mm, total weight 87.8 grams”
  • “case fully hallmarked for London 1911”
  • “engraved to inner case back 'Robert B Bell, Ashburton, N.L, Oct, 1912'”
  • “Ribbed fluted crown and rounded bow located at the 3 o'clock pendant position relative to dial orientation.”
  • “Dark patina or tarnishing visible along the bottom exterior edge of the case near the hinge.”

Dial and Hands

The catalog records a white enamel dial with black Roman numerals, blued steel hands, and a subsidiary seconds dial at the six o'clock position.

Visual observation confirms the white enamel dial with black Roman numerals and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock, with a blued steel spade-style minute hand and blued sub-seconds hand visible.

Evidence for this section
  • “white enamel dial, black Roman numerals with blued steel hands”
  • “subsidiary seconds dial at six position”
  • “White enamel dial features black Roman numerals and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock.”
  • “Blued steel spade-style minute hand and blued sub-seconds hand visible.”

Movement Details and Reported Condition

The auction description records that the movement is signed 'Sir John Bennett LTD, London' and is engraved on the movement plate: 'Makers to the late Queen Victoria, 65 Cheapside, EC & 105 Regent St, W'.

Regarding mechanical function, the seller notes that the watch is 'not currently in working order (A/F)'. The movement itself is not depicted in the primary photograph, and no further mechanical specifications or escapement details are documented in the source.

Evidence for this section
  • “movement signed 'Sir John Bennett LTD, London'”
  • “engraved to movement plate 'Makers to the late Queen Victoria, 65 Cheapside, EC & 105 Regent St, W'”
  • “not currently in working order (A/F)”

Open research questions

  • What specific mechanical damage or missing parts account for the auctioneer's notation 'not currently in working order (A/F)'?
  • What maker's mark or sponsor's punch accompanies the 1911 London gold hallmarks on the case?
  • Does the movement plate layout indicate an English-made lever movement or a Swiss ebauche finished for Bennett?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Sir John Bennett Ltd Full Hunter Gold Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Material18ct yellow gold“18ct yellow gold”
Case Diameter47mm“case 47mm”
Hallmark Date1911“case fully hallmarked for London 1911”
DialWhite enamel dial, black Roman numerals with blued steel hands“white enamel dial, black Roman numerals with blued steel hands”
Total Weight87.8 grams“total weight 87.8 grams”
Movement InscriptionMakers to the late Queen Victoria, 65 Cheapside, EC & 105 Regent St, W“engraved to movement plate 'Makers to the late Queen Victoria, 65 Cheapside, EC & 105 Regent St, W'”
Inner Case InscriptionRobert B Bell, Ashburton, N.L, Oct, 1912“engraved to inner case back 'Robert B Bell, Ashburton, N.L, Oct, 1912'”
Movement SignatureSir John Bennett LTD, London“movement signed 'Sir John Bennett LTD, London'”
Operational StatusNot currently in working order (A/F)“not currently in working order (A/F)”
ProvenanceAnne Schofield Antiques“Provenance: Anne Schofield Antiques”

Visible details

  • Front cover of the hunter case is opened back revealing the white dial.
  • White enamel dial features black Roman numerals and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock.
  • Blued steel spade-style minute hand and blued sub-seconds hand visible.
  • Ribbed fluted crown and rounded bow located at the 3 o'clock pendant position relative to dial orientation.
  • Dark patina or tarnishing visible along the bottom exterior edge of the case near the hinge.

Research qualifications

  • Source notes the watch is not currently in working order (A/F).
  • Movement plate signature, hallmark details, and inner case presentation engraving are source-reported and not visible in the provided primary photograph.

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

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: Sir John Bennett Ltd, London, Sir John Bennett Ltd, London Full Hunter Gold Pocket Watch, case 47mm, total weight 87.8 grams

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 837ab30c73

Terms in this record

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

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