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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Sir John Bennett Ltd open-face pocket watch with fitted box

Partially verified

This open-face pocket watch retailed by Sir John Bennett, Ltd. is presented alongside a fitted gilt-embossed leather box. The dealer reports the case is sterling silver marked 925 with date marks, measuring 5 cm in diameter and 7 mm in thickness. The light-coloured dial display features printed Arabic numerals, an outer track, open-worked hands, and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock. The seller notes that the bow has been replaced with a silver-plated component, and dates the watch to the early 1910s or 1920s.

Dial view of the open-face pocket watch set in front of its gilt-stamped leather box
Dial view of the open-face pocket watch set in front of its gilt-stamped leather box — Atlas Antiques. 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
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
13697 (AB-229074)
Source-reported date
early 1910s / 1920s
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 Retail Markings

The open-face pocket watch features a circular case with a low profile reported by the seller as 7 mm thick, 5 cm in diameter, and measuring 6.5 cm from top to bottom. The dealer states that the interior of the case is marked '925 (which is sterling silver)' alongside 'date marks X & Y', and that the retailer's wording appears inside the case as well. Visually, the outer case rim displays relief chased patterning around its perimeter.

A modification is present at the pendant assembly: the dealer notes that the original bow has been replaced with a silver-plated bow, which is visibly mounted above the winding crown.

Evidence for this section
  • “Inside the watch case it’s marked 925 (which is sterling silver) and date marks X & Y.”
  • “an unusual shape due to the thickness only being 7mm.”
  • “The pocket watch measure 5cm in diameter and also measures 6.5cm from top to bottom, around the edge is decorated in a beautiful design.”
  • “Unfortunately the bow has been replaced with a silver plated bow.”
  • “this appears again inside the pocket watch case.”
  • “Outer case rim displays relief chased patterning around the perimeter.”
  • “Replacement bow visibly mounted above the winding crown.”

Dial Presentation and Movement Status

Visual observation documents a light-toned dial configuration fitted with open-worked spade or cathedral-style hands, printed Arabic numerals, an outer track, and a subsidiary seconds dial situated at 6 o'clock.

The dealer claims the piece has an 'excellent working movement' that 'keeps great time'. However, because the uncased mechanism is not shown in the photographic documentation, its calibre layout, jewelling, escapement design, and finishing are not recorded in this source.

Evidence for this section
  • “Light-toned dial with open-worked spade or cathedral-style hands and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock.”
  • “This beautiful piece has an excellent working movement in which it keeps great time.”

Fitted Box and Chronological Discrepancies

The pocket watch is accompanied by a dark textured leather box lined with blue velvet. The dealer reports the box lid is lettered in gold leaf with the text: 'manufacturers to the Royal Observatory and the Queen, Sir John Bennett, Ltd watchmakers and Goldsmiths 65 Cheapside London'. The exterior dimensions of this case are stated as 10.5 cm wide by 11 cm high and 2.7 cm deep.

The seller's description contains conflicting chronological assertions, stating both that the watch 'dates to the early 1910s' and classifying it as a '1920s pocket watch'. Without photographic reproduction of the internal assay hallmarks to clarify the reported 'date marks X & Y', an exact production year cannot be confirmed from the source.

Evidence for this section
  • “The leather case is in good condition with the makers name in gold leaf and this states “ manufacturers to the Royal Observatory and the Queen, Sir John Bennett, Ltd watchmakers and Goldsmiths 65 Cheapside London“”
  • “The pocket watch case is also lined with blue velvet.”
  • “The leather case measures 10.5cm in with x 11cm height x 2.7cm depth.”
  • “This watch in particular dates to the early 1910s.”
  • “1920s pocket watch from Sir John Bennett Ltd.”

Open research questions

  • What specific assay office and hallmark symbols correspond to the seller's notation of 'date marks X & Y' inside the silver case?
  • What calibre, jewelling level, and serial or maker markings exist on the movement plates beneath the case back?
  • Does the fitted box inscription referencing 'the Queen' denote manufacture during Queen Victoria's reign, or was that traditional royal warrant formula retained on packaging after 1901?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Sir John Bennett Ltd open-face pocket watch with fitted box
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case diameter5 cm“The pocket watch measure 5cm in diameter”
Case thickness7 mm“an unusual shape due to the thickness only being 7mm.”
Case material925 sterling silver“Inside the watch case it’s marked 925 (which is sterling silver)”
Box inscriptionmanufacturers to the Royal Observatory and the Queen, Sir John Bennett, Ltd watchmakers and Goldsmiths 65 Cheapside London“manufacturers to the Royal Observatory and the Queen, Sir John Bennett, Ltd watchmakers and Goldsmiths 65 Cheapside London”
Bow conditionSilver plated replacement bow“Unfortunately the bow has been replaced with a silver plated bow.”
Overall watch height6.5 cm“and also measures 6.5cm from top to bottom”
Box dimensions10.5 cm W x 11 cm H x 2.7 cm D“The leather case measures 10.5cm in with x 11cm height x 2.7cm depth.”
Box liningBlue velvet“The pocket watch case is also lined with blue velvet.”
Reported date marksX & Y“and date marks X & Y.”

Visible details

  • Light-toned dial with open-worked spade or cathedral-style hands and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock.
  • Outer case rim displays relief chased patterning around the perimeter.
  • Contained with a dark textured box featuring gilt-stamped lettering referencing Sir John Bennett, Ltd., 65 Cheapside, London.
  • Replacement bow visibly mounted above the winding crown.

Research qualifications

  • The source text offers contradictory dating, noting both 'early 1910s' and '1920s'.
  • Dealer notes that the original bow has been replaced with a silver-plated bow.
  • Movement details are described by the seller as working but movement engravings are not documented in the single provided image.

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

Consulted source

Royal Observatory Working Sir John Bennett Pocket Watch & Original Box in Antique Pocket Watches

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 42131b38b9

Terms in this record

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

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