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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Stem-set and stem-wind pocket watch

Sir John Bennett Sterling Silver Pocket Watch with Chain and Box

Partially verified

This 50mm diameter pocket watch, attributed to the maker Sir John Bennett, features a sterling silver case and a stem-winding and stem-setting movement. The white dial displays black Roman numeral hour markers, an outer minute track, and a subsidiary seconds dial positioned at six o'clock. The watch is presented with a sterling silver chain and a fob, housed in its original Sir John Bennett presentation box. The interior of the dust cover is engraved with a Royal crown and the inscription "MAKERS TO THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY". The auction description reports the piece was manufactured in 1910, with hallmarks indicating a London origin and the case produced by the Coventry-based maker Thomas Arnott. The internal movement is signed by Sir John Bennett of 105 Regent Street, London. The overall set remains in a documented condition alongside its original packaging.

Front view of the Sir John Bennett sterling silver pocket watch, chain, and fob, shown inside its original blue velvet-lined presentation box.
Front view of the Sir John Bennett sterling silver pocket watch, chain, and fob, shown inside its original blue velvet-lined presentation box. — Ashton-Blakey Vintage Watches. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
ashton-blakey-antiques.com
Category
Pocket watch · Stem-set and stem-wind pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Sir John Bennett
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1910
Source-reported place
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 and Dial Construction

The pocket watch is encased in sterling silver and measures 50mm in diameter, excluding the winding stem. The exterior of the watch features a plain finish, while the interior dust cover displays a commemorative engraving featuring a Royal crown motif and the specific title "MAKERS TO THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY." The case back carries hallmarks confirming its assay in London in 1910, alongside identifying marks for the Coventry case maker Thomas Arnott.

The dial is white, designed with black Roman numerals for the hour markers and a precise outer minute track. Time is indicated by black spade-style hands. A secondary, smaller dial for tracking seconds is positioned at the number six location on the face. The watch is accompanied by a silver chain and a decorative fob, all displayed within its original labeled presentation box.

Evidence for this section
  • “The white dial has black Roman numbers and black spade hands.”
  • “There is a seconds dial at the number six position and an outer minute track.”
  • “The inside dust cover is inscribed with a Royal crown and the wording MAKERS TO THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY.”
  • “There are hallmarks inside the two case backs for London 1910 together with a maker's mark for Coventry watch case maker Thomas Arnott.”

Movement and Functionality

The watch utilizes a stem-winding and stem-setting movement. The mechanism is protected within the silver case and is signed by Sir John Bennett, with the address 105 Regent Street, London, noted on the movement components. The auction description characterizes the movement as sparkling and states it has recently been serviced for proper operation.

While specific technical specifications regarding the escapement or jewel count are not provided in the source documentation, the watch is presented as a functional, well-running example of early 20th-century horology.

Evidence for this section
  • “This fine and well running stem set, stem wind pocket watch”
  • “The sparkling movement is signed by the maker Sir John Bennett, 105 Regent Street. London”
  • “This watch has just been serviced.”

Provenance and Presentation

This watch is offered with its original presentation box, which features blue interior velvet and silk lining, stamped with the company name and address. The inclusion of the original box and the associated sterling silver chain and fob serves as a set representing the retail offerings of the Sir John Bennett firm.

The source notes that the firm maintained a significant reputation within British horology, having received multiple Royal Warrants throughout its operation.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch comes in a lovely Sir John Bennett presentation box and is original and is over 100 years old.”
  • “A fine sterling chain with elegant fob is hallmarked and comes with this watch.”
  • “Bennetts had many Royal Warrants over the years annd most famously MAKERS TO THE LATE QUEEN VICTORIA.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement caliber used within the Sir John Bennett case?
  • Are there any additional hallmarks on the chain or fob that provide further clues to the original date of purchase?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Sir John Bennett Sterling Silver Pocket Watch with Chain and Box
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Diameter50mm excluding wind stem“measures 50mm diameter excluding the wind stem”
Case MaterialSterling silver“Sterling silver”
MakerSir John Bennett“signed by the maker Sir John Bennett, 105 Regent Street. London”
Case MakerThomas Arnott“maker's mark for Coventry watch case maker Thomas Arnott”
Hallmark Date1910“hallmarks inside the two case backs for London 1910”
InscriptionsMAKERS TO THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY“The inside dust cover is inscribed with a Royal crown and the wording MAKERS TO THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY.”

Visible details

  • White dial with black Roman numerals and spade hands
  • Subsidiary seconds dial at six o'clock
  • Ornate silver fob with central shield
  • Original presentation box with blue silk and velvet interior

Research qualifications

  • Full contents of the hallmarks beyond the date and maker are not visually verified
  • The service history of the movement is based solely on the vendor description

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

Consulted source

ساعت جیبی نقره استرلینگ Sir John Bennett سال ۱۹۱۰ به همراه زنجیر و جعبه

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 0773f5dff1

Terms in this record

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