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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Wristwatch

Wristwatch presented to John Henry Baker

Partially verified

This wrist watch was presented to John Henry Baker, an office clerk in the Accounts Branch of MacRobertson's Pty Ltd, on 3 November 1941. The presentation marked his departure at age 21 to serve in the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II. The timepiece features a circular face and is fitted with a dark brown, textured leather band featuring a metal buckle. The watch case back bears an engraved inscription recording the recipient's name, the source of the gift, and the presentation date. The watch, part of the Museum Victoria collection, is accompanied by archival records detailing its history of ownership and the specific workplace context of the MacRobertson confectionery company in Fitzroy, Melbourne, during the early years of the Second World War.

A wristwatch with a worn leather strap and sub-seconds dial, presented to John Henry Baker in 1941.
A wristwatch with a worn leather strap and sub-seconds dial, presented to John Henry Baker in 1941. — Museums Victoria. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collections.museumsvictoria.com.au
Category
Wristwatch · Wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Cyma
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
HT 47481
Source-reported date
1941
Source-reported place
Not established

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 dial includes a smaller sub-seconds dial positioned at the 6 o'clock marker, which sits recessed within the primary face.

The exterior of the watch case is metallic. On the reverse, the case back has been personalized with a professional engraving. This indicates that the object was customized specifically for the presentation event held at the MacRobertson's workplace in Fitzroy.

Evidence for this section
  • “Wrist watch with circular face”
  • “On back, engraved: 'J.H. BAKER. / From Office Staff / MacRobertson's / 3.11.41'”

Strap and Wear

The object is fitted with a brown leather strap that shows signs of extensive handling and age. The leather exhibits a textured, somewhat distressed surface finish, consistent with a strap that has been worn over time. It is secured to the wrist by a metal buckle and accompanying metal keeper loops.

The source identifies specific degradation on the band, noting the presence of verdigree—a greenish pigment often associated with the oxidation of copper-based metals when in contact with organic materials or sweat—located near the connection point between the strap and the watch casing.

Evidence for this section
  • “worn leather band with metal buckle”
  • “Verdigree on back of strap near watch face”

Provenance and Historical Context

The provenance of the watch is tied to the industrial history of MacRobertson's Pty Ltd, a prominent confectionery manufacturer in Melbourne. John Henry Baker served as an office clerk in the company’s Accounts Branch between 1937 and 1941.

It was gifted to Baker by his office colleagues as a gesture of support upon his enlistment in the Royal Australian Air Force at the age of 21. This event is documented not only by the engraving on the watch itself but also through accompanying records of the gifts he received, including books signed by the company's founder, Macpherson Robertson.

Evidence for this section
  • “Watch on leather band presented to MacRobertson Pty Ltd employee John Henry Baker”
  • “Baker, aged 21, was leaving to serve in the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement caliber housed within this case?
  • Does the case internal hallmarks provide confirmation of the production year or origin?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Wristwatch presented to John Henry Baker
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Registration NumberHT 47481“Registration number: HT 47481”
RecipientJohn Henry Baker“Presented To, name: Mr John H. Baker”
EngravingJ.H. BAKER. / From Office Staff / MacRobertson's / 3.11.41“On back, engraved: 'J.H. BAKER. / From Office Staff / MacRobertson's / 3.11.41'”
Presentation Date3 November 1941“3 November 1941”
ConditionWorn leather strap with verdigree“worn leather band with metal buckle. Verdigree on back of strap near watch face.”

Visible details

  • Circular watch dial with a sub-seconds indicator at the 6 o'clock position.
  • Dark, textured brown leather strap with visible surface wear.
  • Metallic buckle and strap loops visible on the leather band.
  • The name 'CYMA' is faintly visible on the watch dial.

Research qualifications

  • The specific caliber or movement details are not provided in the source.
  • The exact material composition of the watch case is not documented.

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

Consulted source

Watch - Gift to J.H. Baker, MacRobertson Pty Ltd, 3 Nov 1941

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 8b297de99b

Terms in this record

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

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