J.W. Benson Silver Pocket Watch with Albert Chain and Fob
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1891
Maker / issuer
J.W. BensonThis J.W. Benson pocket watch, dated to 1891, is constructed with a solid silver case measuring 66mm in diameter. It features a white dial with black Roman numerals, gold-colored hands, and a subsidiary seconds dial.
The movement is engraved "The Ludgate Watch, J.W. Benson, Patent No. 4658, Best London Make, Warrant to H.M. The Queen, Ludgate Hill, London." The watch includes an inner movement cover and the original winding key. It is accompanied by a silver Albert chain weighing 44 grams, dated 1901, and a Victorian silver fob with a gold center, dated 1897. The auction description reports the watch is in functional condition. The case includes a plain cartouche and strong hinges.
The back of the case exhibits minimal age-related dent marks.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Key-wind pocket watch
- Maker
- J.W. Benson
- Diameter
- 66mm
- Condition
- The auction description reports the watch is in functional condition
- Date of fob
- 1897
- Chain weight
- 44 grams
- Date of chain
- 1901
- Date of watch
- 1891
- Place recorded
- England
- Movement signature
- The Ludgate Watch, J.W. Benson, Patent No. 4658, Best London Make, Warrant to H.M. The Queen, Ludgate Hill, London
- Maker / attribution
- J.W. Benson
Design
- Case and Dial
- The silver case features a plain cartouche design. The construction incorporates strong hinges and a secure top loop for attachment of the chain. Inside the case, there is an inner movement cover. The back of the case exhibits a small number of age-related dent marks, which the source describes as minimal. The white dial displays black Roman numerals for the hours and gold-colored hands. A subsidiary dial provides a small sweep second hand, marked with a 60-second scale. The dial is reported as being in pristine condition.
- Chain and Fob
- The ensemble is completed by a substantial silver Albert chain and a Victorian-style fob. The chain weighs 44 grams and is documented as fully hallmarked, with a manufacturing date attributed to 1901. The fob features a central gold element and is dated 1897. Both the chain and fob are integrated into the display with the watch, serving as accompanying elements of the set.
- Visible features
- • Subsidiary seconds dial with 60-second markings • Engraved movement signature with patent information • Albert chain attached to top loop • Victorian fob with gold center element
- Movement and Signatures
- The watch movement is signed with the brand and specific model designation, reading "The Ludgate Watch" alongside "J.W. Benson" and the patent number 4658. The engraving also denotes the maker as the "Best London Make" and includes the warrant statement to H.M. Queen Victoria. The movement operates as a key-wind system, and the listing confirms that the original watch key is included with the object.
Identification
- Serial number
- 7556
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The exact chronological origin of the movement components cannot be independently verified from markings
- Research required: The stated year of 1891 is attributed by the source