J.W. Benson Sterling Silver Pocket Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1891
Maker / issuer
J.W. BensonThis J.W. Benson pocket watch is a key-wound and key-set open-faced timepiece produced in 1891. The watch features a sterling silver case measuring 50mm in diameter, manufactured by the Dennison Watch Case Company.
The white enamel dial displays black Roman numerals, black spade pointers, and a subsidiary seconds dial located at the six o'clock position. The movement is a 15-jewel caliber, inscribed with the signature "J W Benson, BEST LONDON MAKE, 62 & 64 Ludgate Hill, London," and features a dust cover for protection. The case back is finished with engine-turned detailing and incorporates a blank cartouche. The timepiece is accompanied by an original J.W.
Benson watch key. The auction description notes the movement is Swiss-made and the watch is in fine running condition.
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
- Open-faced pocket watch
- Maker
- J.W. Benson
- Material
- Sterling silver
- Case diameter
- 50mm
- Hallmark date
- 1891
- Place recorded
- Britain
- Movement jewels
- 15 jewels
- Case manufacturer
- Dennison Watch Case Company
- Maker / attribution
- J.W. Benson
Design
- Case and Dial
- The watch is housed in an open-faced sterling silver case with a diameter of 50mm. The exterior of the case back is decorated with engine-turned patterning and features a central cartouche left blank for personalization. The case was manufactured in Britain by the Dennison Watch Case Company. The dial is composed of white enamel and displays black Roman numerals for the primary time indication. It features black spade-style hands and a subsidiary seconds dial situated at the six o'clock position. The dial is signed with the maker's name and location, "J.W. Benson, London."
- Visible features
- • Case features engine-turned detailing on the back with a blank cartouche • Movement is signed "The Ludgate Watch" and "Patent No 4658" • Dial includes "J.W. Benson London" signature • Movement features a "Fast/Slow" regulator adjustment
- Movement and Mechanism
- The watch utilizes a key-wind and key-set mechanism. According to the auction description, the movement is of Swiss origin. It is a 15-jewel movement protected by an internal metal dust cover. The movement plate is engraved with the designation "The Ludgate Watch" alongside the J.W. Benson name and address at Ludgate Hill, London. The inscription also references a patent number 4658 and the statement "By Warrant to H.M. The Queen."
- Condition and Accoutrements
- The auction description reports that the pocket watch is in fine running condition. The silver case is described as being in very good condition, noting that the engine-turned detailing remains crisp. The timepiece includes an original J.W. Benson branded watch key. The watch is depicted in a box labeled "Goldsmiths Company, Newcastle upon Tyne," though the listing focuses on the watch itself as the catalogued object.
Identification
- Serial number
- 94267
- 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 source claims the movement is "Swiss made" while the dial and movement plates feature "London" or "Best London Make" inscriptions
- Research required: The listing states "Full and clear hallmarks" but the specific assay office mark is not detailed in the text