Sir John Bennett Sterling Silver Pocket Watch and Albert Chain
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1882
This sterling silver pocket watch is attributed to the London-based watchmaker Sir John Bennett, with the source indicating an origin in Chester, 1882. The watch features a white enamel dial with Roman numerals and a subsidiary seconds hand.
The inner dust cover is engraved with the maker's signature, "John Bennett, MAKER TO THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY," alongside his London address. The watch utilizes a top-winding mechanism and a side-pin for time setting. It is housed in a 50mm sterling silver case, which includes an inner dust protection cover. The watch is presented with a double silver Albert chain, which the source dates to approximately 1900. The set comprises the pocket watch and the associated chain, reflecting the specifications provided in the original vendor listing.
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
- Dial
- White enamel
- Type
- Stem-wind pocket watch
- Maker
- Sir John Bennett
- Origin
- Chester, 1882
- Movement
- 15 Jewel
- Case size
- 50mm
- Signature
- John Bennett, Maker to the Royal Observatory
- Chain date
- circa 1900
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Maker / attribution
- Sir John Bennett
Design
- Case and Dial
- The pocket watch is housed in a sterling silver case measuring 50mm in diameter. The exterior is described as silver, featuring an inner dust protection cover that houses the internal mechanics. The watch is wound via a crown located at the top of the case, and time adjustments are performed using a pin positioned on the side of the case. The dial surface is white enamel, marked with black Roman numerals and accompanied by blue steel hands. A smaller dial for a 60-second sweep is positioned at the bottom of the main dial. The crystal protecting the dial is noted to have a bezelled edge.
- Visible features
- • White enamel dial with black Roman numerals and small sweep 60-second hand • Engraving on the inner cover: 'MAKER TO THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY' • Top winding crown and side-set pin • 50mm diameter watch case
- Signatures and Inscriptions
- The watch displays specific engravings that identify the maker and his professional associations. The inner dust cover is inscribed with the name "John Bennett, MAKER TO THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY." These engravings serve as the primary identifiers for the maker and the place of origin.
- Associated Chain and Condition
- The ensemble includes a double silver Albert chain which the vendor dates to approximately 1900. This chain, which measures 9 inches in length, features hallmarked links, a T-bar, and fasteners. The vendor identifies the watch as having been meticulously preserved in excellent condition. The vendor reports that the watch movement is clean and functional. The case hinges are described as remaining in perfect condition, and the watch crystal is described as clear.
Identification
- 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: Source mentions Chester hallmarks but provides no photographic evidence of hallmarks
- Research required: The Albert chain is dated to circa 1900 while the watch is dated to 1882, indicating they are not a contemporary set