Sir John Bennett Sterling Silver Pocket Watch with Chain and Box
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1910
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.
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
- Stem-set and stem-wind pocket watch
- Maker
- Sir John Bennett
- Diameter
- 50mm excluding wind stem
- Case Maker
- Thomas Arnott
- Inscriptions
- MAKERS TO THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY
- Case Material
- Sterling silver
- Hallmark Date
- 1910
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Maker / attribution
- Sir John Bennett
Design
- Visible features
- • 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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: Full contents of the hallmarks beyond the date and maker are not visually verified
- Research required: The service history of the movement is based solely on the vendor description