Wristwatch presented to John Henry Baker
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1941
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.
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
- Hand-wound wristwatch
- Condition
- Worn leather strap with verdigree
- Engraving
- J.H. BAKER. / From Office Staff / MacRobertson's / 3.11.41
- Recipient
- John Henry Baker
- Presentation Date
- 3 November 1941
- Maker / attribution
- Cyma
- Registration Number
- HT 47481
Design
- 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.
- Visible features
- • 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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: The specific caliber or movement details are not provided in the source.
- Research required: The exact material composition of the watch case is not documented.