Fine & Very Rare Antique, circa 1861 Open Face Pocket Watch 
made by one of the most important watchmakers of the XIX century in England - Sir John Bennett, who was a Maker to the Royal Observatory 
 
The watch is crafted in 18ct Yellow Gold,
measuring 48mm 
It has a stunning dial, made in Solid Gold, decorated in floral motif, with black Roman numerals 
The inside of the back cover bears English hallmarks, stamped 18K, London and numbered 9517
The inside in inscribed Maker of the Royal Observatory Bennett 65 & 64 Cheapside & The City Observatory 62 Cornhill London
The movement is in excellent condition, hallmarked & numbered 9517
The watch is accompanied by 2 winding keys 
Total weight of the watch only: 46gr (approx)
 
Sir John Bennett was born in 1814 and the son of John Bennett, the Watchmaker in Greenwich. 
In 1846 he started his own business as goldsmith and watchmaker at 65 & 64 Cheapside.
The watchmaker became a Freeman of the City of London in 1849 and was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. 
Sir John Bennett was a regular supplier to the English Royal Household and received Royal warrants between 1847-1851 and 1858-1893. 
He received his knighthood in 1872 to celebrate the recovery of the Prince of Wales from Typhoid & also received the Knight of the Legion of Honour in 1878 and the Knight of the Greek Royal Order of the Redeemer in 1880. 
Charles Dickens owned one of Sir John's clocks and it is on show at the Dickens House in London.
 
This watch is in great condition & in excellent working order 
Being a stunning example of this type and age, it’s an ultimate collector’s item.