Rotherhams Silver Pocket Watch for Russells, 1896

An antique silver “Time O Day” pocket watch made by Rotherham for Russells Ltd with silver chain.

Rotherham were often considered to be the best English "volume" maker although their production was small in comparison with the large American and Swiss makers. Rotherham's later diversified into cycle and auto parts with watch manufacturing ceasing in the 1930s. 

Russell's Ltd, 'Makers to the late Queen,' were one of the largest and most important Liverpool watch manufacturers of the second half of the 19th century, and also retailers of other English, Swiss and American watches.

This particular watch has a ¾ plate stem winding movement which is working nicely. The movement is signed “Time O Day”, Russells Limited, Makers to the Queen, 18 Church Street, Liverpool. The movement is protected by an inner hinged cover.

The watch itself measures 50mm diameter excluding the winding stem and the loop. The case is silver and there are hallmarks inside both of the case backs for Birmingham 1896 together with the maker’s mark JR for John Rotherham of Rotherham & Sons. The case has a little unevenness to the back but overall is in very nice condition for such an early piece. There is an elaborate monogram to the back of the watch.

The watch glass has minor marking, and a couple of chips to the bevelled edge but overall very acceptable.

The signed white enamel dial is in lovely condition. The hands are initially pin-set (which means that the little button next to the winding stem is pressed while the hands are moved clockwise to initially set the time).

The watch comes with an antique single silver chain, 31cm long including the T-bar and the clasp, and a 1903 silver fob with rose gold wash highlights. The back of the fob is engraved with the initials BSFA 1903-4. The total weight of the chain and fob is 39g.

The watch will be sent in a new presentation box.

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All of our watches are checked over before listing, and are also checked for accuracy which is usually within around +/- two to three minutes over 24 hours (unless otherwise stated), which is considered respectable for a vintage watch.

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