John Forrest, London 43mm 7J key wind pocket watch #132632, case is hallmarked for Sterling silver (lion), Birmingham (anchor) and 1897 (gothic lower case "y"), C.H.E. maker mark & serial #293 F, elegant gilt full plate movement with sculpted pillars, a brushed finish and a removable brass dust cover, silver-toned metal single sunk (SS) dial with detailed floral engraving in the center, black Roman numerals, ball minute markers and a subsidiary seconds register with a matte & polished concentric circle finishing, dial has a few light scratches and some light patina along with a few small defects around some of the numerals, blue steel spade style hands, impressive Sterling silver swing out (SRC) case with offset hinges, engine turning around the blank fancy round monogram shield, coin edge frame, extra large heavy bow and an extra thick glass crystal, case is showing normal even wear with a few small dents on the back bezel & frame, a few small spots of darker patina and a small flake on the edge of the crystal, measures approx. 51mm in diameter x 73mm in length x 20mm thick (crystal included).
This watch does have a bit of conflict on the markings against the John Forrest active years (1857-1871); English watches during the mid-1800's thru the early 1900's had quite a bit of crossover between case makers, watchmakers and the Swiss movements that were imported. We are unable to find documentation on this exact, non-fusee movement to the John Forrest name, however it is likely some watches were continued to be produced after his death in 1871 that were still marked with his name. We can confirm the hallmarking on the case is in line with established English hallmarks and suggest using those as a baseline for any future research for the watch being finished in 1897. A handsome, heavy silver English key wind watch from the 1890s in excellent overall condition!
- Year Made: 1897
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Company:
John Forrest
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Movement Size:
3343mm
- Jewels: 217J
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Setting/Movement Type:
key wind
- Serial #: 132632
- Movement Finish: gilt
- Dial Material: metal
- Dial Color: silver
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Dial Details:
floral engraved detail
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Hand Style:
spade & whip
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Case Style:
swing-out
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Case Material:
Silver - Sterling/Solid
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Case Details:
extra-thick glass crystal, offset hinges
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Case Width/Diameter:
51mm (2.01 inches)
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Case Length, bow included:
73mm (2.87 inches)
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Case Thickness:
20mm (0.79 inches)
- Crystal Material: glass
- Misc. Info: John Forrest
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Condition:
Excellent
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Gender:
Gentlemen's
This watch is in good running condition, unless otherwise noted in the description. This means that on receipt, pending any item-specific running conditions noted in the description, you can expect the watch to be winding and setting properly and to run smoothly while keeping reasonable time. We consider "reasonable time" to meet these basic guidelines:
- Railroad Grade Watches will be keeping +/- 5 minutes per day
- Pocket and Wrist Watches with 15 or more jewels will be keeping +/- 10 minutes per day
- All key wind watches and watches with 14 or fewer jewels will be keeping +/- 15 minutes per day
The above guideline is the lowest standard in which we would ship out a watch, however in most cases, you will see much better timekeeping. Most of our watches have been in storage for many years, so if you plan on carrying/wearing them everyday, you should consider having them cleaned and oiled soon, and then once a year thereafter to keep them in top running condition. If the watches will be for occasional use or display, they should be cleaned and serviced every 3 to 5 years depending on use.
As of November 23rd, 2025, we are not offering a cleaning and service option through PM Time Service. While we do hope to offer this again in the future, we are unfortunately unable to meet customer requests for watch servicing at this time. Please note that, unless otherwise mentioned within the "Full Description" tab, this watch is being sold in good running condition and is ready to wear or carry on arrival.
This watch comes complete with an appropriate, intact glass crystal; however, on request PM Time Service can replace the current crystal on this pocket watch for you. We offer a number of new and vintage crystal choices for pocket watches; you can select your desired choice from the dropdown menu below.
Please note that the average turnaround time for all pocket watch crystal replacements will be two days from the placement of the order.
Contact us with any further questions or for an estimate on any shipping delays.
Please note: if you add this watch with a crystal and/or band exchange option to your
shopping cart but later change your mind on the crystal and/or band selection type, you'll need to remove the watch from the cart in order to make a new selection. Once that is done, you can return to this page and add that new crystal and/or band combination to the cart. We apologize for the limitations to our system that prevent you from making that change within the shopping cart.
Unlike modern quartz watches, most vintage watches need daily winding in order to keep the watch functioning for timekeeping. Additionally, there are a number of different ways to set the time other than simply pulling the crown away from the watch body. We are happy to provide an overview of each of the different setting types on our
"How To Use" page, where we also provide information on proper winding techniques for each style and some suggestions for the proper long term care and storage of your watch.
Please note: an appropriate winding and setting key (or keys) is included in the listed price for this item. Unless otherwise noted in the Full Description, the key is not original to the watch.
For your gift giving convenience, please find a consolidated overview of the information on this item, with no reference to the price, on this
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