Bowles Ltd

10/06/2026

A recent arrival in the workshop – an 1892 Hampden Watch Co. "Special Adjusted" pocket watch.

Housed in a beautifully engraved Fahys Montauk gold-filled case, this is one of those pieces that really stands out from the crowd. The highly detailed casework, crisp enamel dial and high-grade 17 jewel railroad-grade movement make it a fascinating survivor from the golden age of American watchmaking.

The watch winds, sets and runs well, and remains in remarkably original condition for its age.

We've handled plenty of Hampden, Waltham and Elgin pocket watches over the years, but examples with a case quite like this are rarely seen.

What do you think – would you carry a pocket watch today?

10/06/2026

One of the more unusual pieces to pass through the workshop recently.

This antique double-sided chronograph pocket watch features a traditional time dial on one side and a stopwatch display on the other, with part of the chronograph mechanism visible beneath the dial.

Engraved "A.J.A. White", the previous owner believed it was carried during the Boer War. We have found records for two men with those initials who served during the conflict, but unfortunately no evidence that conclusively links the watch to either individual.

Regardless of its history, it's a fascinating piece of horological engineering and remains in good working order over a century later.

21/05/2026

Waltham Military Pocket Watch – Model 1908 – Dec 1942

21/05/2026

Another fascinating piece fresh in - an American Waltham military pocket watch dating to December 1942.

This is a Model 1908, Grade 1609, produced during the height of WWII and built with the reliability and precision that made Waltham one of America’s most respected watchmakers.

The watch is currently in working order and remains a fantastic example of wartime engineering, with all the character and honest wear you’d expect from a genuine military timepiece over 80 years old.

A superb collector’s piece with real historical presence. Now available at Bowles Ltd.

Description:A very attractive and increasingly collectible Waltham military pocket watch dating to December 1942. This example features the sought-after black military-style dial with luminous Arabic numerals and subsidiary seconds, housed in a robust screw-front and screw-back Keystone base metal c...

21/05/2026

Just arrived - a beautiful Victorian silver pocket watch by the renowned London maker J.W. Benson.

This particular example is “The Ludgate Watch”, hallmarked London 1887, and still running well over 130 years later.

One of the most interesting features is the presentation engraving inside the case, showing it was gifted to Sergt. J. Vince by the band of the 1st Battalion South Stafford Regiment as a mark of esteem upon his departure from the regiment.

A lovely piece of Victorian craftsmanship and military history combined.

Now available at Bowles Ltd.

Description:A beautiful and historically interesting antique silver pocket watch by the renowned London maker J.W. Benson, hallmarked for London 1887. This watch features Benson’s patented “The Ludgate Watch” movement and remains in good working order. The watch has a classic white enamel dial...

12/04/2026

Vintage Gruen Precision 65 Jewels Automatic Watch - 10K RGP Gold Plated - c.1960's

10/04/2026

New stock...
Vintage Juvenia Cal. 612 Watch - 17 Jewels - Swiss - c.1960s - Working

09/04/2026

New in...
Antique Waltham Full Hunter Pocket Watch – Gold Plated – Dennison Case – 1924 – Working

09/04/2026

Just arrived...
Antique IWC Schaffhausen Silver Pocket Watch - c.1911 - Swiss Made - Working

22/03/2026