This is an absolutely beautiful pocket watch with a fine silver case in fabulous structural condition. There is smoothing of the engine turning on the case back due to the softness of the pure silver case. The push button and spring for the caseback are in good working condition and the signed dust cover is a firm fit to the mid section.
Beneath the dust cover is a fantastic full finger jewelled lever movement. I have just serviced the movement and it is in excellent condition. The watch is fully running and is on test. Early indications show it has a slight gain of about a minute over 24 hours with the regulator straight down the middle. I will continue to run the watch and reduce the gain.
The enamel dial is generally good. You can make out some damage under the 13:00 numeral but it is not noticeable at the kind of distance you would use this watch at. The hands are original and appear to be fine.
The case retains its original mineral crystal which appears to be in very good nick considering its age.
The bow has some wobble to it. It may be possible to eradicate it.
It is known that JB Yabsley left the employment of JW Benson in 1877 when he opened his own shop at 72 Ludgate Hill. The Lion silver mark was introduced in 1882 so we can be fairly sure that the watch was retailed between 1877-1881.
A JB Yabsley pocket watch was worn by Cornelius Fudge in the Harry Potter movie franchise.
