Westclox Pocket Ben with Lighted Dial Confusion

**sbex55** · 04-30-2012, 08:04 AM

Hello. I have a Pocket Ben with a Lighted Dial. I'm trying to determine the production date. Here are some pictures:

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I believe the production date is 1949 since a '49' is stamped on the second lower plate. I'm confused because this watch seems to use a watch battery to energize the light (which is missing). Watch batteries were invented in the 1950's but the '49' has me confused. What do I have wrong?

Thanks,

Scott.

**Jim Haney** · 04-30-2012, 08:14 AM

scott,
The 49 is not the date. They stopped stamping the date on the top plate in the 50's, it was the month and 2 digits for the year.

The small diode light is missing on your watch. It is a small tube light that sticks thru the hole by the 6 and when the button is pressed lights up the dial from the front as the dial is metal coated with paper.

**sbex55** · 04-30-2012, 08:23 AM

Now it makes sense. Thank you Jim!

Scott.

**PW Collector** · 04-30-2012, 11:07 AM

Scott,
You are also missing the plastic plate with the metal contact to the battery. Mine is missing the battery, but somewhere I read where it takes a LR44 or SR44 battery. Attached are pictures of mine.
Dave