Featured in this lot are two, Westclox 'Pocket Ben' pocket watches from 1917 and 1930. The Western Clock Company, subsequently known as Westclox, was a major American timepiece maker having its roots in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries' industrial growth. The company was founded in Peru, Illinois, in 1885 as the United Clock Company, but after experiencing financial difficulties, it restructured as the Western Clock Manufacturing Company in 1888. In 1912, it was reincorporated as the Western Clock Company, and by 1916, the company had formally trademarked the term "Westclox," which had become synonymous with its goods. Westclox established a reputation for making low-cost, long-lasting watches, propelling it to the forefront of the "dollar watch" trend. These modest, affordable timepieces were made with low-cost materials and movements (sometimes with only one jewel), but they were dependable enough for daily use. In 1931, Westclox combined with the Seth Thomas Clock Company to form the General Time Corporation, strengthening its stronghold in the American timekeeping market. Westclox, like many other manufacturers, changed their focus to military timing devices and equipment during World War II, receiving recognition for its achievements. However, like many American manufacturers, the company struggled with competition from inexpensive imports in the 1970s and 1980s. After multiple ownership changes and eventual decline, the original Westclox plant in Peru, Illinois, closed. The first and older variation is the 1927-1929 Pocket Ben Style 1A (non-luminous) showing a more yellow colored face with black numbers and hands. The face reads, "Westclox Pocket Ben". The second and newer variation of the second Pocket Ben is the Pocket Ben style 5 12-53 (No. 624). This is the non-luminous style. It shows a silver-gray face with black numbers and hands. This one comes in its original box with the original instructions. Both pocket watches show good condition overall with slight wear present from their age and use over the years, but no major signs of damage noted. Both watches can be wound, move the dial hands and tick. They measure 2 5/8" L x 2" W x 1" D and have a collective weight of 5 ounces. Provenance: From the Tombstone Western Heritage Museum in Tombstone, Arizona. C42