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The following seems to be a likely explanation...

The watch movement (by its serial number) was made in 1876.
It may, or may not, have originally been housed in a gold case.
Perhaps the original case became damaged?
In 1901 a new gold case was made for this movement in Chester.
The Chester case maker, stamped the case with the same serial number as the movement. (Because it was made for that movement).
The finished case was then assayed in Chester.

This would explain the Chester hallmarks for 1901.

Thank you all so much for your help. Well done team!
Regards
Philip

Thank you Josey for your interesting suggestion.

Could there have been a repair made in Chester in 1901?

The hallmarks are stamped in to a gold item by the Assay Office just after its manufacture as proof of its purity and origin. In this case, 18ct gold British made.

I appreciate your input
Philip

Hello
I am the 2xgreat grandson of William Bent Watchmaker 1823-1917.
I have spent many years collecting photos and compiling details of any William Bent watches which still exist across the World today. (See my blog William Bent Watchmaker)
Most recently, William Bent serial number #15063 thanks to Douglas in San Francisco.
A beautiful full-hunter, 18ct solid gold, keyless, sweep centre seconds chronograph.
Discovered after spending the last 70 years in a drawer.
However, this watch hides a mystery that I hope you will be able to help me with to solve this enigma.
According to my records, all William Bent watches were hallmarked in London.
Serial number 15063 (which appears on both case and movement) lies between #13506 (hallmarked with date letter for 1874) and #16581 (hallmarked with date letter for 1879). Therefore it is not surprising to see the capital "A" date letter (for 1876). Except, The capital "A" on this watch is the wrong font. It is not a font used by London, but in fact the Chester Assay Office???
The city hallmark on this watch is for the Chester Assay Office. (never before seen on a William Bent watch).
If you refer to the Chester hallmark chart, this particular font does not represent 1876. So now I am really confused.
The second photo shows the hallmarks that were expected.
The last photo shows the hallmarks on this watch???
Any light you can throw on this puzzle would be greatly appreciated.
Philip

Thanks for the explanation of Special Licence JM.
Isabella is listed as a spinster on marriage entry.
Does that mean that her new husband was a widower?
Or was it just a precaution?
I must look for a previous marriage for him.
Thanks
Philip