Vintage London Hallmarked Silver J. W. BENSON Pocket Watch Dated 1937
Item History & Price
Here For Auction is a Beautiful Vintage, London Hallmarked Silver Swiss Pocket Watch By J. W. Benson, Dated 1892.James William Benson (12 April 1826 ? 7 October 1878) was an English scientific instrument maker and watchmaker who had an excellent reputation in London in the late nineteenth century. He was born in Reading, Berkshire, England the son of William Benson and Phoebe Suckley.J.W. Benson Ltd was a highly regarded London watch/clockmakers and gold/silve...rsmiths who traded between 1847 and 1973.The Benson family had been watchmakers since 1749 and throughout its history, J.W. Benson Ltd was official watchmaker to the Admiralty & the War Department and also held a number of royal warrants, being watchmakers to Queen Victoria, the Prince of Wales, the Tsar of Russia and several other royal families.The company's premises were: Cornhill (1847?64), Ludgate Hill (1854-1937), Old Bond Street (1872-3), Royal Exchange (1892-1937) and their original workshop was at 4-5 Horseshoe Court (at the rear of their Ludgate Hill premises). In 1892 it became a limited company and moved to their new 'steam' factory at 38 Belle Sauvage Yard.
J. W. Benson Ltd continued until 1973 at which time the name was sold to the Royal jewellers, Garrards.
This lovely Swiss (assembled and fitted in England) silver open face pocket watch No. 680377 has a London Hallmark "B" (1937) 0.925 silver, The case is in exceptional condition with no bad dings or scratches, The hinges and catches are good so the covers open and close perfectly, it has very little pocket wear. The original mineral glass is very near perfect. The lovely pure white dial signed - J.W.Benson. London. is very good with no stains, scratches or hairlines, It has gold spear and whip hands and black Roman numerals with outer minute track and a sub seconds dial at 6 o'clock, The watch measures 50 mm across. The Makers Mark is -- J.W.B. for James William Benson, Watch Maker of Ludgate Hill, London. Registered 1875.
It has a full plate 15 jewel Swiss movement Signed -- J.W.Benson. and with Swiss lever escapement is running very well and keeping good time. Please Note-- as this watch is nearly 100 years old there is no guarantee on time keeping.
Another lovely 82 Year Old Collectors Watch. Working very well and is in excellent condition.