Pocket Watch: J W Benson Silver Pocket Watch & Chain

The watch has a Swiss Cyma 15-jewel stem-winding movement which is working nicely. J W Benson originated in 1847, founded by James William Benson and Samuel Suckley Benson. They were regarded as one of Victorian London’s most prestigious retail jewellers and they also manufactured their own watch movements. The company flourished and proudly boasted an elite client base made up of both British and European royalty and a selection of well heeled industrialists and business figures including the King of Siam, the King of Portugal, the King of Denmark, the Emperor of Japan, the Tsar of Russia and the King of Greece. J W Benson also supplied watches to Queen Victoria and the Prince of Wales. As with many watch manufacturers, J W Benson embraced the newly introduced wristwatch during the first World War. Up until this point, the company was still manufacturing its own movements in the UK but after its factory at Belle Sauvage Yard was hit during a bombing raid in 1914, it purchased mechanisms from a number of quality movement producers in Switzerland, including Cyma. The movement is protected by an inner hinged cover. The watch measures 49mm diameter excluding the winding stem and the loop. The case is silver and is hallmarked inside both of the back covers for London 1932 with a maker’s mark for J W Benson. The case is in good condition, a couple of small “dings” to the side and the merest hint of unevenness to the back, nothing serious at all. The glass lens and signed dial are in lovely condition (a little white reflection showing in the photo). The watch comes with a single silver chain hallmarked for 1899 with a maker’s mark for the Birmingham silversmith E Whitehouse. The chain measures 27cm long including the T-bar and the clasp. There is also a 1908 silver fob. The watch and chain come in a new presentation box. All prices include UK postage (excluding Northern Ireland). Please contact us before placing international orders so that we can advise of shipping prices and to see if customs regulations allow us to post watches to your country. The international buyer is responsible for paying any import duties and taxes. All of our watches are checked over before listing, and are also checked for accuracy which is usually within around +/- two to three minutes over 24 hours (unless otherwise stated), which is considered respectable for a vintage watch. We are a Vat registered company and all purchases are covered by Consumer Regulations. Credit / debit card purchases can be made over the telephone on 01386 750238 or you can proceed via the red 'Buy Now' button on each listing page. We are an on-line only business and do not have facilities for callers. Our offices are open from Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. With regards to appraisals / valuations, we receive a huge number of information requests each day and unfortunately do not have the manpower to deal with them all individually. Our advice would be to contact a local auctioneer for a full appraisal.