1940s 9ct Smiths Wrist Watch Made for J W Benson

A 1940s 9 carat Smiths wrist watch made for J W Benson.

The watch has a 15-jewel hand-winding movement, made in England by Smiths. It is signed with the J W Benson name and is working nicely.

J W Benson was a highly regarded watch maker and retailer who was based in London and traded from 1847 to the early 1970s. The company held various royal warrants including watch maker to Queen Victoria, the Prince of Wales, the Tsar of Russia and several other royal families.

During the first World War, the Benson factory was bombed and thousands of clocks and watches were destroyed. From then on, Benson was purely a retailer who used high quality Swiss movements and also English movements from Smiths.

The watch measures 30mm diameter excluding the winding crown and the lugs. Although designed to be a man’s watch, it is of smaller proportions and would suit someone with a slimmer wrist. The case is 9 carat gold and there are hallmarks inside the case back for Birmingham 1948, with a maker’s mark for the England based watch case maker Aaron Dennison. There is a 1949 presentation inscription to the back of the watch.

The case and lens are both in good condition.

The signed dial has some marking, mainly around the edge, but the distinctive hour hand gives it great character.

A new leather strap has been fitted.

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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.

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