A 1930s J W Benson Gold Wrist Watch

A 1930s J W Benson gold wrist watch.

The watch is very similar in design to the famous Rolex Oyster which was used in Mercedes Gleitze’s cross-Channel challenge in 1927. Rolex capitalised on the fact that the watch was still working perfectly even after a 10 hour swim and it was highly advertised, perhaps inspiring other watch manufacturers to produce something similar.

This particular watch has a Swiss hand-winding movement, Cyma ref 032 with 15 jewels, which is working nicely. The movement is protected by an inner hinged cover.

The watch measures 29mm wide excluding the winding crown and 29mm high excluding the lugs… it would suit a gentleman with a slimmer wrist or it could be worn by a lady. The case is 9 carat gold and there are hallmarks inside the case back for Glasgow (import mark), 1936, together with a sponsor’s mark for J W Benson (as the importer of the watch), and a case maker’s mark for François Borgel. There are also various patent details including a 1932 British patent for improvements to fluid tight cases although, as with any vintage watch, it should be kept away from water or moisture… this patent was applied for under the names of various members of the Taubert family who bought the Borgel business but wanted to improve the waterproof designs. The case is in very nice condition with just minor marking.

The lens has light marks which are barely visible to the naked eye.

The white enamel dial is signed J W Benson, London. Benson was a high class retailer who proudly boasted an elite client base made up of both British and European royalty and a selection of well heeled industrialists and business. There is a hairline crack running between 10 and 4, and a couple of other shorter hairline cracks but they are not too noticeable to the naked eye.

A new black 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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