1930s J W Benson Chronograph Pocket Watch

1930s J W Benson chronograph pocket watch.

The watch has a Swiss Universal movement which is working nicely. The movement is signed J W Benson, London.

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 originally 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.

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 such as the Universal that we have here.

The movement is protected by an inner hinged cover which has some short scratches where it has been opened in the past.

The watch measures 50mm diameter excluding the winding stem and the loop. The case is chrome plated. There is a very slight indentation to the back and general surface marks from use but nothing too serious at all.

The acrylic lens is in good condition.

The dial is in lovely original condition with original hands, a 30 minute register at 12 o'clock and a constant seconds dial and 6 o'clock.

The watch comes in a handsome original J W Benson presentation box.

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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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