Benson Pocket Watch

[Robert_Antiques]

Picture

[Oliver Mundy]

The firm of J. W. Benson dates from 1847 and occupied the Ludgate Hill premises from 1877 until 1941. In 1889 they took over another old-established business, Hunt & Roskell, which had links with the famous early 19th century silversmith Paul Storr. Benson's products ranged from Swiss imports, merely badged by the company, to repeaters and other luxury watches of English make, sometimes made in the company's own factory; these were very highly regarded and helped to make keyless watches acceptable in the very conservative British market. This is probably an English watch, made either by Bensons themselves or by P. & A. Guye of Grays Inn Road. The case would probably have been made by an entirely unrelated Liverpool firm also named Benson. The size suggests a ladies' model.

The Watch Cabinet (http://www.horologia.co.uk)
N.A.W.C.C. member 0160000

[Robert_Antiques]

Thank You Oliver for the information,Yes it is a Ladies Pendant style watch . Did you look at the picture.
Robert

[David Penney]

Just a short note concerning the 'JWB' stamp in the case. The firm of J W Benson were large enough at this date to insist that the casemaker's to whom they subcontracted work use their, that is J W Benson's stamp. It became 'JWBLd'

The fact that the case is 18ct and has an English, as opposed to a Swiss, movement suggests this is one of the better quality women's watches sold by the firm.

The firm continued into the second half of the 20th century but sadly lost all their records when bombed during the Second World War.

David Penney
antiquarian Horologist & horological consultant

www.antiquewatchstore.com (http://www.antiquewatchstore.com)

[Robert_Antiques]

Thanks for the information on the Benson Watch Co. just small note of intrest
James Benjamin Yabsley was a manager for JW Benson and established himself in Business in 1877 and in 1897 was recorded as a chronometer maker at 72 Ludgate Hill, London EC he died shortly afterwards.