English 18K gold hunting cased keyless watch Circa 1896

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Kenmerk
BB1081
Diameter
51 mm
Estimate
€ 3.250 - 6.000
Price sold
€ 3.300
Gold lever pocket watch
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An English 18 carat gold hunting cased keyless pocket watch made by J.W. Benson in London, London Hallmarked for 1896. The gilt ¾ plate English lever movement with a cut and compensated bimetallic balance. White enamel dial with Roman hour numerals, an outer minute track, sunk subsidiary seconds at 6 o’clock and blued steel spade hands. A polished hinged case. Dial, movement and case signed, case and movement with matching numbers.
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Diameter: 51 mm
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Signed: J.W. Benson, 62 & 64 Ludgate Hill, London
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James William Benson was an English scientific instrument maker, a gold and silversmith, and a watchmaker. He was born on April 12th, 1826, in Reading, Berkshire, England, as the son of William Benson and Phoebe Suckley.
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Together with his brother, Samuel Suckley Benson, born in 1822 in London, James William founded the company S. S. & J.W. Benson in 1847. They purchased the premises and, possibly, the business interests of established companies in London at Cornhill and Ludgate Hill. The partnership was dissolved on January 27th, 1855, and James William continued in business under the name J.W. Benson.
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The prestigious firm of J.W. Benson was one of the most respected watchmakers in London during the second half of the 19th century and was one of the very few early watch houses that was English, rather than Swiss, owned.
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Timepieces bearing the company name were fitted with high quality Swiss movements supplied by manufacturers such as Vertex (Revue), Universal Genève, Cyma/Tavannes and Longines, but also by the English maker, S. Smith & Sons.
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At age 52, James William died on October 7th, 1878, and his sons James, Alfred and Arthur took over the business.
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Throughout its history, J.W. Benson Ltd was official watchmaker to the Admiralty and War Department. It also held several royal warrants as watchmakers to, amongst others, Queen Victoria, the Prince of Wales, the Tsar of Russia and Abu Bakar of Johor.
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In 1889, the company took over the firm of Hunt & Roskell and continued successfully until World War II, when its factory was bombed and ceased manufacturing. However, they continued as retailers for many years.
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J.W. Benson Ltd continued until 1973, at which time the name was sold to the royal jewellers, Garrards.

Signed: J.W. Benson, 62 & 64 Ludgate Hill, London

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