English gold minute repeating key less pocket watch Circa 1896

Gold hunting cased lever
–
A very fine English 18 carat gold minute repeating key less pocket watch, circa 1896. J.W. Benson, 62 & 64 Ludgate Hill, London, By Warrant to H.M. The Late Queen Victoria. The case by Frederick Thoms with London hallmarks. A polished case by Frederick Thoms (case maker’s mark FT), swivel bow and a hinged gold cuvette. White enamel dial with bold radial Roman numerals, outer minute track, subsidiary seconds dial and blued steel spade hands. Frosted movement, 3/4-plate, pillar plate and bridges gilded, 17 jewels, lateral counterpoised lever escapement, cut bi metallic compensation balance with gold temperature adjustment screws, blued steel free sprung Breguet balance spring. Repeating on gongs by activating slide on the band.
Dial and movement signed.
–
Diameter: 54 mm
–
Signed: J.W. Benson  London
–
J.W. Benson Ltd., who claimed in their publicity to have been established in 1749, although not as well known as such firms as Frodsham or Dent, were nonetheless one of the leading makers of high quality watches in later 19th century London. James William Benson, who in 1865 described himself as a Watchmaker to the Prince of Wales, made and retailed a wide range of models, mainly produced by specialist out workers around the city. He and his successors, Arthur H. Benson and Alfred Benson, also supplied chronometer movements to Kullberg, between 1868 and 1920, to Usher & Cole in 1908, and to Thomas Mercer between 1920 and 1932.
–
James Benson further brought his company’s name to prominence by writing a series of serai professional books and pamphlets, which enjoyed considerable success but are now rare. The company was also one of the pioneers of wristwatches in England and held a patent for a double bodied watch with a screw bezel and hinged movement. Today the company is part of the Asprey group. Addresses: 6 Half Moon Cresc. Barnesbury Road 1865 58-60 Ludgate Hill 4-5 Horseshoe Court 1872-1879 99 Westbourne Grove 25 Old Bond Street 1873-1921 62-64 Ludgate Hill 1885-1937 33-34 Ludgate Hill La Belle Sauvage Yard 1921 25 Royal Exchange