English silver lever watch with helical hairspring Circa 1890

Interesting chronometer with power reserve
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An interesting pocket chronometer with helical hairspring and power reserve indicator, made by the royal watchmaker James William Benson in London, England, circa 1890. The case of this watch was crafted from silver and features a niello band and an exceptional crown especially made for the rare chronometer movement. The enamel dial features an outer minutes and hour track with Roman hour numerals, a subsidiary seconds dial at 9 o’clock, a power reserve indicator and 3 o’clock and blued steel hands. The unusual chronometer movement is equipped with a lever escapement, a helical hairspring and a diamond end stone.
The dial and movement are signed
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Diameter: 49 mm
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Weight: 108 g
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Signed: J.W. Benson, London
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Benson
The name Benson is synonymous with prestigious Victorian horology, primarily through the firm James William Benson, which became the most successful watch manufacturer in London during the late 19^th century. The brothers James William and Samuel Suckley Benson established their partnership in 1847 at Cornhill in the City of London and the company name used was S.S. & J.W. Benson.
The partnership dissolved in 1855, after which James William continued the business alone as JW Benson.
In 1973 , the JW Benson name was sold to the royal jewelers Garrards and later became part of Mappin & Webb.
Today, JW Benson pocket watches are highly collectable for their sturdy British design and historical connection to the zenith of London’s watchmaking era.