English gold astronomic made for the Italian market Circa 1886

Gold astronomic watch with minute repeater
–
A very fine and very rare, large English, astronomic,18 Carat yellow gold minute repeating keyless pocket watch, circa 1886. With a perpetual calendar, moon phase, lunar calendar and chronograph with progressive central minute register hand. Made by J.W. Benson, Ludgate Hill, London. Made for the Italian market, the case with London hallmarks for 1883-1884. A massive case by Harrison Mills Frodsham (master mark), engraved with anthemions, flowers and foliage, thief proof swivel bow (lacking cuvette).
–
White enamel dial with radial Roman numerals, outer minute track, concentric fifths of second divisions and Arabic five second numerals, subsidiary seconds, apertures for the date, days of the week, months and moon phase with a lunar calendar on the edge. Blued steel spade hands. A frosted gilt movement, 19 jewels, lateral lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance, diamond endstone, blued steel Breguet balance spring, index regulator, setting levers beneath the bezel, repeating on gongs activated by a slide on the band. Dial and movement signed the case with master mark HMF.
–
Diameter: 60 mm
–
Signed: J.W. Benson  London
–
J.W. Benson Ltd. This firm, which claimed in their publicity to have been established in 1749, although not as well known as such firms as Frodsham or Dent, was 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, which were 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 semi 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 screw bezel and hinged movement.