We have here a very exciting JW Benson cushion watch 100 years old this year ! A watch from 1925. The original, white, enamelled dial has sleek Arabic numerals with a railway-style, outer minute tracking, Spade hour and pencil minute hand . The dial is signed with 'J. W. Benson, London' at 12 o'clock. The watch has a compact size 27mm three pice solid 9ct gold cushion case. Watches were generally smaller in the 1920s and 30s and we do believe this watch is still classed and a Gents watch. Notice the large bold onion type winder and the small button or 'Nailset' at the 4pm position. This setting system was passed over directly from the pocket watch design, to be superseded by the conventional stem setting we know today. No complication of seconds on this watch and to be honest we do not feel it needs one. Note this watch was designed with no seconds function!
What we love most about this watch is that it is one of the original watches 'Made in England' back when English watchmaking was world renown. WW1 almost put an end to English watch manufacturing, The Swiss and Americans later became the lead in mass watch Movement production. English pocket watch making production dates back as far as the 1600s would you believe The first wristwatch was made for Queen Elisabeth I in 1571! We imagine this was actually a pocket watch of some form maybe adapted to a holder on the wrist
We've paired the watch on a simple tan 18mm open end strap which we feel is in keeping with what might have been used back in 1925. Remember the watch us quite small so might not be for every Wrist.
Starting in the mid eighteenth century, JW Benson is one of the longest serving, all-British watchmaking companies, with a reputation to boot. The company acquired Royal patronage in 1879. Clerkenwell, home to Antique Watch Co. for nearly 50 years, is well known for its horological past, and part of its history extends to the JW Benson factory being opened in Ludgate Hill in 1892. JW Benson is now a subsidiary of Mappin and Webb, but their celebrated watches have stood the test of time.
What we think
This is a highly collectable watch with so many original features. It is a rare and early example of a ‘waterproof’ watch designed by Francois Borgel and retailed by JW Benson. A striking similarity to the cushion Rolex Oyster watch of the same period!
What we love most about this watch is that it is one of the original watches 'Made in England' back when English watchmaking was world renown. WW1 almost put an end to English watch manufacturing, The Swiss and Americans later became the lead in mass watch Movement production. English pocket watch making production dates back as far as the 1600s would you believe The first wristwatch was made for Queen Elisabeth I in 1571! We imagine this was actually a pocket watch of some form maybe adapted to a holder on the wrist. NOT an everyday watch for obvious Reasons, One to be cherished and respected.
Spec Stuff
Reference : Cushion
Movement : All English made 3/4 plate English lever Age : 1921/1930 Specific Age : 1925 Case Size : 27mm Case Thickness : 11mm Lug to Lug : 27mm Lugs :18mm Condition : Pre-Owned Box & Papers : Jw Benson Box Case Material : 9ct Gold English Hallmarked Service History : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty ( Please note the age and history behind this watch . Not to be considered as an every day Timepiece.
1925 JW Benson Rare All English made Watch with Enamel Dial and Arabic Numerals in 9ct Gold
