This watch

A beautifully preserved timepiece from the pre-eminent London retailer J.W. Benson, featuring a sturdy solid 925 sterling silver double-hinged case, a perfect original white enamel dial, and a high-grade Swiss Longines caliber 19.96 movement.

This elegant open-faced pocket watch, retailed by the famed J.W. Benson of London, is presented in superb, fine original condition. The watch is housed in a substantial solid 925 sterling silver double-hinged case which provides excellent protection and a satisfying weight in the hand. The clear, pristine original glass protects the faultless original white enamel dial, which is signed "J.W. Benson, London" and features bold black Roman numerals and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock. The elegant blued steel hands contrast sharply with the white dial, ensuring superb legibility. Inside, the watch is powered by a high-quality, fully jewelled Swiss-made longines lever movement—a testament to Benson's practice of sourcing the best movements available for their top-tier British cases.   Chain sold separately!

 

 Extra Points

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.

These Longines watches retailed by J.W. Benson are highly prized by collectors today as they represent a unique blend of Swiss horological excellence (Longines movements) and the heritage of one of Great Britain's most historic luxury retail names (J.W. Benson, which held Royal Warrants).

What We Think

This J.W. Benson model represents the evolution of the London watch trade in the early 20th century. By the 1920s, while Benson still produced their revered "The Bank" English movements (like this 1912 English Benson), they also commissioned high-quality movements from established Swiss manufactures like Longines watch co. These movements were known for their precision and reliability, and placing them in a premium, fully-hallmarked solid 925 sterling silver case ensured the watch met the highest expectations of the British market. The double-hinged back provides a reassuringly substantial feel, and the preservation of the original glass and perfect enamel dial is genuinely remarkable for a watch of this age. This is a classic, top-quality everyday watch from a Royal Warrant holder.

 

Spec Stuff