This watch

A magnificent and truly English timepiece from the prestigious J.W. Benson of London, featuring their iconic "Best London Make" 3/4 plate English Lever movement, housed in a substantial solid silver half hunter case dated 1907.

This superb half hunter pocket watch represents the height of Edwardian British watchmaking, crafted by the Royal Warrant holder J.W. Benson. It is housed in a heavy, solid silver case with crisp hallmarks confirming its London manufacture and the date letter for 1907.

The defining characteristic of the Half Hunter style is the small crystal window set into the front cover. This allows the time to be checked discreetly without fully opening the watch. The outer cover features bold blue Roman numerals enamelled around the window, perfectly matching the blued steel hands inside.

When the cover is opened, the stunning white enamel dial is fully revealed, signed "J.W. Benson, London" with a full set of large black Roman numerals and a subsidiary seconds dial.

The watch is powered by a high-grade 3/4 plate English Lever movement, fully signed "J.W. Benson, Ludgate Hill, London" and stamped "THE BANK" and "Best London Make". This calibre is a testament to the quality of all-British manufacturing, a feature highly prized by collectors. Chain not included!

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.

What We Think

This J.W. Benson epitomizes the "All-English" watch, meaning the movement itself was manufactured domestically, typically at their factory or under their close supervision, rather than relying on imported Swiss or American parts.

The All-English Factor: English watch movements, particularly the "Best London Make" grades like "THE BANK" seen here, were traditionally more hand-finished than their Swiss or American industrial counterparts of the time. This focus on individual attention and high-level finishing resulted in a movement of superior longevity and aesthetic quality, with features like polished steel work and fine engraving. This movement is a beautiful example of that gold-plated, 3/4 plate architecture.

The Clerkenwell Connection: This piece feels particularly close to home for us. J.W. Benson's famous retail premises were on Ludgate Hill (near St. Paul's Cathedral), and their workshops were often located close to the historic watchmaking district of Clerkenwell, where our own shop is situated. This watch is a product of our local London horological heritage, connecting the City's high-end retailers with the fine craftsmanship of the nearby industrial district.

Its exceptional condition and proven all-English provenance make this a true collector's piece and English heritage.

Spec Stuff