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 love most about this watch is that it was an experiment to try and solve the problem of waterproofing a watch.* The movement of the watch sits in the case and the bezel in screwed down on top of it, to attempt to stop any water from going inside the watch. The button would have also had a seal on it to help with waterproofing. It is from this design that the 'Submarine' watch was born!
Extra Points
The 'JW Benson' signed, original, enamel dial has lumed, Arabic numerals, outer tracking and Arabic subsidiary seconds, complete with lumed hands.
The solid 18ct gold case is the highlight and is singed 'JW Benson' and in an attractive cushion shape, making the watch distinctively 1930s. It also has it's original crown.
What we think
This is a highly collectable watch with so many original features.
*Please note, at 90 years old, this watch is not now waterproof. We service each watch in our on site workshop, but we do not offer any waterproofing on these wonderful vintage items.
Spec Stuff
Reference : Submarine
Movement : Manual Wind Age : 1931/1940 Specific Age : Circa 1930s Case Size : 30mm Case Thickness : Lug to Lug :33mm Lugs :18mm Condition : Pre-Owned Box & Papers : No Case Material : 18ct Gold Service History : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
JW Benson Submarine Watch with Enamel Dial and Arabic Numerals in 18ct Gold Cushion Case Circa 1930s
