English Silver J W Benson THE BANK Half Hunter 1907

Code: 4.178

This is one of three watches I am listing this week which are examples of J W Benson’s English watches. All of which are hard to find. Alas this one shows age but is still a superb example

The watch has hallmarks for London 1907

This is one of J W Benson’s top quality pocket watch and is extremely hard to find in silver. The signs of the quality are there, the moment you pick the watch up. The watch is very heavy for its size.

Movement – the gilt ¾ plate movement has an adjusted balance. The movement is signed “The Bank, Best London Make, 2108, J W Benson Ludgate Hill, London”. The movement is in 99% mint condition – a near flawless example

Case – the movement comes in a top quality English silver half Hunter case however the case has signs of wear. The front cover only pops open to the 45 degrees position.  The case has makers marks for JWB and numbered 108. The case has a blue enamel monogram on the front and a smooth plain finish on the rest of the case. The case is in 85% mint condition –the winder has lost its gilt metal coating and there are a few bruises on the back

Dial – the white enamel dial has a pair of gilt hands and a blue steel sub seconds hands and is signed “J W Benson, London”. The dial is in 90% mint condition – a small mark on the V

The watch has a mineral glass over the dial and a mineral smaller glass in the front cover

The watch is stem wound / pin set

The watch measures 52mm wide x 15mm deep

The watch comes in an excellent example of a JW Benson box of the period