Important Collectors’ Wristwatches Po...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Oct 21, 1995

LOT 237

J. W. Benson, London, Watch & Clock Maker to H. R. H. The Prince of Wales, 25 Old Bond Street, No. 30515, made for the Indian Market, with London hallmarks for 1869. Fine and rare 18 ct. gold and enamel hunting cased, early five time zones watch.

CHF 50,000 - 60,000

C. Four body, massive, "bassine et filets", marked "A.S." (Alfred Stram), the band, bezel, pendant and bow with chased decoration. The back of red translucent enamel over engine-turning, centred with a champlevé enamel monogram and further decoration. The cover with a fine painted enamel bouquet of flowers against a powder blue ground with outer champlevé enamelled stylised floral decoration. Hinged gold cuvette. D. Silver engineturned with Roman numerals, centred with four subsidiary dials for the times of London, New York, Mexico and Constantinople. Blued steel " pear" hands. M. 18"', frosted and gilt threequarter plate, with 15 jewels in screwed setting, fusee with chain and maintaining power, pointedtooth lateral lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance, balance spring with terminal curve. Signed on the dial, and the back plate. In very good condition. Diam. 50 mm.


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Notes

J. W. Benson Ltd. who claimed in their publicity to have been established in 1749, although not as well known as such firms as Frodsham or Dent, were nonetheless one of the leading makers of high quality watches in later 19th century London. James William Benson, who in 1865 described himself as Watchmaker to the Prince of Wales, made and retailed a wide range of models, which were mainly produced by specialist out-workers around the city. He and his successors, Arthur H. Benson and Alfred Benson also supplied chronometer movements to Kullberg, between 1868 and 1920, to Usher & Cole in 1908, and to Thomas Mercer between 1920 and 1932. James Benson further brought his company 's name to prominence by writing a series of serai-professional books and pamphlets which enjoyed considerable success but are now rare. The company was also one of the pioneers of wristwatches in England and held a patent for a double bodied watch with screw bezel and hinged movement. Today the company is part of the Asprey group. Addresses: 6 Half Moon Cresc. Barnesbury Road 1865 58-60 Ludgate Hill 4-5 Horseshoe Court 1872-1879 99 Westbourne Grove 25 Old Bond Street 1873-1921 62-64 Ludgate Hill 1885-1937 33-34 Ludgate Hill La Belle Sauvage Yard 1921 25 Royal Exchange