J.W. Benson This firm which claims to have been established in 1749, was one of the leading makers of high quality watches in late 19th century London, although not as well known as such firms as Frodsham or Dent. James William Benson, who in 1865 was 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 promoted his company by writing a series of 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.