J W Benson Made in England high grade 18 jewel 9ct gold wristwatch from Queen Elizabeth II Coronation year. This was also the year that the summit of Everest was successfully reached. The fact that was relayed to the late Queen. This special watch comes in the original presentation box which notably features green lettering inside.
The approx 31.4mm solid 9ct gold case is of 3 piece construction. The thickness is 9.7mm. The central portion of the case has faceted strap lugs with solid gold fixed strap bars. There are some small marks around the edge of the case. The case back is engraved and has some scratches and a pin prick dent, also a slight scratch on the front bezel. We prefer to leave gold cases unpolished where appropriate to preserve the sharp profiles, this all helps preserve the originality of the appearance of the watch. Fitted with the original strap, a parallel 16mm calf skin with rolled gold fixed buckle, all in distressed condition currently left on the watch for authenticity this is stitched on to the solid strap bars, will require an open end 16mm strap.
Highest grade English 9ct gold wristwatch with the 18 jewel movement. The Benson refinements include polished ratchet wheel, central jewel, kif shock absorber (which was not adopted in normal Smiths movements until 1958/59), escape wheel end cap, Breguet over-coil hairspring, and highly polished escapement. Best quality dial with gold riveted dot and dagger markers subsidiary seconds hand.
This watch has no recent service history that we know of and maybe just one of the usual watch makers records scratched into the back, however the watch is running perfectly and starts straight away when you wind it. The movement is signed J W Benson London, 18 Jewels. Numbered C475L. BWC (British Watch Cases) numbered 17414 and stamped London Made. Hallmarked 9.375 Edinburgh X for 1953.
Please note that this is a small size wristwatch. The watch is priced as is, if you require it serviced please add a £450 service at the checkout. Time normally required is 4 to 6 weeks.
