J W BENSON TROPICAL SMITHS ROMAN NUMERAL DIAL WATERPROOF STYLE c 1959

J W BENSON TROPICAL SMITHS ROMAN NUMERAL DIAL WATERPROOF STYLE c 1959

Regular price £2,550.00 Sale

J W Benson Tropical wristwatch by Smiths in one of the non Dennison waterproof style cases which were in general use form the fifties. Case of approx 32.8mm in diameter with a chromed case top and steel screw in back. The thickness is 11.1mm. Fitted with a new 16mm leather strap. In excellent working order fully overhauled and a good timekeeper. This example has a 16 jewel movement with the sprung shock-proofing case ring and the higher quality balance assembly not normally found in the smiths version.  The movement number is 599 for the batch. These c series J W Benson watches were made both before and possibly after 1953. Case in excellent condition compared to the usual examples. Original winding crown. Roman numeral dial. This example is a london model, the tropical version appears to have been different in some respects, including extra sealing, but this one doesn't. Probably only splash-proof now but a good tight case and a superb movement and dial. This is I think a cz 047ie caliber. The old strap comes with but as it is a clip on type may not be original.