A J.W. Benson Chronograph is a very rare watch indeed. Model number 983000
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
We are unable to put an accurate date on this watch. The movement, a Landeron 187, was in production between 1937 and 1970, and J.W. Benson were operating from 1749 until about 1972. 1960 is based on the styling and size, but if you can tell us more then please do contact us. One prominent London auction house sold one a few years ago of this exact model, and they said c1970, but without solid evidence (such as papers).
CONDITION
J.W. Benson is a brand that has a very loyal following, as they never seemed to make a poor watch. The London title on the dial is well deserved – They had premises in Ludgate and Cornhill before moving to 25 Old Bond Street, which is still a hotbed for vintage watches in London (if you have a lot of money – the rent is reflected in the prices they require). J.W. Benson were well regarded in high society – Kings of Greece, Siam, Denmark and Portugal all were customers, as was the Emperor of Japan , The Russian Tsar and Queen Victoria.
This watch is from a much later period of course. The unsigned case is all stainless steel, and has a small dent on the inside of the top right lug. The screw down back reveals the Landeron 187 movement, which unusually has the date at 12 when most had the date at 6. The right hand subdial measures up to 45 minutes, and has three minute markers for measuring international phone calls (one of the reasons we think it is earlier than the auction house suggested.) The dial is very good, and features 1/5th second markers and a very small (and hard to read) tachymeter inner fixed bezel. The chronograph has small pump pushers, and the watch sits on a new leather strap.
This watch will be supplied with our Certificate of Authenticity.
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SIZE
Width with crown 38.2 mm
Width without crown 35.4 mm
Between lugs 18 mm
Lug to lug length 41.7 mm
Case Thickness 13.9 mm
Bracelet maximum length n/a
All sizes are approximate.
Included with this watch is a 3 month guarantee and free delivery to UK addresses. If you live outside the UK we can still deliver to most countries. Please see our Worldwide Shipping information, or Contact Us. Payment can be made by most credit or debit cards, bank transfer or PayPal.
