Contact Seller
The Vintage Wrist Watch Company
Tel01386 750238Please quote Antiques Atlas.
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Non UK callers :
+44 1386 750238
WW1 silver half hunter gents watch, J W Benson
A WW1 Electa silver half hunter gents wrist watch from J W Benson.
The watch has a hand-winding movement, identified as an Electa from a 1914 sales catalogue. The movement is working nicely and keeping good time to within around five minutes over 24 hours. The bridges and cocks are decorated with striped decoration called Côtes de Genève.
The watch measures 35mm diameter excluding the onion winding crown and the fixed wire lugs. The case is silver and there are hallmarks inside the covers for London 1917 (import mark) with an importer's mark for Arthur Rendell.
In 1907, an act came into force which meant that all imported watches had to be assayed in a UK assay office and marked with British import hallmarks. For this, a sponsor's mark was required. In this particular case, Arthur Rendell was an employee, and probably in charge, of the department that handled imported watches at a company called Pringles, the UK's largest wholesalers of antique jewellery, silverware, antique clocks and watches, so it was deemed relevant to use his initials.
Along with the hallmarks, there is also a patent number of ✞71363 which relates to a 1915 patent for the spring action of the front cover. This inventor and applicant was a Mr Charles Zurbruegg.
The front of the case has Arabic numbers surrounding a central lens – usually these lenses are quite small but this is a larger size lens making it a more desirable piece. There is a thin line of wear around the chapter ring and a little unevenness to the screw-on case back.
The button to open the front cover is between the bottom lugs. The cover springs upwards and reveals a glass lens which is in good condition.
The white enamel dial is signed J W Benson, the original retailer of the watch.
J W Benson originated in 1847, founded by James William Benson and Samuel Suckley Benson. They were regarded as one of Victorian London’s most prestigious retail jewellers and they also manufactured their own watch movements. The company flourished and proudly boasted an elite client base made up of both British and European royalty and a selection of well heeled industrialists and business figures including the King of Siam, the King of Portugal, the King of Denmark, the Emperor of Japan, the Tsar of Russia and the King of Greece. JW Benson also supplied watches to Queen Victoria and the Prince of Wales.
As with many watch manufacturers, J W Benson embraced the newly introduced wristwatch during the first World War. Up until this point, the company was still manufacturing its own movements in the UK but after its factory at Belle Sauvage Yard was hit during a bombing raid in 1914, it purchased mechanisms from a number of quality movement producers in Switzerland, including Cyma. From a collector’s point of view, both the British and Swiss made J W Benson movements are desirable and comparable in quality.
A new black leather strap has been fitted.
The watch will be sent in a new presentation box. ALL PRICES INCLUDE UK POSTAGE (excluding Northern Ireland).
Please contact us before placing international orders so that we can advise of shipping prices and to see if customs regulations allow us to post watches to your country.
The international buyer is responsible for paying any import duties and taxes.
All of our watches are checked over before listing, and are also checked for accuracy which is usually within around +/- two to three minutes over 24 hours (unless otherwise stated), which is considered respectable for a vintage watch.
We are a VAT registered company and all purchases are covered by Consumer Regulations.
Credit / debit card purchases can be made over the telephone on 01386 750238 or you can proceed via the \'Buy Securely\' button on each listing page.
We are an on-line only business and do not have facilities for callers. Our offices are open from Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
With regards to appraisals / valuations, we receive a huge number of information requests each day and unfortunately do not have the manpower to deal with them all individually. Our advice would be to contact a local auctioneer for a full appraisal.
SellerThe Vintage Wrist Watch Company
View all stock from
The Vintage Wrist Watch Company
Private dealer
By appointment only
Worcestershire
England
Tel : 01386 750238
Non UK callers : +44 1386 750238
The watch has a hand-winding movement, identified as an Electa from a 1914 sales catalogue. The movement is working nicely and keeping good time to within around five minutes over 24 hours. The bridges and cocks are decorated with striped decoration called Côtes de Genève.
The watch measures 35mm diameter excluding the onion winding crown and the fixed wire lugs. The case is silver and there are hallmarks inside the covers for London 1917 (import mark) with an importer's mark for Arthur Rendell.
In 1907, an act came into force which meant that all imported watches had to be assayed in a UK assay office and marked with British import hallmarks. For this, a sponsor's mark was required. In this particular case, Arthur Rendell was an employee, and probably in charge, of the department that handled imported watches at a company called Pringles, the UK's largest wholesalers of antique jewellery, silverware, antique clocks and watches, so it was deemed relevant to use his initials.
Along with the hallmarks, there is also a patent number of ✞71363 which relates to a 1915 patent for the spring action of the front cover. This inventor and applicant was a Mr Charles Zurbruegg.
The front of the case has Arabic numbers surrounding a central lens – usually these lenses are quite small but this is a larger size lens making it a more desirable piece. There is a thin line of wear around the chapter ring and a little unevenness to the screw-on case back.
The button to open the front cover is between the bottom lugs. The cover springs upwards and reveals a glass lens which is in good condition.
The white enamel dial is signed J W Benson, the original retailer of the watch.
J W Benson originated in 1847, founded by James William Benson and Samuel Suckley Benson. They were regarded as one of Victorian London’s most prestigious retail jewellers and they also manufactured their own watch movements. The company flourished and proudly boasted an elite client base made up of both British and European royalty and a selection of well heeled industrialists and business figures including the King of Siam, the King of Portugal, the King of Denmark, the Emperor of Japan, the Tsar of Russia and the King of Greece. JW Benson also supplied watches to Queen Victoria and the Prince of Wales.
As with many watch manufacturers, J W Benson embraced the newly introduced wristwatch during the first World War. Up until this point, the company was still manufacturing its own movements in the UK but after its factory at Belle Sauvage Yard was hit during a bombing raid in 1914, it purchased mechanisms from a number of quality movement producers in Switzerland, including Cyma. From a collector’s point of view, both the British and Swiss made J W Benson movements are desirable and comparable in quality.
A new black leather strap has been fitted.
The watch will be sent in a new presentation box. ALL PRICES INCLUDE UK POSTAGE (excluding Northern Ireland).
Please contact us before placing international orders so that we can advise of shipping prices and to see if customs regulations allow us to post watches to your country.
The international buyer is responsible for paying any import duties and taxes.
All of our watches are checked over before listing, and are also checked for accuracy which is usually within around +/- two to three minutes over 24 hours (unless otherwise stated), which is considered respectable for a vintage watch.
We are a VAT registered company and all purchases are covered by Consumer Regulations.
Credit / debit card purchases can be made over the telephone on 01386 750238 or you can proceed via the \'Buy Securely\' button on each listing page.
We are an on-line only business and do not have facilities for callers. Our offices are open from Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
With regards to appraisals / valuations, we receive a huge number of information requests each day and unfortunately do not have the manpower to deal with them all individually. Our advice would be to contact a local auctioneer for a full appraisal.
Price The price has been listed in British Pounds.
Conversion rates as of 13/MAY/2025. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer. SOLD
Category Antique and Vintage Watches
Date 1917
1910s Antiques Material Silver
Origin Swiss
Maker J.W. Benson
Item code as170a5488
Status Sold
£0 
$0.00 
€0.00 
$
€
Conversion rates as of 13/MAY/2025. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer. SOLD
Shipping information
ALL PRICES INCLUDE UK POSTAGE (excluding Northern Ireland).
Please contact us before placing international orders so that we can advise of shipping prices and to see if customs regulations allow us to post watches to your country.
The international buyer is responsible for paying any import duties and taxes.
Please contact us before placing international orders so that we can advise of shipping prices and to see if customs regulations allow us to post watches to your country.
The international buyer is responsible for paying any import duties and taxes.
Terms and conditions
ALL PRICES INCLUDE UK POSTAGE (excluding Northern Ireland).
Please contact us before placing international orders so that we can advise of shipping prices and to see if customs regulations allow us to post watches to your country. Please contact us in the first instance, any orders from prohibited countries will be refunded, less any payment fees which are non-refundable.
The international buyer is responsible for paying any import duties and taxes. If the customer refuses to pay any duty and customs charges and the parcel is returned to sender all shipping and associated charges will be deducted from any refund.
All of our watches are checked over before listing, and are also checked for accuracy which is usually within around +/- two to three minutes over 24 hours (unless otherwise stated), which is considered respectable for a vintage watch.
We are a VAT registered company and all purchases are covered by Consumer Regulations.
Credit / debit card purchases can be made over the telephone on 01386750238 or you can proceed via the 'Buy Securely' button on each listing page.
We are an on-line only business and do not have facilities for callers. Our offices are open from Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
With regards to appraisals / valuations, we receive a huge number of information requests each day and unfortunately do not have the manpower to deal with them all individually. Our advice would be to contact a local auctioneer for a full appraisal.
Please contact us before placing international orders so that we can advise of shipping prices and to see if customs regulations allow us to post watches to your country. Please contact us in the first instance, any orders from prohibited countries will be refunded, less any payment fees which are non-refundable.
The international buyer is responsible for paying any import duties and taxes. If the customer refuses to pay any duty and customs charges and the parcel is returned to sender all shipping and associated charges will be deducted from any refund.
All of our watches are checked over before listing, and are also checked for accuracy which is usually within around +/- two to three minutes over 24 hours (unless otherwise stated), which is considered respectable for a vintage watch.
We are a VAT registered company and all purchases are covered by Consumer Regulations.
Credit / debit card purchases can be made over the telephone on 01386750238 or you can proceed via the 'Buy Securely' button on each listing page.
We are an on-line only business and do not have facilities for callers. Our offices are open from Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
With regards to appraisals / valuations, we receive a huge number of information requests each day and unfortunately do not have the manpower to deal with them all individually. Our advice would be to contact a local auctioneer for a full appraisal.
View all stock from
The Vintage Wrist Watch Company
Private dealerBy appointment only
Worcestershire
England
Tel : 01386 750238
Non UK callers : +44 1386 750238
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