J.W. Benson, London

• Movement: gilded frosted half-plate movement, spring detent escapement, bi-metallic compensation balance, blued steel helical spring, fusee and chain, signed J. W. Benson, 25 Old Bond Street, London, Special Warrants to H.M. the Queen and H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, no. 52110
• Dial: Willis white enamel, Roman numerals, outer minute ring, two sunken subsidiary dials for seconds and state of wind, blued steel hands, signed J. W. Benson, London
• Case: plain polished case with stepped bezels, the cover with monogram HB, pusher to inner bezel below 4 o'clock for hand setting and disengagement of winding mechanism when cover closed, plain polished gold cuvette, covers, cuvette, pendant and bow hallmarked for 18ct gold, date letter for London 1890, covers and cuvette with maker's mark E.W. in rectangular cameo for Edgar Wilkins

Terence Camerer Cuss, The English Watch 1585-1970, 2009, p. 422, pl. 272

Movement not running at time of cataloguing but balance is free and will go for a few seconds. Dial with hairline crack from edge of up-and-down dial to dial edge by 3 o'clock, there is a repair at the edge of this crack just inside the subsidiary dial, some slight discolouration to the edge of dial between 10 and 11 o'clock but this is barely visible. . Case with an indentation to the edge of the back and to the band.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

James W. Benson were successful retailers who acquired the business of Hunt & Roskell in 1889. They purchased some of their best watches from the manufacturer Victor Kullberg, of which the present watch is an excellent example. Kullberg signed the watches for Benson in the usual way, often adding a zero to their own numbering sequence. The spring detent escapement has a 'standing' detent which is positioned north-south, being the most favourable position when the watch is worn.

Kullberg's workbooks are owned by the Clockmakers' Company and record some of the manufacturing processes and suppliers. The white enamel dial of this watch was supplied by Willis and the hands by Hood, both regarded as the finest makers in their respective disciplines. The 'examiner' of the watch was Peter Wennerstom, Kullberg's nephew and, after Victor's death in 1890, his successor to the business. An important role, the examiner/springer was responsible for the final stages of the watch, including testing the depths and end shakes, fitting the mainspring, setting up the stop work and poising the balance.