Very Rare! Collectible! Circa 1940s J.W. Benson Mini-Seconds 15J Mechanical Watch (Fully Serviced)

Make: J.W Benson England
Type: Mechanical
Model: Mini-Second Hand Dial
Year of Production: Circa 1940s
Movement: 10 1/2
BPH: 18,000
Number of Jewels: 15
Hand and Dial: Arabic Numerals with Semi-Syringe Hands
Width: 32.3mm
Lug to Lug Height: 39.0mm
Thickness: 9.3mm
Lug Width: 17mm
Strap: Brand New Maruman Brand Genuine Fine Calf Brown Leather Strap with Silver Buckle

J. W. Benson was a prestigious London watchmaker, clockmaker and jeweller whose history stretches across the Victorian era into the 20th century. The firm is particularly interesting to collectors because early Benson watches can be genuinely English-made, whereas later watches carrying the J. W. Benson name frequently contain high-quality Swiss movements.

The best-supported date for the business itself is 1847. The British Museum dates J. W. Benson Ltd and its predecessor to roughly 1847/49–1973. Benson advertising sometimes claimed an origin in 1749, but this appears to have referred to an earlier business or tradition that the Bensons acquired rather than the establishment of the J. W. Benson firm itself.

Like most traditional watchmakers, Benson's 19th-century reputation was built primarily on pocket watches and clocks.

As wristwatches became accepted in the early 20th century, Benson followed the market.

This produced some very attractive early Benson wristwatches, mainly Military-style and trench-era because they sit at the transition between the pocket-watch and wristwatch eras.

Here we have a highly sort-after circa 1940s J.W Benson Mini-Second Hand in stunning condition.

A good and thorough clean-up revealed a beautifully preserved 2-tone Dial, Arabic Numerals and Semi-Syringe Hands.

Its classic Case was buffed as best as possible without compromising its shape and lines albeit a few minor scratches and age marks do remain. The crystal was buffed and is now in excellent condition.

The crown is located at the traditional 3H position and is easily accessible. The hands quickset is adjusted via the traditional method of uncorking the crown and turning the crown accordingly.

The mechanical movement was given a general clean-up on 20 August 2026; hence, it should be able to operate unhindered until the next servicing thereby providing the owner a peace of mind.

Equipped with the high grade and highly prized Ligne 10 1/2 Mechanical movement, it has 15 Jewels and operate at 18,000 BPH. The timing shows approximately 22 seconds deviation daily while lying flat which is well within the 30 second requirements for by brand new modern automatic watch standards.

The case width and height are approximately 32.3mm (w/o crown) and 39.0mm respectively. The lug width is 17mm and the strap can accommodate wrists up to 18.5cm; thus, suitable for men and women.

The timepiece comes with a Brand-New Maruman Japan Hi-Quality Genuine Calf Leather Brown Reptile Strap with Silver Buckle.

To the best of our knowledge and expertise when overhauling the timepiece, the watch is 100% original J.W Benson components from this particular watch. No parts were replaced with aftermarket or modified parts.

This watch has not been water resistant tested.

The pictures provided shows the watch in stunning condition (no dents and major scratches), and the movement within squeaky clean and well maintained. It has also been demagnetised to improve parts reliability, minimise wear + tear, and improve accuracy. The only drawback is the lack of documentation and original box, so a simple aftermarket box / pouch will be provided instead.

This extremely rare watch will make a beautiful birthday present for that special someone, and its value will appreciate over time.

Bear in mind that this watch has seen many of the previous owners’ ups and downs in life and should be cherished and preserved for the next generation to savour such engineering beauty.

Because it is extremely rare, this particular J.W Benson Mini-Seconds is not easily found on auction and online sites.

This is a highly sort-after c1940s J.W Benson Small Seconds in stunning condition; so, be unique and own a c1940s watch that is almost impossible to source in such fine condition or purchase it for that special someone instead.