Solid nickel cased chronograph pocket watch manufactured by Longines and retailed by the quality London based watchmaker, "J. W. Benson" (watchmaker to Queen Victoria). dating from around 1905 (dated by Longines serial number).
Solid nickel case with snap-on bezel, hinged back and inner dust cover. Depressing winding crown starts, stops and resets chronograph. Nail hand setting button mounted on edge of case at 1 o'clock position. Inside case back signed, "J.W.B." (J.W.Benson). Dust cover engraved with Queen Victoria's crown and signed, "By Warrant To H.M. The Late Queen Victoria - Examined By J. W. Benson, 62 & 64 Ludgate Hill, London.". Case diameter (not including pendant) : 52mm. Fitted with acrylic U.B. crystal. Case condition : 75% (a few minor dings).
White enamel dial with dual registers: subsidiary second dial and chronograph 30 minute register. Black Roman numerals and outer chronograph second chapter, divided into 5ths of a second. Gilt hands. Dial condition : 100%.
Nice quality, gilt,
chronograph movement. Positively identified as being manufactured by Longines.
Signed on back plate under dial, "B & Co." ("Baume &
Co." - Arthur Baume - A director of Longines who had sole rights to
the U.K. Longines agency). Movement condition (appearance) : 90%. Good working
order. Time keeping : good.
The Compagnie des Montres Longines Francillon S.A. was formed in the 1830s by Ernest Francillon at Saint-Imier, Switzerland and has always been renowned for design and precision. Famous aviators, explorers and pioneers have all consulted Longines. The company provided timers used at the first modern day Olympics in 1892 and has been closely associated with the worldwide development of sport timing ever since. It has been responsible for timekeeping at no less than fourteen Olympic Games.
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