SOLD
Large, bulbous nickel case with screw down back and bezel. Signed inside back,
"Dennison Watch Case Co", "Made in England". Military markings on
outside of back, War Department arrow, serial no. "8881F" and "J.A.S.
CANADA". Serial no. also repeated on side of central portion of case. Case width :
58mm. Case thickness : 20mm. Case condition : 85%.
Glass crystal. Condition : 100%.
Black dial with subsidiary seconds. Luminous numerals and spade hands. Luminous paint
faded with age. Signed, "H.Williamson Ltd., London", "8881F". Dial
condition : 70% (a few minor marks, mainly around hands).
Gilt 15 jewel, English made movement. Signed with "Williamson" logo (an
"S" within a 5 pointed star). Marked, "15 Jewels" and "Warranted
English". Recently serviced. Movement condition : 90%. Time keeping : Good. Most of
these watches only had a 7 jewel version of this movement.
H. Williamson Ltd was founded by the Londoner, Henry Williamson in 1892 and started life as a wholesalers of jet jewellery. In 1895 they took over the Errington Watch Co of Coventry, which at one point operated the largest watch factory in the country, employing 500. In 1899 Williamson also purchased two Swiss watch making businesses; Suter & Co (Buren) and the watch factory of Albert Mondandon at Chaux de Fonds.
The business thrived with large government contracts and during W.W.I. the company produced both wrist and pocket watches for the British War Department.