Nice quality, 9ct gold Improved 'Tropical' wrist watch retailed by the reputable London watchmaker's "J.W. Benson" (originally watchmaker to Queen Victoria). Dating from 1937, this watch is fitted with a high quality Swiss made Cyma movement and was the second type of tropical watch which J.W. Benson marketed.

Robust, solid 9ct gold cushion shaped case with screw-on back and inner dust cover. Fixed gold lugs. Inside back stamped with British (Glasgow) import hallmark, corresponding to the year 1937. Case signed, "F.B." (Francis Baumgartner - specialist in early waterproof cases). Case width (not including crown) : 30mm. Case condition : 95%.

White enamel dial with subsidiary seconds. Luminous skeleton hands and numerals (luminous paint no longer active). Dial signed, "J. W. Benson - London". Dial condition : 98%.

High quality, Swiss made, nickel plated, 10.5 ligne, 15 jewel movement. Unsigned, but positively identified as being manufactured by Cyma (calibre 032K). Decorated with Geneva stripes. 'Cymaflex' shock absorber. Chaton set jewels. Movement condition (appearance) : 95%. Recently serviced. Time keeping : good.

Watch comes with its original J.W.Benson case!
 

In 1871 Frédéric Henri Sandoz formed the watch making company, Henri Sandoz & Co in Le Locle, Switzerland. Around 1890 he moved to the nearby town of Tavannes and started a new company, Tavannes Watch Co which manufactured a wide range of timepieces from basic watches to chronographs. In 1892 Sandoz joined forces with Schwob Frères and Co. of La Chaux-de-Fonds who manufactured watches under various trade names including, ‘Alpine’, ‘Hermosa’, ‘Meridian’ and ‘New Haven’. As well as ‘Tavannes Watch Co’, the new company also produced watches named, ‘Chronomètre Civil’, ‘TWC’ 'Trusty' and ‘CYMA’. The company expanded and by 1905 they were producing 1000 watches per day. In the 1930s Tavannes-Cyma claimed to be Switzerland's largest supplier of precision watches and by 1938, they employed around 2000 staff and their output reached approximately 4000. By this time, as well as their ‘CYMA’ brand, their trade names also included, ‘TACY’, ‘AMYC’ and ‘Bijou’. After 1957, the company no longer manufactured movements, but fitted their watches with those produced by ETA. The company continued until 1966 when its name was purchased by Chronos Holding.

J. W. Benson Ltd