2.1299 XXL J.W. BENSON / SMITHS CONVERSION WATCH 47mm, ENGLAND 1950s

A large and impressive conversion wristwatch built around a rare English pocket-watch movement made by Smiths for J.W. Benson. This is exactly the kind of piece we enjoy most in the conversion format: not just visually striking on the wrist, but historically meaningful as well. Inside is a pure example of English watchmaking from the period when “Made in England” still meant genuine domestic manufacture rather than English assembly from Swiss parts.

The movement was made by Smiths for the London house of J.W. Benson, and it sits here inside a custom stainless steel case made in our workshop. The watch is fitted with a genuine hot-enamel dial, which is a particularly charming and increasingly uncommon detail for a 1950s watch industry. The clean Roman numerals, blued steel hands, and small-seconds register give it a highly classical look, while the oversized 47.5 mm format turns it into a real statement piece on the wrist.

This one works as a kind of wearable horological display: an important historic movement, protected and fully usable, but presented in a modern wristwatch format with maximum visual impact. The double-glazed construction with mineral crystals allows both the dial and movement to be enjoyed properly.

About J.W. Benson

J.W. Benson was one of the great historic London names in watchmaking and retail. The firm traces its roots to the 19th century, became a significant London maker-retailer, and later held royal patronage. By the late 19th century it had expanded into factory production, and the business remained an important English horological name well into the 20th century.

About Smiths

Smiths is one of the most important names in British watchmaking, especially for collectors interested in genuinely English-made movements. The most desirable examples are those marked “Made in England”, reflecting production at the English factory and representing a distinctly British engineering tradition rather than imported Swiss watchmaking under an English name. That is exactly why movements like this remain so interesting today.

Specifications

• Brand / signature: J.W. Benson London / Smiths
• Type: Conversion wristwatch
• Year: 1950s movement
• Movement: Smiths calibre 600, manual winding, 15 jewels
• Movement finish: Traditional English gilt plates and bridges with sand-pattern finish
• Case: Custom-made stainless steel case, made in our workshop
• Case style: “Crab” type with flip lugs
• Crystal: Double glazed with mineral glasses
• Dial: Genuine hot enamel
• Hands: Original blued steel hands
• Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds
• Strap: High-quality genuine leather strap

Servicing and Warranty

• Fully serviced with disassembly in our Bristol shop
• Mechanics in full working order
• 12-month movement warranty
• Warranty Terms and Conditions
• No water resistance warranty