A Swiss-made J.W. Benson dress watch from the 1960s, combining a square gold-plated case with a warm cream dial and a simple two-hand display. The straight case sides and slightly flared lug ends give it a distinctive shape, complemented by applied gold-tone hour markers with dark centre details.
Although the case measures 27.7 mm across, its square shape and broad 20 mm leather strap give it more presence on the wrist than the width alone suggests. The slim hand-wound movement allows an overall thickness of just 8 mm, making this a comfortable watch to wear under a shirt cuff.
J.W. Benson was a respected London watchmaker and jeweller, known for its watches, clocks, jewellery and royal patronage. The firm held royal warrants from Queen Victoria and the Prince of Wales, and traded from prominent London addresses including Ludgate Hill and Bond Street. This Swiss-made example combines that British retail heritage with the clean dress-watch design of the 1960s.
Condition
Vintage condition with visible wear consistent with age and use. The gold plating shows substantial wear and areas of loss along the case edges, corners, lugs and sides. The cream dial remains clear and readable, with scattered small spots and darker ageing around the outer edges. The applied markers and slim hands give a strong contrast against the dial. The domed acrylic crystal shows surface scratches, and the stainless steel caseback has handling marks. The movement has been serviced in our Bristol workshop.
Specifications
Brand: J.W. Benson, London
Style: Square dress watch, ‘Tank’ style
Period: 1960s
Movement: A. Schild AS 1525, hand-wound mechanical, 17 jewels, Incabloc shock protection
Inside is the Swiss A. Schild calibre AS 1525, a slim hand-wound movement with 17 jewels and Incabloc shock protection. At approximately 2.8 mm thick, the movement helps keep the watch’s profile low while providing a simple hours-and-minutes display. It requires regular winding by the crown.
The caseback carries a G★K mark, probably associated with Gebrüder Kuttroff, a jewellery and watch-case manufacturer in Pforzheim, Germany.
Important Notes
This watch has no water resistance and should be kept away from water
‘Tank’ describes the case style here; it is not a confirmed J.W. Benson model name
