I acuried this today About a 12 s silver case open face.Key wind and set. Back reads ...
J.W.Benson
To H.R.H.the prince of Wales
& H.I.M. the emperor of Russia
58 & 60 Ludcate Hill
London. Any imput would be ipericated
Thank You Mike Keirsey..

Hello Mike....sounds like you acquired an interesting watch....

It's hard to tell much from the description, is there any possibility that you could post some pictures....movement, case, dial & inside of rear case cover....that would sure help in making any determination of the watch's origin....

Regards,
Jerry

Hi Michael

James William Benson (c1870-1930) was a well known watchmaker; watch and clock trader in London. His manufacture was located at Ludgate Hill called 'The Steam Factory'. He made middle and high level watches; after a disastrous fire he just traded watches.
The inscription means that members of the British & Russian royalty were among his buyers.

If you can show us pictures of the watch and the hallmarks we may have more information.

I have added an advertisement of J.W. Benson's high-end production from 1885.

Regards,
Gerald

While Gerald was doing his thing I also found this, it is from 1865

Another one from 1866

Here is a link to a book he wrote on watches & clocks

http://books.google.com/books?...son%20london&f=false

One last one & then I quit, this is from 1857, the add shows the business started in 1749

Nice one Mike, can't wait to see some photo's of this beauty!

I don't think I can add much to the wealth of information what Gerald and Tom have already posted, certainly sounds an intriguing find!

Best regards

John

quote:

To H.R.H.the prince of Wales
& H.I.M. the emperor of Russia

Just one thought Mike, is there any script prior to that statement anywhere such as 'Maker to' or 'By Appointment to' etc?

Makers that received the Royal Warrant allowed them to engrave a statement on their wares, to the effect that they were approved to supply the Royal Household with merchandise.
Benson had such a warrant as far as I can recall, and would engrave his cases and movements accordingly.

Best regards

John

Duh ......... I just read the first line of Tom's press cutting .....
JW