J.W. Benson
J.W. Benson was one of the most respected watch makers in London during the second half of the 19th Century. The business was founded by two brothers; James William Benson and Samuel Suckley Benson. They advertised themselves as watchmakers, gold and silversmiths of Cornhill in the City of London. Aside from watches, and being jewelers they also imported and retailed diamonds, gold and silver ware. The partnership was dissolved in 1855 and J.W. Benson carried on alone. He expanded and took on additional premises at 33 Ludgate Hill and added 34 as well. By the 1860’s he was not only in the manufacture of watches and clocks but also in their repair. He participated in both national and international expositions including London in 1862, Paris in 1867, and the Inventions Exhibition of 1885. At the later he unveiled the ‘Patent Dust and Damp Excluding Band for Watches’. Between the Paris exhibition and the exhibition in 1885 a shop was opened (1872) on Bond Street which was followed by one in the Royal Exchange shortly after the exhibition in 1890. He also opened a steam powered factory in La Belle Sauvage Yard, close to the premises in Ludgate Hill. In 1878 J.W. Benson passed away and his sons Alfred and Arthur continued the business. The following year they were awarded a Royal Warrant by Queen Victoria to which they would add those of the Prince of Wales and the Kings of Siam and Denmark. Best known for their timepieces, the firm also sold jewelry and by the 1880s were incorporating platinum into their gold and diamond set jewels which was ahead of its time.
By 1889 the company took over Hunt & Roskell and successfully operated until WWII. This ended when their factory was bombed yet they continued as retailers for many years at their bond Street store. They were eventually bought by Mappin & Webb in the 1980s. Today they are best remembered for their watches.
By 1889 the company took over Hunt & Roskell and successfully operated until WWII. This ended when their factory was bombed yet they continued as retailers for many years at their bond Street store. They were eventually bought by Mappin & Webb in the 1980s. Today they are best remembered for their watches.
