1936 JW Benson 9ct Gold Cushion case Tropical watch, cal 0.32Kb Serviced
This is a lovely and collectable vintage watch by JW Benson from 1936, in a JW Benson supplier box. It has a 9ct gold case which is in excellent condition and is a beautiful cushion shaped case, measuring 30mm x 30mm with a lug-to-lug measurement of 34mm. It is ideal for unisex wear. The model is known as the Tropical, due to the case design, which is waterproof, sandproof and shockproof. It has its original crown which covers the crown tube to aid water resistance, whilst it also has its inner movement cover. The case back is 10 sided screws in place.
The enamel dial is in good condition. It has it’s original radium lume on the hour markers, which is uncommon. The minute railroad is clear around the exterior with a lume plot at 6 O’clock, with the sub-second dial in set above this. The Arabic numeral hour markers are large and bold, with original Radium lume infill. The dial is signed J.W. Benson London below 12 o’clock.
There are a couple of hairline fractures stemming from near 5 o’clock, across the top of the sub-second dial and finishing by 9 O’clock. There are no chips to the dial.
The inside of the case back is in excellent condition with peerlage finishing. It has a couple of service etchings. The case is hallmarked by Glasgow assay office, for 9ct gold with the date letter “n” for 1936.
The movement is a Cyma Cal. 032Kb, with 15 jewels and a beat rate of 18,000 BPH. It also has a good power reserve of 40 hours and benefits from shock protection which was uncommon during this period. The movement has been recently serviced.
It has a daily gain of +10 seconds, with an amplitude of 310 degrees and a beat error of 0.3 m/s.
Full condition report below.
Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
Dial:
The enamel dial is in good condition. It has it’s original radium lume on the hour markers, which is uncommon. The minute railroad is clear around the exterior with a lume plot at 6 O’clock, with the sub-second dial in set above this. The Arabic numeral hour markers are large and bold, with original Radium lume infill. The dial is signed J.W. Benson London below 12 o’clock.
There are a couple of hairline fractures stemming from near 5 o’clock, across the top of the sub-second dial and finishing by 9 O’clock. There are no chips to the dial.
Hands:
The hands are original and are in good condition. They have corroded slightly to stop the thermally blued finish being so clear, yet they maintain the original creamy lume. The sub-second hand is also original.
Glass:
The crystal appears to be original and is in very good condition, with only light surface scratching.
Crown:
The crown is original and is in excellent condition. It covers the crown tube to form a level of water proofing. It is made of gold.
Case:
The case was patented by Borgel and the British patent was 385 503. The inside of the case is signed JWB for JW Benson.
The main body of the case is 9ct gold and is in very good condition. It is cushion cased and has only light surface scratches.
Caseback:
The case back is formed of 9ct yellow gold. It has light surface scratching and a feathered marking across the middle which is only surface level. It will have been from a one piece strap being fitted to the watch.
The inside of the case back is in excellent condition with peerlage finishing. It has a couple of service etchings. The case is hallmarked by Glasgow assay office, for 9ct gold with the date letter “n” for 1936.
Strap:
The strap is a black leather strap with metal tabs for fixed lugs.
Movement:
The movement is a Cyma Cal. 032Kb, with 15 jewels and a beat rate of 18,000 BPH. It also has a good power reserve of 40 hours and benefits from shock protection which was uncommon during this period.
The movement has been recently serviced.
It has a daily gain of +10 seconds, with an amplitude of 310 degrees and a beat error of 0.3 m/s.
Case Dimensions:
Case width: 30mm
Case width with crown: 32.5mm
Case length: 30mm
Case length lug to lug: 34mm
Case Depth: 9mm
Lug width: 16mm