J W Benson English made Smiths pocket watch c1950 b series open face 15 jewel. Produced post ww 11 between 47 and 51 numbered b9012 fitted in a gold plated case Moon grade by Dennison. Case number 304173/41. This example has some Benson refinements, including a proper enamel dial with fired in detailing, as opposed to the Smiths standard pseudo enamel painted finish in gloss or matt. The hands are properly profiled unlike the Smiths flat profile thin gauge type. The movement which is 19 ligne has been serviced and keeps good time. The balance is the second type with screws in the rim, the first ones had a wartime smooth rimmed balance like the SW43 stop watches. Case diameter about 51mm. Starts straight away when wound and has a crisp action. There are some issues with the case screw area being worn, leading to a slightly loose movement, this area will be peened before sale so there will be a series of dots where it has been tightened.
Unusually for a Smiths pocket watch, but probably due to the J W B connection, the balance is superior in performance and still runs flat like a new one.
In view of the 41 number in the case cuvette and the fact that some of these have other numbers in their case backs, this would seem to indicate a year pattern, or possibly manufacture of the case.
If so this has been housed in an earlier pattern case. Dial is perfect, there are a few small bits of fluff under the crystal which will be removed, and there are some small marks on the real glass crystal.
The case is all hinged and built from 4 pieces in all, SOME AREAS OF SCRATCHES FROM CARELESS CASE OPENING AND A DENT OR TWO.
