Pocket Watch: Antique Silver Longines Half Hunter Pocket Watch - J W Benson

The watch has a Longines calibre 18.68 stem-winding movement which is working nicely. As well as the calibre number, the movement also carries the brevet (patent) number 16831 which relates to an 1898 application in the name of Charles Brisebard, a French inventor, for the design of the Brisebard Regulator which was used by Longines. The movement is protected by an inner hinged cover which is inscribed, ‘By Warrant to HM The Late Queen Victoria, examined by J W Benson, 25 Old Bond Street, London, Swiss Made’. The watch measures 49mm diameter excluding the crown and the loop. The case is silver and has Continental .935 marks inside all three covers. It is in good condition, just gentle unevenness to the back, nothing serious at all. The winding crown pushes in to open the front cover. The cover opens further than it would have originally, it is probably at around 130 degrees rather than the usual 90. The glass lens is in lovely condition. The dial is in very nice condition. Lever set hands including the special half hunter hour hand so that the time can be read when the front cover is closed. The watch comes in a new presentation box. All prices include UK postage (excluding Northern Ireland). Please contact us regarding international shipping costs. Some countries do not allow the importation of antiques / watches / precious metals. Please contact us prior to placing an order if you are unsure about your country and we can check this for you. The international buyer is responsible for paying any import duties and taxes. All of our watches are checked over before listing and are also checked for accuracy which is usually within around +/- two to three minutes over 24 hours (unless otherwise stated), which is considered respectable for a vintage watch. We are a VAT registered company and all purchases are covered by Consumer Regulations. Credit / debit card purchases up to £300 can be made over the telephone on 01386 750238 or you can proceed via the red 'Buy Now' button on each listing page. We are an on-line only business and do not have facilities for callers. Our offices are open from Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. With regards to appraisals / valuations, we receive a huge number of information requests each day and unfortunately do not have the manpower to deal with them all individually. Our advice would be to contact a local auctioneer for a full appraisal.