Here we have a lovely example of a classic 1922 Longines 9ct rose gold trench style watch, which was retailed by JW Benson, London. It has the classic white enamel dial with the railroad minute track, arabic numerals with the red 12 and the in-set sub-second dial. The thermally blued hands are of spade and whip style and have aged to a purple tone. It has the name JW Benson London below 12. The 31mm 9ct gold case has the hinged front and double hinged back. The lugs are of a fixed wire design. Inside the case has hallmarking for 9ct gold from London assay office dating it to 1922. The movement is a manual wind Longines calibre 12.92 which has been recently serviced. It is a classic early wrist watch, with a quality gold case and movement.
 
The dial is a bright white enamel with the railroad minute track and the italic Arabic numerals and red 12. The sub-second dial is inset with the outer railroad track with individual second graduations, and alternating dash and Arabic 5 second markers. The dial is signed in the traditional British manner, with the retailer’s name below 12 O’clock. This was done to emphasise the importance of the retailer name over the manufacturer. The Spade and whip style hands are thermally blued and shine in the light, having aged to a beautiful purple tone. The sub-second hand also being original and thermally blued.
 
The case is of classic proportions measuring 31mm x 31mm. The wire lugs add to the presence on the wrist, with the total lug to lug measurement being 36mm. The case has a comfortable fit to the wrist with its 10mm depth.
It is a classic design of the period with the hinged front and double hinged case back, with the central section having the lugs attached. The bezel fits tightly however, the hinge is broken. Both backs are good and seal tightly with good hinges. The rose gold tone to the case is even. To the right is the original crown which has a good size for ease of winding. The case has a polished finish with light surface scratching associated with ageing. The case back is free of engraving and has light marking. Inside it has hallmarking for 9ct gold from London assay office dating to 1922. It has the ‘AB’ makers mark which stands for Arthur Baume. Baume & Co were the British import arms of Longines Watch Co. The inner back has the matching hallmarking and serial number.
 
Inside it is powered by the Longines calibre 12.92. It is a good quality and well-constructed manual wind movement. It has the classic gilt finishing associated with Longines. It has a pleasing finger bridge design with the underslung ratchet wheel. The jewels are large and are a lovely tone. It is jewelled to the centre wheel with a total count of 16. It has been recently serviced and is keeping very reliable time for its age.
 
Full condition report below. Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
 
Dial: 
The dial is enamel and is original. It is in very good condition with no hairline fractures or chips. The tracks and numerals are very clear. The retailer signing has worn slightly with age. This is due to the retailer signing being an original later stamp, not part of the manufacturing process from factory. 
 
Hands: 
The hands are original and are of spade and whip style. They are thermally blued and have turned purple with age.
 
Glass: 
The crystal is an acrylic replacement which is in good condition with no marking.
 
Crown: 
The crown is original of onion style and is in good antique condition, as is the pin set. It functions as it should.
 
Case:
The case is formed of 9ct rose gold and is in original condition. It is in good antique condition, having polished with age, with some light scratching. The bezel is secure but the hinge is broken. The fixed bar lugs are good and sturdy.
 
Caseback:
The case back is formed of gold and is in good antique condition. It snaps in place securely and the hinge is good. Inside it has service etchings and hallmarking for 9ct gold.
 
Inner hinged back:
The inner hinged back snaps tightly in place. It is in good antique condition with the polished finish and light marking associated with age. The hinge is good. 
 
Strap: 
The watch comes on a 1940s leather strap with the Montal rolled gold buckle. 
 
Movement: 
The movement is a Longines calibre 12.92, which is a pin set, manual wind calibre. It has a jewel count of 16 and a frequency of 18,000 BPH. It has a split bi-metalic balance with blued steel hairspring with overcoil.
 
The movement is running well, but the service history in unknown. It’s keeping time to +60 seconds a day, with an amplitude of 295 degrees and a beat error of 0.7m/s.
 
Case Dimensions:
Case width: 31mm
Case width with crown: 33.75mm 
Case length: 31mm 
Case length lug to lug: 36mm
Case Depth: 10.5mm
Lug width: 10mm