Here we have a lovely example of a classic 1930 Longines 9ct gold trench style watch, which was retailed by Bruford & Sons LTD Exeter. It has the classic white enamel dial with the railroad minute track, arabic numerals and the in-set sub-second dial. The thermally blued hands are of Cathedral style. It has the name Bruford & Sons LTD Exeter below 12, with Longines above the sub-second dial. The 31mm 9ct gold case has the hinged front and double hinged back. The lugs are the Longines patent swivel design. Inside the case has hallmarking for 9ct gold from London assay office dating it to 1930. The movement is a manual wind Longines calibre 12.92 which has been recently serviced. It is a classic trench style watch, with a quality gold case and movement. 
 
The dial is a bright white enamel with the railroad minute track and the large Arabic numerals. The sub-second dial is inset into the dial 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 and the manufacturer signing above the sub-second dial. This was done to emphasise the importance of the retailer name over the manufacturer. The Cathedral style hands are thermally blued and shine in the light, with the sub-second hand also being original and thermally blued.
 
The case is of classic proportions measuring 31mm x 32.75mm. The patent swivel lugs add to the presence on the wrist, with the total lug to lug measurement being 37mm. 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 has a good hinge and closes tightly, as do both backs. 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 gold hallmarking to the side of the case is good and defined, demonstrating its unpolished condition. The case back is free of engraving and has light marking. Inside it has hallmarking for 9ct gold from London assay office dating to 1930. 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.
 
William Bruford & Sons
Brufords were originally established in Eastbourne in 184 by William Bruford. A second shop opened in Exeter in 1900. 
 
William Bruford & Sons were primarily antique silver dealers, but also sold antique furniture and works of art during the 1920s and 1930s. They were located at 241 High Street in Exeter from 1920 until 1939. The Exeter ranch sadly closed in 2014 after increasing costs.
 
Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below. A further condition report is below.
 
Dial: 
The dial is original and is good condition for the age. It is formed of enamel and has the bright white finish. It has one fine crack from the sub-second dial to between 3-4 O’clock. The railroad track is good with the clear arabic numerals. The sub-second dial signing is good and clear. The signing below 12 O’clock has worn slightly with age, but is still visible, as is the Longines signing above the sub-second dial.
 
Hands: 
The hands are original and are in decent condition. They are of cathedral style and are thermally blued. They have some corrosion associated with age. The sub-second hand is also original.
 
Glass: 
The acrylic crystal is a replacement and is in perfect condition.
 
Crown: 
The crown is original and is in good condition with light marking associated with age.
 
Case:
The case is formed of 9ct gold and is in good original condition. The bezel has a polished finish with light scratching. It closes tightly and the hinge is good. The sides of the case have the polished finish with light marking. There are some marks on the side of the bezel where a knife has been used to open it in the past. The hallmarking for 9ct gold is clear to the side. The Longines patent swivel lugs are good and original, with no obvious wear.
 
Caseback:
The case back is in good original condition with light surface scratching. It closes tightly to the case and the hinge is good. Inside it is signed with London assay office marks for 9ct gold.
 
Inner hinged back:
The inner hinged back has some deeper scratches to the polished finish. It closes tightly and the hinge is good. Inside it is signed with matching hallmarking and serial number.
 
Strap:
The watch comes on an older genuine leather strap for fixed lugs. It still has a good amount of life in it.
 
Movement: 
The movement is a Longines 12.92. It is a good quality 16-jewel manual wind calibre. It has a beat rate of 18,000 BPH and a 38 hour power reserve.
The movement has been recently serviced and is in good condition. It’s keeping time to within -30 seconds a day, with an amplitude of 300 degrees and a beat error of 0.3m/s.
 
Case Dimensions:
Case width: 31mm
Case width with crown: 33mm 
Case length: 32.75mm 
Case length lug to lug: 37mm
Case Depth: 10mm
Lug width: 11mm