J. W. Benson's windows in Bond Street are the most impressive to be seen anythere, one of them being covered with a beautiful art shade of old green gold, and dressed chiefly with pearls and diamonds. Here may be seen numbers of the now fashionable pearl necklaces, consisting of from six to a dozen rows of pearls, divided up by two pillars or tablets, between which the rows slightly festoon. This necklace is en tout rage with those who can afford such a luxury, and recalls to mind the splendour of " good Queen Bess."
Source: The Watchmaker, Jeweller and Silversmith - 1st December 1892
Mr. J. W. Benson has had the privilege of submitting to Her Majesty a large ring made for the King of Siam, to be used by His Majesty, as head of the Buddhists in Eastern India, once a year for religious ceremonies. The centre stone, which is of great lustre, is 1¼ inches in diameter, and is enriched by a ruby, an emerald, a sapphire, and five other stones, cut cabochon shape. The mounting embodies emblems of the mystic faith of Buddhism. Mr. Benson, who has but lately returned from Siam, has recently completed other crown jewels for the same court. He has also just made to the order of the Maharajah of Jodhpur, three fine and complicated racing-watches, each having the chronograph action for timing contests. They are probably intended by the Maharajah as valuable prizes for running, and the design is not only artistic but appropriate. Each portrait is enamelled with a portrait of His Highness, inside and outside the cover — and has also scenes of a spirited race on the flat, and a steeple-chase enamelled in circles round the case.
Source: The Watchmaker, Jeweller and Silversmith - August 1883
Business continues pretty good for the watchmaker and most firms are able to show a substantial profit. J. W. Benson, Ltd., of London, well known this side for their timepieces, are maintaining their dividend on ordinary shares this year at 12½ per cent. Net profit for the year just ended totaled around $231,000 which is some $500 less than in the preceding year. The available amount brought in is $724,000. Around $519,500 is carried forward.