Thank you for viewing this Super Balsom/Longines movement watch.
It is in super condition and is an excellent timekeeper.
I am not a jeweller, but a collector of watches and am reducing my collection amassed over 40 years.
Yet another watch I am sorry to be losing.
A lovely gift for anyone named BALSOM out there, even more so if they have Reading connections.
William Austin Balsom (1869-1936) was a Reading jeweller.
He moved from Jersey to Reading in 1890 to work in the jewellery trade.
He took over a jewellers shop in 1911, becoming one of the best known jewellers in the town, and went on to celebrate his firm's silver jubilee in 1936.
He later acquired another business from Charles Cotterell for his son Francis A. Balsom.
Austin died in 1936. His son enlisted in the RAF, returning to the business in 1946.
In 1961 he retired and the business was closed.
This is a cushion shaped trench watch with W. A. BALSOM, READING on the face, it is very faint.
It is approximately 1 3/16" square without the winder.
Read on it's not all what it seems to be!
I was surprised when I became aware of the LONGINES movement dating to 1940.
How many jewellers put their name on the dial with a LONGINES movement hidden away?
Such a great name hiding behind a "small" jeweller.
Or can we presume/assume that Austin was a better class jeweller than I originally thought?
Surprisingly there is very little information about the business to be found, I've looked and failed!
The face has the patina that only comes with age. The watch runs extremely well and has a seconds sub dial at 6 o'clock.
I always refuse to use the R*** word, but, how common are these?
I have not seen a W. A. BALSOM watch for sale anywhere.
Remember this is a watch that has been used and is 84 years old.
The movement is signed LONGINES. 5925248 Swiss made 15 jewels.
The ruby-red jewels stand out...unfortunately my photographic skills do not show them!
The inside back cover is marked Acier Inox 18 20829.
The dial is to die for! with a fabulous patina, no hairlines at all. Please look at the dial and movement pics....beautiful!
The glass is perfect.
No dents or dings. The movement is very very clean. The stainless steel case likewise.
The back has a hole drilled to match a dowel fitted in the case, a very nice "quality" feature.
As always I struggle with photography, lighting and reflections. Looks better in real life!
Timekeeping is brilliant, I have checked it with a time app and it is within a couple of minutes a day.
There is the opportunity to move the time adjuster if you want to.
Of course the people who view this are not worried about quartz accuracy.
The character and rarity of the watch is what is important.
I see a lot of sellers advise a service. Is one needed with this? it's up to the next owner, personally I've never seen the need for one.
It is a little beauty, I have to admit a nice period strap will enhance it.
Please look at the pics...nothing hidden. If there's a problem I'll tell you.
Overall, for a watch this old the condition is super.
The buyer will not be disappointed.
I hate losing it. Another old friend leaving me, and, there are others to follow unfortunately!
I will use Royal Mail, next day before 1.00 p.m. for delivery, I now only use them for valuable items.
I will not risk a watch being "lost" and fighting for compensation ever again. It's best for both of us!