Minute-Repeating Dent

Minute-Repeating Dent, Watchmaker to The Queen, London, No. 39896. The case with London hallmarks for 1882. Fine, 18K gold, minute-repeating keyless pocket watch. Four-body, “bassine et filets”, master mark G.A.P, polished. Hinged gold cuvette. White enamel with radial Roman numerals, outer minute track, subsidiary seconds. Blued steel spade hands. 45 mm (20’’’), frosted gilt three-quarter plate, jewels in screwed chatons, lateral lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance with gold gold screws, blued steel Breguet balance spring, diamond endstone, index regulator, repeating on gongs activated by a slide in the band. Dial, movement and case signed. Diam. 54 mm Notes Dent A celebrated watchmaking dynasty founded by Edward John Dent (1790-1853), known for high quality watches, clocks, chronometers and regulators. After starting life as a tallow chandler, Edward John Dent switched to watchmaking. From 1815 to 1829, he was employed by the Vulliamys and the Barrauds. In 1830 he entered into a partnership with J. R. Arnold. In 1840 he set up on his own account at 33 Cockspur Street, London. He was the builder of “Big Ben”, the famous Westminster clock. He made many fine chronometers and watches as well as others of a high commercial grade. The firm continued until relatively recently at 41 Pall Mall, London, as E. Dent & Co. Ltd.