$2,596
Dent, Watchmaker to The King, 61 Strand & 4 Royal Exchange, London, No. 55480. London hallmarks for 1901. Fine, keyless, 18K yellow gold pocket watch with chronograph. Four-body, “demi-bassine et filets”, solid, polished, monogrammed case back, hinged gold cuvette. White enamel with radial Roman numerals, outer minute and chronograph divisions with Arabic 5-minute markers, sunk subsidiary seconds dial. Blued steel “spade” hands. Cal. 19’’’, frosted gilt, half-plate, spring barrel, lateral lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance with gold timing and temperature screws, blued steel Breguet balance spring, diamond endstone. Dial and movement signed, casemaker’s mark RN. Diam. 51 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 his independent establishment at 33 Cockspur Street, London. He was the builder of “Big Ben”, the famous Westminster clock. The firm continued to operate until recently at 41 Pall Mall, London, as E. Dent & Co. Ltd.
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
2006-09-20
