424 - Dent - Watchmaker to the King

Dent - Watchmaker to the King A fine half-hunting case pocket watch with an 18K gold watch chain Movement No. 55338, Case No. 847, Dimensions 49 mm, circa 1905, Weight 101 g, Origin: England Case: 18K gold, smooth, engraved monogram, inlaid Roman numerals in blue enamel, case maker’s punch mark “JW.” Dial: Enamel. Movement: 3/4-plate movement, English lever escapement, screw-compensated balance. John Edward Dent was born in 1790 and began his career as a candle maker before turning to watch- and clockmaking. Dent is considered one of the leading watch- and clockmakers of his time, producing pocket watches, large clocks, chronometers, and regulators. He worked for the Vulliamys and the Barrauds from 1815 to 1829, and became a partner of John Roger Arnold in 1830. The partnership ended in 1840, and Dent opened his own workshop in London. John Edward Dent’s clocks, chronometers, and pocket watches were highly sought after even back then, and he also built the famous clock in the clock tower of the Houses of Parliament in Westminster. Dent’s clocks, chronometers, and pocket watches have always fetched high prices, even during his lifetime. Case: very good. Dial: very good. Movement: very good, in working order, cleaning recommended.