76,700 HKD
“Minute Repeater” Dent, Watchmaker to the Queen, 61 Strand & 4 Royal Exchange, London, No. 45421. The case with London hallmarks for 1890-91. Very fine 18K gold, keyless, minute-repeating pocket watch. To be sold without reserve Four-body, "bassine et filets", polished, protected hand-setting button. Hinged gold cuvette. White enamel, by Willis, radial Roman numerals, outer minute track, subsidiary seconds. Blued steel "spade" hands. 44 mm, 3/4 plate, frosted gilt, 21 jewels, lateral counterpoised lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance with gold temperature and meantime adjustment screws, blued steel Breguet balance spring, diamond endstone, index regulator, repeating on gongs activated by a slide on the band. Dial and movement signed. Diam. 52 mm. Notes This is a high quality repeater, very highly finished and with a dial by Willis, the finest English dial maker. The Dent Family Edward John Dent (1790-1853) A celebrated maker of watches, clocks, chronometers and regulators. After starting life as a tallow chandler, 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, Lon
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
2003-11-25
