Important Collectors' Wristwatches, P...

Geneva, Hotel Noga Hilton, Oct 16, 2005

LOT 254

Dent, Watchmaker to The Queen, 61 Strand & 4 Royal Exchange, London, No. 42831. London hallmarks for 1885. Very fine 18K gold minute-repeating keyless pocket watch with chronograph and 60-minute register. Accompanied by a long 18K gold and platinum chain with seal fob.

CHF 10,000 - 14,000

EUR 6,500 - 9,000 / USD 8,000 - 12,000

Sold: CHF 14,375

C. Four-body, "demi-bassine", polished. Gold hinged cuvette. D. White enamel by Willis, radial Roman numerals, outer minute track, outermost chronograph scale for fifths of seconds and outer Arabic five minute/seconds numerals, subsidiary seconds at 6 and minute register at 12 o'clock. Blued steel "spade" hands. M. 42 mm. (18 1/2'''), frosted gilt, 24 jewels, lateral lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance with gold screws, blued steel Breguet double overcoiled balance spring, swan-neck micrometer regulator, Nicole Nielsen chronograph work set on the back plate and activated by depressing the crown, repeating on gongs activated by a slide in the band. Dial movement and case signed. Diam. 52 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3-6

Good

Slightly oxidized
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 4-13-01

Fair

Slightly damaged

HANDS Original

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.