Important Modern and Vintage Timepieces
Geneva, Mar 27, 2011
LOT 426
Dent - Minute-Repeating Watch with Willis Dial Dent, Watchmaker to The Queen, London, 61 Strand & 4 Royal Exchange, London, No. 48649. The case with London hallmarks for 1895-6. Very fine, heavy, 18K gold, minute-repeating, hunting cased, keyless pocket watch.
CHF 5,100 - 7,800
USD 5,100 - 7,800 / EUR 4,000 - 6,000
Sold: CHF 7,500
C. Four-body, ?bassine?, master mark EN, polished, the front cover with engraved monogram. Hinged gold cuvette. D. White enamel by Willis, with radial Roman numerals, outer minute track, subsidiary seconds. Blued steel spade hands. M. 43 mm (19???), frosted gilt half- plate, jewels in screwed chatons, lateral lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance with gold gold screws, blued steel Breguet balance spring with terminal curve, index regulator, repeating on gongs activated by a slide on the band. Dial and movement signed. The dial signed Willis on the reverse. Diam. 53 mm.
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: AA |
Very good |
Case: 3 |
Good |
Movement: 3* |
Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 2-01 |
Very good 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.