Rare 18K gold cased Chronometer by Dent with original box c1863

This pocket watch is made by one of the finest English companies Dent & Co, responsible for the Great Clock of the Houses of Parliament or as it is more commonly known, “Big Ben”.

Dent & Co were particularly known for their chronometers and chronometers by Dent & Co.

As Dent’s reputation soared, their chronometers accompanied some of the more colourful and influential explorers. In 1831 a Dent chronometer was taken aboard the HMS Beagle to accompany Charles Darwin on his famous voyage. Two decades later, David Livingstone purchased a Dent chronometer for his African Explorations and in 1890, the explorer H.M. Stanley was moved to write that “the chronometers supplied by you, and which were taken across Africa in my last Expedition, proved a very great service to me and were in every way thoroughly satisfactory and reliable” 

in 1862 the company received the highest awards for Chronometer and watches at the International Exhibition. 

This watch has a chronometer escapement and is housed in a solid 18K gold case with hallmarks for London 1863.

It comes in its original three tiered wooden box bound with brass and with a bone insert. The box has its original bill of sale on the base dated 1863 and to a Mr A G Johnson. It also comes with its original cardboard outer box from the original retailer, Hamilton & Co, Calcutta.

Movement – the high quality gilt fusee pocket watch movement has a free sprung balance with a helical hairspring and a detent escapement. The movement also has large gold timing weights on the balance. The movement is signed “Dent, Watchmaker to the Queen, Strand, London” # 29216. The movement is in 95% mint condition – one scratch on the “London” but apart from that practically flawless

Case – the movement comes in a solid 18K gold open face case which has a hinged inner, back and front cover. The case has stepped sides and light engine turning on the back. The case is clearly hallmarked with makers initials for JWS and is numbered 29216.

The case is in 95% mint condition – the lightest of wear only

Dial – the white enamel dial has a full set of blue steel hands and is signed “Dent, 61 Strand, London, 29216”. The dial is in 90% mint condition – there is a hairline from the 11 to the centre.

The watch has a mineral glass

The watch measures 49mm wide x 14mm

The watch is key wound / key set and comes with a key

The watch comes in its original three tier wooden box with a removable insert for the watch. The watch has a lovely touch – on the inside of the lid of the second tier there is a turned dimple in the wood which accommodates the stem

The box is bound in brass and has a bone disc with “Dent, 29216”

The box measures 103mm x 85mm x 52mm

The box comes with a key but I have not been able to lock it.

The box also comes with its original cardboard box from the retailer, Hamilton in Calcutta.