Dent

3¾-inch enamel dial signed Dent, London with seconds dial and set within a gilt engine-turned mask, the five pillar two train fusee and chain movement signed Dent, 33 Cockspur Street, London, No. 19621, the deeply planted platform with Earnshaw's spring detent escapement and Dent's free sprung staple balance with blued helical spring, maintaining power, gong striking with repeat button to the side, strike/silent lever mounted on the backplate, the case with cruciform corner pillars and ball finials, similar handle and dust shutters to the back door; with the original numbered winder and original leather travelling case with Bramah lock

Flawless enamel dial. Movement appears clean but may benefit from fresh oil. Case with original gilding though rather dirty, small bruise to base of left front corner pillar, minor chip to lower left corner of back door. Travelling case rather scruffy and lacking key. With numbered winder.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

 Edward John Dent, (1790-1853), was originally apprenticed to a tallow chandler but was allowed to transfer to Edward Gaudin, a clockmaker, after he became fascinated by horology through his contact with his cousin Richard Rippon, a watchmaker.  Between 1815 and 1829 he worked as a chronometer maker for various firms including Vulliamy, Barraud and McCabe. By 1830 he was so highly regarded that he was invited by John Roger Arnold to enter into partnership with him at 84 Strand. The partnership lasted for ten years. In 1840 Dent opened his own business at 82 Strand and in 1843 opened further premises at 33 Cockspur Street, the address on this clock.. That same year he married his cousin's widow, Elizabeth Rippon. 

Edward Dent died in 1853 leaving his business to his two stepsons, Frederick and Richard Rippon on the condition that they took their stepfather's family name. Edward Dent is probably best remembered as the clockmaker who was awarded the contract to build the great Westminster Clock, commonly known as Big Ben.