Cheffins
Lot 182
Arnold & Dent, London - A William IV 18ct gold open faced pocket watch with travelling case, circa 1835, the unsigned gilt dial with floral engraved inner, 37mm diameter, with black Roman numerals, blued spade and whip hands, engine turned subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock and dot minute track, jewelled key wind duplex escapement with three arm balance, diamond end stone and hanging barrel signed ARNOLD & DENT LONDON 5058, case, 40mm diameter with milled edge, verso hinged at 6 o'clock, engine turned all over around a central vacant circular cartouche, interior numbered 5058 with London hallmarks for 18ct gold, casemaker's mark not traced (HH skeleton punch), the part marked cuvette similarly marked, 48.8g gross, presented with the winding key and fitted burgundy leather carrying case, lined in purple satin and velvet, verso with hinged easel type stand, top with carrying handleEdward John Dent (1790–1853) was a famous English watchmaker noted for his highly accurate clocks and marine chronometers. By the age of 24, he was already well known as a craftsman of some distinction. In 1830, he saw a vacancy for a watchmaker with the firm of John Roger Arnold - one of the leading chronometer makers in London - but instead of becoming an employee of the firm, Dent negotiated a partnership. However, by 1838 the partnership was faltering. Despite Arnold being nearly 70, Dent's hopes of taking over the business were frustrated and so, on 30 September 1840, the partnership of Arnold and Dent came to an end. Dent continued as a highly successful watch and clockmaker on his own and in 1852, he won the commission to make the great clock - now popularly called Big Ben - for the Houses of Parliament in London.Timepieces by E.J. Dent are always popular at auction, but items made during his short 10-year partnership with John Arnold are particularly sought after by collectors.
