Lot 1370

Description

Gents gilt pair cased pocket watch by Wm Dent London c1680, key wind, set fusee with elaborate chaised clock and watch movement No. 252, white enamel dial with fancy hands, black Roman numeral hour markers and Arabic minute numerals.

A very early and rare 17th Century time piece. The founder of this famous clock and watch making family was William Dent (1624-1703). Both William and Edward John Dent were celebrated clock makers. E.J. made the clock for the Royal Exchange, London and received the order for Big Ben which was completed by his stepson Frederick. William's watch and Edward's barometer (see Lot 1534) provide interesting historical linkage to these family giants of the industry spanning some 200 years.