English rose gold precision watch with chronograph Circa 1865

Rose gold chronograph by Dent
–
An exceptional English 18 carat rose gold open faced chronograph precision pocket watch with a central minute counter, the so-called cut hunter, circa 1865. 4/5 Plate movement, an ébauch by Nicole Nielsen, a spring detent escapement, gold screw compensation balance, free sprung blued balance spring and an early rocker winding mechanism. White enamel regulator dial, a sunk decentralized sub dial with radial Roman hours, sunk auxiliary seconds, a central 60 minute counter and blued steel hands. The plain case with maker’s mark AN for Alexis Nicole of Nicole & Norbier, recorded May 1st, 1865. Dial and movement signed and numbered, case numbered, movement and case with matching numbers.
–
Diameter: 52 mm
–
Weight: 120 g
–
Signed: Dent Watchmaker to the Queen 33 Cockspur St London
–
Dent, a celebrated watchmaking dynasty founded by Edward John Dent (1790-1853), was known for high-quality watches, clocks, chronometers and regulators. After starting life as a tallow chandler, Edward John 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 and 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.