English gold minute repeating lever pocket watch Circa 1882

Gold open faced minute repeater by Dent
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A fine English 18 carat gold open faced minute repeating keyless lever pocket watch, Hallmarked London 1882. Frosted gilt 3/4 plate movement, jewels in screwed chatons, lateral lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance with gold screws, blued steel Breguet balance spring, diamond endstone, index regulator, repeating on gongs activated by a slide in the band. Gold hinged cuvette. White enamel dial with Roman numerals, outer minute track, subsidiary seconds and original blued steel spade hands. Plain case, master mark G.A.P. Dial, movement and case signed.
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Diameter: 54 mm
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Dent 61 Strand & 54 Royal Exchange London Watchmaker to The Queen London
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Dent. A celebrated watchmaking dynasty founded by Edward John Dent (1790-1853), known for high quality watches, clocks, chronometers and regulators. After starting life as a tallow chandler, Edward John Dent 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. He 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.