English 18k gold open faced lever chronograph Circa 1901

Gold keyless lever chronograph by Dent
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A fine English 18 carat gold open faced chronograph keyless lever pocket watch, Hallmarked London 1901. Frosted gilt half plate movement supplied by Nicole Nielsen, spring barrel, lateral lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance with gold timing and temperature screws, blued steel Breguet balance spring, diamond endstone, index regulator, Nicole Nielsen chronograph work mounted on the backplate and activated by depressing the crown. Dedicated hinged gold cuvette. White enamel dial with Roman numerals, outer minute track and concentric seconds track divided into fifths of a seconds, Arabic five minute/second numerals, subsidiary seconds, original blued steel spade hands. Plain case, master mark RN, thiefproof swivel bow. Dial, and movement signed.
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Diameter: 54 mm
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Signed: Dent 61 Strand & 54 Royal Exchange 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.