English 18 carat gold pocket chronometer Circa 1874

Pocket chronometer in coined band case
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A very fine pocket chronometer, made by the royal watchmaker Frederick Dent in London, England, circa 1874. The numbered case of this watch was crafted from 18 carat gold features London hallmarks from 1874, a coined band and an engine turned back lid. The enamel dial features an outer minute and hour track with Roman hour numerals, a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o’clock and blued steel hands. The numbered movement is equipped with an exquisite spring detent chronometer escapement and a diamond end stone.
The case, dial and movement bear matching numbers and the dial and movement are signed.
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Diameter: 51 mm
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Weight: 110 g
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Signed: F. Dent London
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Dent
This very fine English chronometer was made by Frederick Dent, who took over Edward John Dent’s business after his death in 1853 and continued it successfully. Like Edward John Dent, Frederick Dent was entitled to use the title “royal watchmaker”. Edward John Dent received royal permission to work as an official watchmaker for Queen Victoria and Albert, Prince of Wales, as early as 1841 – a permission which was extended until the reign of George V. The Russian Emperors Tsar Alexander III and Tsar Nicholas II and the Japanese Emperor Mejii also granted Dent royal licenses.