English 18k gold minute repeating chronograph Circa 1885

A very fine english 18K gold minute repeating keyless pocket watch with chronograph and 60-minute register. , London hallmark for 1885. Gilt movement with 24 jewels, lateral lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance with gold screws, blued steel Breguet double overcoiled balance spring, swan-neck micrometer regulator, Nicole Nielsen chronograph work set on the back plate and activated by depressing the crown, repeating on gongs activated by a slide in the band.
Case polished. Gold hinged cuvette.
White enamel dial by Willis, radial Roman numerals, outer minute track, outermost chronograph scale for fifths of seconds and outer Arabic five minute/seconds numerals, subsidiary seconds at 6 and minute register at 12 o’clock. Blued steel spade hands. Dial movement and case signed.
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Diameter: 52 mm
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Signed: Dent, Watchmaker to The Queen, 61 Strand & 4 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.