English gold open faced minute repeating lever Circa 1882

Gold minute repeater by Dent
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An English 18k yellow gold open faced minute repeating keyless watch, made in 1882, gilt three quarter plate movement, jewels in screwed chatons, lateral lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance with gold gold screws, blued steel Breguet balance spring, diamond endstone, index regulator, repeating on gongs activated by a slide in the band.
White enamel dial, Roman numerals, subsidiary seconds, blued steel spade hands, plain polished case, case, dial and movement signed, hallmarked London 1882. Dial, movement and case signed
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Diameter: 54 mm
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Signed: Dent Watchmaker to the Queen 61 Strand & 34 Royal Exchange
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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.