Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-faced pocket watch

E J Dent 18ct gold open faced pocket watch

Partially verified

This is an 18ct gold open faced pocket watch catalogued by Harper Field and attributed to E J Dent of London. The case measures 42 mm in diameter and houses an engraved gold dial decorated with floral motifs, black Roman numeral hour markers, and blued hands, accompanied by a recessed subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position. The auctioneer notes that the movement is signed and bears serial number 25500. Total gross weight of the timepiece is reported as 63.5 grams.

Dial view of the E J Dent 18ct gold open faced pocket watch showing engraved gold dial and Roman numerals
Dial view of the E J Dent 18ct gold open faced pocket watch showing engraved gold dial and Roman numerals — Harper Field. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.the-saleroom.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-faced pocket watch
Maker / attribution
E J Dent
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
2373
Source-reported date
Not established
Country
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
25500

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Dial and Visual Presentation

The pocket watch is configured in an open-faced format with an engraved gold dial. Visual observation of the dial shows a central section decorated with floral engraving, surrounded by black Roman numerals. The display features blued steel hands—specifically an ornate hour hand and a slender minute hand—and includes an inset subsidiary seconds dial located at the 6 o'clock position.

Mounted at the top of the circular case above the 12 o'clock numeral are the suspension bow and pendant. The cataloguer also notes the presence of 'blued hands' and 'black Roman numerals' in conjunction with the engraved gold surface.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gilt dial features an engraved floral centre, black Roman numerals, and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock.”
  • “Blued steel hands include a slender minute hand and an ornate hour hand.”
  • “Suspension bow and pendant are mounted above the 12 o'clock position on the circular case.”
  • “inset subsidiary seconds dial, blued hands, black Roman numerals, engraved gold dial”

Case Specifications and Attribution

The auctioneer attributes the watch to 'E J Dent of London' and catalogues the case as 18ct gold with a diameter of 42 mm. The total weight is recorded by the saleroom as 63.5 grams.

The listing associates the timepiece with serial number 25500. Specific case hallmarks, assay town marks, and casemaker sponsor stamps are not recorded in the provided text and are not visible in the supplied single dial-side photograph.

Evidence for this section
  • “E J Dent of London 18 ct gold open faced pocket watch”
  • “case diameter 42mm, serial number 25500, 63.5g.”

Movement and Source Limitations

The saleroom description reports a 'signed movement' bearing the serial number 25500. However, the movement is not illustrated in the provided record, and the exact signature text on the movement plates is not transcribed.

As a result, details regarding the caliber architecture, jewel count, escapement type, and mechanical working order are not documented in the available source. Furthermore, the auction house's terms state that mechanical items are sold without warranty or guarantee regarding their working order.

Evidence for this section
  • “engraved gold dial and signed movement, case diameter 42mm, serial number 25500”
  • “Electrical / Mechanical goods are sold on the strict understanding that these are without warranty or any other guarantee as to their serviceability or working order.”

Open research questions

  • What exact signature, address, or numbering is engraved across the movement plates?
  • What hallmarks, date letters, and casemaker punches are stamped inside the 18ct gold case?
  • What escapement layout is fitted to movement serial number 25500?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for E J Dent 18ct gold open faced pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerE J Dent of London“E J Dent of London”
Case material18ct gold“18 ct gold”
Case diameter42mm“case diameter 42mm”
Serial number25500“serial number 25500”
Gross weight63.5g“63.5g.”

Visible details

  • Gilt dial features an engraved floral centre, black Roman numerals, and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock.
  • Blued steel hands include a slender minute hand and an ornate hour hand.
  • Suspension bow and pendant are mounted above the 12 o'clock position on the circular case.

Research qualifications

  • Movement details and interior case hallmarks are not visible in the primary supplied image.
  • Movement signature text beyond 'signed movement' is not recorded in the available source text.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

E J Dent of London 18ct gold open faced pocket watch with inset subsidiary seconds dial, blued ha

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 6cba76a015

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

Other open-faced pocket watch records