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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Edward J. Dent Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This antique pocket watch is reported by the auction source as made by Edward J. Dent and dated to between 1850 and 1900. Documented under auction lot 72304429, the piece features a gold-tone metallic dial decorated with elaborate floral scroll and architectural engraving across the central zone. Roman numerals mark the hours, accompanied by dark-finished decorative hands. Flanking the XII numeral, the dial bears the inscription 'E J DENT' and 'LONDON'. The case includes a hinged front bezel and crystal, with a fluted winding crown and pendant bow positioned at 12 o'clock.

Front view of pocket watch showing the engraved dial signed E J DENT LONDON
Front view of pocket watch showing the engraved dial signed E J DENT LONDON — Catawiki. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.catawiki.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Dent - Edward J Dent
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
72304429
Source-reported date
1850 - 1900
Source-reported place
Not established

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

Object Identity and Origin Claims

This pocket watch is listed under auction lot number 72304429 with an attribution to "Dent - Edward J Dent" and assigned a date range of "1850 - 1900". The listing title records it as "Dent - Edward J Dent - pocket watch NO RESERVE PRICE - Unisex - 1850 - 1900".

The auction record does not list a specific reference number, movement serial number, or country of origin. The maker attribution derives from the auction cataloguing and dial inscription rather than verified movement hallmarks documented in the text.

Evidence for this section
  • “N.º 72304429”
  • “Dent - Edward J Dent - pocket watch NO RESERVE PRICE - Unisex - 1850 - 1900”
  • “1850 - 1900”

Dial and Case Observations

Visual observation of the watch shows a hinged front bezel and crystal opened to reveal the dial. The gold-toned dial features architectural and foliate scroll engraving in the center, encircled by Roman numeral hour markers and blued or blackened hands.

The dial is inscribed "E J DENT" and "LONDON" flanking the XII numeral. At the top of the case at 12 o'clock, there is a fluted winding crown fitted with a rounded bow.

Evidence for this section
  • “Hinged front bezel and crystal opened to reveal the dial”
  • “Gold-toned dial featuring intricate architectural and foliate scroll engraving in the center”
  • “Dial signed 'E J DENT' and 'LONDON' on either side of the XII hour marker”
  • “Roman numeral hour markers and blued or blackened hands”
  • “Fluted winding crown with an attached rounded bow at 12 o'clock”

Listing Details and Limitations

The auction lot was sold for 669 € and categorized under "Relojes de bolsillo". The listing notes that the object was selected by expert Mauro Atienza.

Movement details, escapement type, and internal case hallmarks are not recorded in this source or visible in the provided photograph. Consequently, the operational state and metal purity remain unverified from the available documentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “Vendido por 669 €”
  • “Relojes de bolsillo”
  • “Seleccionado por Mauro Atienza Experto en Relojes de pulsera”

Open research questions

  • Does the movement exhibit an engraved serial number or signature confirming manufacture by Edward J. Dent?
  • What hallmarks or casemaker stamps are present on the inner case backs to establish metal fineness and assay location?
  • What escapement mechanism is fitted inside the watch?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Edward J. Dent Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Lot Number72304429“N.º 72304429”
Maker AttributionDent - Edward J Dent“Dent - Edward J Dent”
Period1850 - 1900“1850 - 1900”
Sale Price669 €“Vendido por 669 €”
CategoryRelojes de bolsillo“Relojes de bolsillo”
CuratorMauro Atienza“Seleccionado por Mauro Atienza Experto en Relojes de pulsera”

Visible details

  • Hinged front bezel and crystal opened to reveal the dial
  • Gold-toned dial featuring intricate architectural and foliate scroll engraving in the center
  • Dial signed 'E J DENT' and 'LONDON' on either side of the XII hour marker
  • Roman numeral hour markers and blued or blackened hands
  • Fluted winding crown with an attached rounded bow at 12 o'clock

Research qualifications

  • Movement and interior case hallmarks are not visible in the photograph
  • Attribution to Edward J. Dent is based on the dial signature and auction cataloguing rather than an inspected movement signature

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

Consulted source

Relojes de pulsera a la Venta en Subasta Online - Catawiki

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record f85420457a

Terms in this record

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

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