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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Key-wind, key-set pocket watch

Kendal & Dent The London Lever Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This English pocket watch by Kendal & Dent is a sterling silver key-wind, key-set timepiece dating to 1912. The watch features a white enamel dial with black Roman numerals, a subsidiary seconds dial, and gold-colored hands, signed "KENDAL & DENT MAKERS TO THE ADMIRALTY" and "THE LONDON LEVER". The movement is housed in a silver case featuring a plain cartouche on the reverse, with a diameter of 52mm. The watch is accompanied by an antique winding key and a 13-inch sterling silver chain, which includes hallmarks of the British Lion passant on its links. The auction description reports the watch is in fine working condition, noting minor marks on the outer bezel.

Kendal & Dent silver pocket watch, dial view, showing the subsidiary seconds dial and Admiralty signature.
Kendal & Dent silver pocket watch, dial view, showing the subsidiary seconds dial and Admiralty signature. — Ashton-Blakey Vintage Watches. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
ashton-blakey-antiques.com
Category
Pocket watch · Key-wind, key-set pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Kendal & Dent
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1912
Source-reported place
England

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

Case and Dial

The watch is housed in a silver case, measuring 52mm in diameter. The reverse of the case features a decorative engine-turned pattern surrounding a plain central cartouche designed for personal engraving. The interior of the case back shows evidence of British silver hallmarks.

The dial is constructed of white enamel and displays black Roman numerals for the hour track, with a recessed subsidiary seconds dial positioned at the 6 o'clock marker. The watch uses gold-colored hands and features the inscription "KENDAL & DENT MAKERS TO THE ADMIRALTY" along with the model name "THE LONDON LEVER" printed on the dial surface. The lower portion of the dial is marked "SWISS MADE".

Evidence for this section
  • “The fine silver case has a plain cartouche on back.”
  • “Diameter of watch is 52mm.”
  • “Perfect white enamel dial with black numerals and gold coloured hands.”
  • “The watch is signed on the dial KENDAL & DENT MAKERS TO THE ADMIRALTY; “ THE LONDON LEVER””

Movement and Functionality

The timepiece is a key-wind and key-set model. Access to the movement's winding and setting arbors is gained by opening the hinged rear dust cover of the case. The arrangement of the arbors indicates the traditional manual interface for watches of this period, requiring a separate key to manipulate the mainspring and the hands.

The vendor states that the watch is in fine working condition. No details regarding the caliber, jewel count, or escapement type are provided in the documentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “english, Kendall and Dent sterling silver key wind key set pocket watch”
  • “in fine working condition”

Provenance and Accessories

The object is accompanied by an antique winding key and a 13-inch sterling silver chain. The chain is noted for being original to the period, with each link bearing the British Lion passant hallmark, indicating sterling silver purity.

The watch is marketed by Ashton-Blakey Vintage Watches. The accompanying documentation links the maker, Kendal & Dent, to historical contracts with the British Admiralty and other institutional commissions, though the specific service history of this individual unit is not documented.

Evidence for this section
  • “comes with its antique key as well as a fine 13 inch sterling chain of the period with hallmarks of the British Lion passant on each link.”
  • “The watch is signed on the dial KENDAL & DENT MAKERS TO THE ADMIRALTY”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific manufacturer or caliber hidden beneath the case back?
  • Why does the dial bear a 'SWISS MADE' mark if the watch is catalogued as an English silver pocket watch?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Kendal & Dent The London Lever Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerKendal & Dent“The watch is signed on the dial KENDAL & DENT MAKERS TO THE ADMIRALTY”
TypeKey wind key set pocket watch“english, Kendall and Dent sterling silver key wind key set pocket watch”
Hallmark date1912“full hallmark for London 1912”
Diameter52mm“Diameter of watch is 52mm.”
Chain length13 inches“fine 13 inch sterling chain”
Dial signatureThe London Lever““ THE LONDON LEVER””
Included accessoriesAntique key and silver chain“comes with its antique key as well as a fine 13 inch sterling chain”

Visible details

  • Subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock position
  • Key-wind and key-set mechanism accessible via case back
  • Sterling silver chain with T-bar
  • Engine-turned decoration on the case back with central cartouche

Research qualifications

  • Condition of internal movement not visible in photographs
  • Unverified exact manufacture location due to 'SWISS MADE' mark on dial

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

Consulted source

ساعت جیبی نقره KENDAL & DENT مدل THE LONDON LEVER

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 341826b454

Terms in this record

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