Antique Dent 18K Gold Hunter Case Pocket Watch c.1880s | Gold & Silver Dial | English

Founded by the legendary Edward John Dent, the maker best known for producing the clock of London's iconic Elizabeth Tower ("Big Ben"), Dent earned an international reputation for precision timekeeping and uncompromising craftsmanship. Watches bearing the Dent name remain highly sought after by collectors of fine English horology.

The watch is presented in a substantial 45mm solid 18K yellow gold hunter case, richly hand engraved with elaborate scrolling floral and vine motifs that extend across both covers. The exceptional depth and quality of the engraving demonstrate the remarkable artistry of Victorian-era goldsmiths. The case alone weighs an impressive 35 pennyweights (approximately 54.4 grams), while the complete watch weighs 65.59 pennyweights (approximately 102.0 grams), giving it an impressive presence in the hand.

Opening the hunter cover reveals a stunning gold and silver dial, beautifully decorated with intricate engine turning and a lavish applied gold basket overflowing with fruit and foliage at the center. Elegant black Roman numerals, blued Fleur-de-lis hands, and a recessed subsidiary seconds register complete one of the most visually striking dials found on an English pocket watch of the period.

Powering the watch is a finely finished 10 jewel gilt movement arranged in a classic ¾-plate layout. The movement features a lever escapement and is operated through a traditional pin-set mechanism, reflecting the distinctive engineering found in many high-grade English watches of the late nineteenth century. Signed by Dent, the movement remains an excellent example of English precision watchmaking during the Victorian era.

With its solid 18K gold case, spectacular engraved decoration, richly ornamented gold and silver dial, and association with one of England's greatest watchmakers, this Dent represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire a museum-worthy Victorian pocket watch.

Details:

MAKE

Manufacturer: Dent
Country: England
Type: Man’s
Serial #: 27155
Circa Date: 1880s

CASE

Size: 45mm.

Style: Hunter Case.

Material: 18K Yellow Gold.

Decorations:  Deeply engraved with floral and vines.

Case Weighs: 35 DWTS =  Grams

Complete Watch Weighs: 65.59 DWTS TW =  Grams TW

Conditions:  C  3  (The case is in Very Good condition)

DIAL

Color: Gold & Silver.

Type: Gold & Silver.

Numerals: Roman Numerals.

Hands: Fleur-de-lis Hands.

Conditions:  D  3  (The dial is in Very Good condition)

MOVEMENT

Jewels: 10 Jewels.

Setting: Pin Set.

Escapement: Lever Escapement.

Material: Gilt.

Layout: ¾-Plate Layout.

Signed:  Yes.

Conditions:  M  3  (The movement is in Very Good condition)

Condition

This Dent pocket watch remains in very good antique condition.

• Solid 18K yellow gold hunter case retains exceptionally crisp hand engraving with only light evidence of careful use.
• Gold and silver dial remains in very good condition with outstanding detail and vibrant original finish.
• Signed 10 jewel gilt movement is clean and well preserved.
• Pin-setting mechanism operates as designed.
• Please review all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description and accurately represent the watch's condition.

Why Collect Dent Pocket Watches?

Dent is among the most prestigious names in English horology. Founded by Edward John Dent, whose firm produced the famous clock for the Palace of Westminster—better known worldwide as Big Ben—Dent watches represent the pinnacle of Victorian precision and craftsmanship.

Collectors especially value Dent pocket watches for their relatively limited production, exceptional movement quality, and association with one of Britain's most influential horological firms. Examples housed in solid 18K gold cases are considerably scarcer, while watches featuring elaborately engraved cases and decorative gold and silver dials are among the most desirable.

This example offers everything collectors seek: a substantial 18K gold hunter case, exquisite Victorian hand engraving, an ornate engine-turned gold and silver dial, a signed gilt movement, and the prestige of the Dent name. It is both an exceptional collector's timepiece and an outstanding example of nineteenth-century English decorative arts.