Origins and period
London, England
Business founded by Edward John Dent in 1814
Abbady Watches A–Z archive · Research page
Dent
This page has been created in the permanent archive and is ready for verified history, watch photographs, model identification, and collector information.
Abbady photographic archive
Dent photographs
Archive photographs are captioned only from details visible in the image. Exact references and production dates remain open until case, movement, and serial markings can be compared.
Dent in watchmaking
Edward John Dent established a London watch, clock, and chronometer business and earned recognition through precision trials and marine timekeeping. Dent’s firm made the Great Clock for the Palace of Westminster to Edmund Beckett Denison’s design, including the mechanism associated with the bell popularly called Big Ben.
Landmark dates
- Founding and first production
- Important movement or model launch
- Expansion, merger, revival, or modern milestone
Known for
Marine chronometers, precision clocks, the Great Clock at Westminster, royal warrants, regulators, carriage clocks, and fine English watches.
Movements and innovation
Calibres, escapements, case construction, water resistance, electronic or quartz development, manufacturing methods, patents, and specialist suppliers.
Identification checklist
- Reference and serial numbers
- Movement calibre and jewel count
- Case material and dimensions
- Dial, hands, crown, crystal, bracelet, and inscriptions
Preservation guidance
Service considerations, originality, replacement parts, water-resistance assumptions, safe storage, and details that should be documented before restoration.
References and credits
Official manufacturer history, museum or archive sources, technical sheets, books, catalogues, advertisements, image credits, and provenance notes.