Gold Quarter Repeating Duplex, 1829

Dealer description — WatchMuseum.org shop

The “Gold Quarter Repeating Duplex – 1829” is a remarkable testament to the exquisite craftsmanship of 19th-century English horology, embodying the elegance and precision that defined the era’s finest timepieces. Inspired by the legendary French watchmaker A.L. Breguet, this pocket watch is a harmonious blend of artistry and engineering. Its gold open face case exudes timeless sophistication, while the intricate key-wind gilt bar movement, complete with a suspended going barrel, showcases the meticulous attention to detail that went into its creation. The watch’s plain cock is complemented by a polished steel regulator and a diamond endstone, adding a touch of luxury to its functional design. The balance is expertly compensated, featuring a blue steel spiral hairspring that ensures accurate timekeeping. At the heart of this masterpiece lies the duplex escapement, equipped with a brass escape wheel and pivots adorned with endstones, further highlighting the watch’s superior craftsmanship. This extraordinary timepiece not only serves as a functional accessory but also as a cherished artifact that captures the essence of a bygone era, making it a prized addition to any collection of antique watches. This 19th-century English pocket watch has a unique design that is influenced by the renowned French watchmaker, A.L. Breguet. It features a gold open face case and a key-wind gilt bar movement with a suspended going barrel. The watch includes a plain cock with a polished steel regulator and a diamond endstone. The balance is compensated and has a blue steel spiral hairspring. The escapement is a duplex with a brass escape wheel and pivots with endstones. One of the notable features of this watch is its quarter repeating function, which can be activated by a pull and twist plunger located in the band of the watch. The repeating mechanism operates on two polished steel gongs, producing a clear and melodious sound. The dial of the watch is engine turned and made of gold, featuring faded Roman numerals and a subsidiary seconds dial. The time is indicated by elegant blue steel hands. The case of the watch is made of engine turned 18-carat gold, with a ribbed middle and an open face design. The pull and twist repeating plunger is located at three o’clock on the band of the case. The watch is further protected by a clip-on gold cuvette, which is secured to the case band by a screw (although the original screw is currently missing). The cuvette is signed by the makers, Arnold & Dent, with their address at 84 Strand, London, and the watch is numbered 3940. This watch is an interesting combination of English and French influences. It incorporates several design elements and features that are commonly associated with A.L. Breguet, such as the pull and twist repeating plunger and the placement of the gong in the band rather than through the pendant. The method of securing the cuvette with a screw is also reminiscent of Breguet’s style, although Dent has added the additional security of a clip on the case band. The watch appears to have been manufactured before Dent and Arnold became partners in 1830 but was sold after this partnership was formed. The movement is engraved with the name “Dent, London – 264”, which corresponds to the numbering system used by E.J. Dent. However, the cuvette is signed “Arnold & Dent 84 Strand London 3940”, aligning with Arnold’s numbering system and indicating that this watch is likely one of the earliest examples from their address at 84 Strand. Signed Arnold & Dent 84 Strand London Hallmarked London 1829 Diameter 43 mm