Dent was a highly reputable and famous London clock and watchmaker and is today most famous for constructing Big Ben. When first introduced, wristwatches worn by men were very unfashionable within society and the sale of wristwatches didn't overtake pocket watches until 1930.
World War I significantly changed the masculine viewpoint on what was considered an item of jewellery, due to the practicality of wearing a watch on your wrist. It's very likely that after serving in the Boer War, Lt Col Petty appreciated the practicality of a wristwatch and sought to purchase one when financially viable.
It is possible this 1911 example was converted from a pocket watch, however the wristwatch box is of the correct period. Another tell is the catch to release the cover via the crown as found in pocket watches has been removed, so the cover remains permanently closed. This was a design flaw in converted wristwatches as the cover would flip open and get caught on clothing, damaging it.
Although the watch is hallmarked 1911, no doubt when new, and the cover with matching 43 stamp is hallmarked for 1920, we can safely assume the watch was worn during the first world war, the cover damaged and replaced by the Dent factory post-war.
The gold buckle, emblematic of pre-1920s wristwatch style, places this piece among the earliest wristwatches to appear.
