Edward Dent (1790–1853) was a famous English watchmaker noted for his highly accurate clocks and marine chronometers.

Under the terms of the indenture – dated 20 August 1804 – John Wright Dent was expected to find suitable lodgings for his apprentice.

As early as 1814, Dent was making clocks and chronometers on his own account, but not in sufficient quantities to earn him a satisfactory livelihood.

[3] In a letter to the Board of Ordnance, dated March, 1829, John Pond – at the time Astronomer Royal – described Dent as "among the best workmen of the present day.

"[3] Dent's reputation for precision eventually brought requests from the Admiralty and the East India Company.

Dent, aged 40, was in a position to advertise his ability as a technician and to use his great business sense to put his firm on to a really sound footing.

The shop displayed timepieces made by Breguet – whom Dent had met during his time with John Roger Arnold – as well the owner's creations.

In March 1843 production and sale of Dent's Dipleidoscope started (made to J. Bloxam's patent 9793 of 1843), and was to continue for some 25 years.

Dent gained two stepsons (Frederick William and Richard Edward) and two-stepdaughters (Mary Elizabeth and Amelia Lydia Sophia).

At the east end there is to be a Tower, one hundred and forty feet high, containing the Clock and Chimes which latter characteristic is to be revived.

This Clock is to be the best specimen that can be produced of modern skill in clock-making, and is intended to furhish the Merchants and Captains with the most accurate record of time in the City of London.

In 1852 Dent won the commission to make the great clock—now popularly called Big Ben—for the Houses of Parliament at Westminster, but he died before completing the project.

Edward John Dent died on 8 March 1853, at the age of 62 and his adopted son completed the Great Clock.