Oversized English gold repeating chronometer Circa 1824

Gold full hunter half quarter repeater
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An oversized English 18 carat gold hunting cased half quarter repeating pocket chronometer made by James McCabe, London Hallmarked for 1824. The gilt full plate chronometer movement with gold screws, a diamond end stone and wolf’s tooth winding. Gold dial with an engine turned center, Roman hour numerals on a frosted chapter ring, an outer dot minute track, subsidiary at 6 o’clock and gold spade hands. The engine turned case with a plain cuvette, hinged case back, and a band, pendant and bow chased with scrolling foliage. Case numbered, movement signed and numbered.
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Diameter: 59.5 mm
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Signed: Jas McCabe London Royal Exchange
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The name James McCabe and the House of McCabe are part of a watchmaking dynasty that lasted for over a century. It was renowned for the enormous variety of its designs, and the creativity and prestige of its manufacture. James and his descendants would become one of Britain’s most prolific watchmakers with over 50.000 watches, 7000 clocks and 500 marine chronometers produced in the company’s 100 year history.
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James McCabe was born in 1748 in the town of Lurgan, County Armagh, Ireland, into a family of watchmakers. His grandfather and father, Patrick McCabe, were both skilled horologists.
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Moving to Belfast, James apprenticed under his brother, Thomas, before setting up a workshop in London in 1775, in the Bells Building on Fleet Street, and subsequently, Cheapside and 97 Royal Exchange. His reputation quickly grew, he gained recognition as one of the leading watch and chronometer makers of his era. His timepieces were admired for their elegance, mechanical precision and durability, earning him prestigious commissions from royalty, nobility and prominent merchants. Among notable owners of his timepieces were Lord Horatio Nelson and the first President of the United States, George Washington. McCabe further became a respected member of the Clockmakers’ Company.
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After James’ passing in 1811, his sons continued the business, maintaining the company’s reputation for high quality horology throughout the 19th century.