English gold, enamel and pearl set lever watch with chain Circa 1790

Gold, enamel and pearl set pocket watch
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A very fine and elegant English 18 carat gold, enamel and pearl set open faced lever pocket watch made by James McCabe in London, circa 1790. A hinged, hand engraved, frosted gilt full plate movement decorated in a floral and leaf motif, Ø 37 mm, with cylindrical pillars, fusee and chain, a lateral lever escapement, steel balance with flat balance spring and single footed clock with a diamond endstone. White enamel dial with Arabic hours, an outer minute track, a winding aperture at 4 o’clock and gold arrow hands. The case back with translucent imperial blue enamel and pearl set bezels. Movement signed and numbered. Accompanied by a 24 cm triple gold chain with a translucent royal blue enamel medallion decorated with gold inlay and set with three pearls, three keys.
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Diameter: 49 mm
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Signed: James McCabe London
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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.