English chronometer with up and down indication Circa 1877

Gold keyless pocket chronometer 
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An English gold open faced keyless pocket chronometer with up and down indication made by James McCabe in London, circa 1877. This timepiece features a gilded ¾ plate movement with a free sprung spring detent escapement, blued steel helical spring and a bimetallic compensation balance with timing screws. It also includes a diamond end stone and is signed Jas. McCabe Royal Exchange London. The silvered dial features elegant black Roman hour numerals, an outer minute ring, subsidiary dials for the seconds and up and down indication, all complemented by striking blued steel hands. It is also signed Jas. McCabe Royal Exchange London.
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This timepiece is housed in an 18 carat polished gold case with a central, decoratively engraved blank cartouche on the back. The case is hallmarked Chester 1877 and bears the maker’s mark H.C. (or H.G.) incuse. The plain polished gold cuvette includes the maker’s mark F.T. within an oval cartouche possibly for Frederick Trahern, and a gold pendant and bow complement it.
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Diameter: 51 mm
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Signed: Jas. McCabe of Royal Exchange London
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The dial has light scuffs and scratches, while the case is polished. The movement is fully wound but not running.
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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.