English gold lever watch made for the Indian market Circa 1868

Gold, enamel and diamond set pocket watch
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An English gold, enamel and diamond set open faced pocket watch made for the Indian market by James McCabe in London, circa 1868. This watch features a gilded ¾ plate lever movement, bimetallic compensation balance and diamond endstone. The white enamel dial has Roman hour numerals, an outer minute ring, subsidiary seconds at 6 o’clock and blued steel hands, the hour hand is missing. It is signed and numbered by James McCabe of Royal Exchange London. The 18 carat gold case has a back adorned with geometric gold scrolling decoration on a translucent red guilloché enamel ground, bordered by a row of diamonds, and a single diamond in the center and on the pendant. The front bezel is of plain gold and has a fixed gold inner cuvette. The case back and cuvette are Hallmarked London 1868, bear the maker’s mark AS for Alfred Stram, and are further stamped I[J]MC and numbered.
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Diameter: 49 mm
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Signed: Jas McCabe Royal Exchange London
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The movement is running, but there is tarnish on the movement plate. The dial has several fine cracks along the edge and is missing the minute and hour hands, which are loose. The case has scuffs throughout, chips to the enamel around the band, and is missing the glass.
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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.