English 18 carat gold open faced lever watch Circa 1822

Gold keywind pocket watch
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An English 18 carat gold open faced pocket watch by James McCabe in London, circa 1822. Gilt full plate keywind fusee movement with a fast beat train, Harrison’s maintaining power, an engraved cock with diamond endstone, a polished steel regulator with silver sector index, plain three arm gold balance with a deep rim, blued steel spiral hairspring and an English table roller lever escapement. White enamel dial with Roman hour numerals, outer minute divisions and gilt Fleur de Lys hands. A purpose made case Hallmarked 1874, engine turned on the back with a central vacant shield shaped cartouche, maker’s mark HB and the number corresponding to that on the movement. Dial, case and movement signed and numbered.
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Diameter: 48 mm
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Signed: Jas McCabe Royal Exchange London
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Unusually for this period, the watch has a 19,800 train.
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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.