Heavy English silver chronometer pocket watch Circa 1816

Silver watch with spring detent escapement 
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An extremely heavy and very fine English silver pair cased best quality pocket chronometer made by the important maker James McCabe in London, Hallmarked for 1816. The cases with matching London Hallmarks for 1816 and makers mark JM. Chronometer movement in the manner of Earnshaw with a spring detent escapement, Z balance with trapezoidal weights, helical hairspring, diamond endstone and screwed gold chatons. White enamel dial with Roman hour numerals, an outer minute track, subsidiary seconds at 6 o’clock and pink gold hands. Dial and movement signed and numbered.
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Diameter: 62.5 mm
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Weight: 197 g
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Signed: Jas McCabe Royal Exchange 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.