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Gold Duplex by Mccabe Pocket Watch, 1824 — view 1 of 6
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Pocket Watches · Pocket watch

Gold Duplex by Mccabe Pocket Watch, 1824

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
McCabe (maker)
Date
1824
Country of origin
Unrecorded in source
Object type
Pocket watch
Materials / technique
gold
Stock no.
Product 4736
Credit line
Dealer listing, WatchMuseum.org shop (product 4736)
Catalogue title (original)
Gold Duplex by Mccabe Pocket Watch (English)

View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction

Record summary

Catalogued by WatchMuseum.org shop (stock number Product 4736), this is a pocket watch by McCabe, dated 1824. The Atlas places it in the Precision & Scientific Horology period (1750 – 1850) of its Pocket Watches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: gold. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — WatchMuseum.org shop

Is a testament to the craftsmanship of the era, showcasing the meticulous attention to detail and precision engineering that McCabe was renowned for. The GOLD DUPLEX BY MCCABE POCKET WATCH - 1824 is not just a functional accessory but a piece of history, encapsulating the elegance and sophistication of its time. Its gold casing is beautifully complemented by the ornate engravings that adorn its surface, making it a striking addition to any collection. The duplex escapement mechanism, a hallmark of superior watchmaking, ensures accurate timekeeping, reflecting the innovative spirit of the early 1800s. This pocket watch is an ideal choice for collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate the blend of artistry and functionality in horological pieces. Whether worn as a statement piece or displayed as a collector’s item, the GOLD DUPLEX BY MCCABE POCKET WATCH – 1824 offers a glimpse into the past, where time was measured with grace and style. This exquisite timepiece is an early 19th Century English duplex created by McCabe. Encased in a stunning gold open face case, it features intricate decorative elements that add to its overall charm. The watch is powered by a full plate gilt keywind fusee movement, which boasts a signed and numbered gilt dust cover for added elegance. The movement also includes Harrison’s maintaining power, enhancing its accuracy and reliability. The engraved masked cock is adorned with a large diamond endstone, and the plain three arm gold balance is secured with three screws. The blue steel spiral hairspring and polished steel regulator further contribute to the watch’s exceptional performance. The duplex escapement in this timepiece is equipped with a jewelled locking stone and a large brass escape wheel. The pivots are fitted with endstones for added stability and smooth operation. The gold dial features an engine-turned centre and applied gold decoration at the edge, perfectly complementing the repeating minute markings. The subsidiary seconds, Roman numerals, and gilt seconds hand further enhance the dial’s aesthetic appeal. The blue steel Breguet hands add a touch of elegance and functionality to the overall design. Encased in an engine turned 18 carat open face case, this watch boasts deeply chased and engraved cast foliate decoration. The same decorative elements are repeated on the gold pendant and bow, highlighting the attention to detail and craftsmanship of the piece. The ribbed bezels add a touch of sophistication, while the gold inner dome features a coat of arms, engraved maker’s marks (“TW” and “IMC”), and a unique number corresponding to that on the movement. Overall, this English duplex by McCabe is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of its maker. With its intricate details and high-quality components, it is a truly remarkable timepiece that would make a prized addition to any collection. Signed Jas McCabe Royal Exchange London Hallmarked London 1824 Diameter 53 mm Depth 13 mm

Historical context

Precision & Scientific Horology (1750 – 1850)

Harrison solves longitude; Mudge invents the lever; Breguet's Paris workshop defines the modern watch.

From 1750 to 1850 the watch became a precision instrument. Mudge's lever escapement, the cylinder escapement, Lépine's thin bar calibre, Breguet's innovations (overcoil, tourbillon, perpétuelle) and the pocket chronometer of Arnold and Earnshaw all date from this period, while verge watches remained common in cheaper production.

Read the period in the timelineMore pocket watches from this periodEarlier: Early Modern Horology

Atlas type guide

Watches for the Chinese and Ottoman markets

From the late eighteenth century English and Swiss makers produced watches specifically for export to China and the Ottoman Empire. For China, Fleurier houses such as Bovet, Juvet and Vrard made matching pairs of watches with richly engraved and decorated movements, often with the duplex escapement whose centre seconds hand jumps in full seconds. For Ottoman buyers, London makers such as George Prior and Markwick Markham supplied verge watches with Turkish numerals in triple or quadruple cases of tortoiseshell and silver.

These watches reflect global trade networks and the tastes of distant markets, and are important evidence for cross-cultural exchange in horology.

What to look for

  • Engraved, fully decorated movements visible under a glass back.
  • Duplex escapement with a jumping centre seconds hand.
  • Chinese characters on the movement (e.g. the maker's name in transliteration).
  • Turkish (Ottoman) numerals on the dial and multiple protective outer cases.

Dating clues

  • Chinese-market Fleurier watches: c. 1820–1900.
  • English Ottoman-market watches: c. 1770–1850.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

Read next:Verge escapement

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