John H Allison, a self taught Englishman, emigrated to Detroit around 1852 where he worked as a watchmaker, He is credited with the design of his distinctive 3/4 plate movement. His influence can be seen in the watches made by his neighbour, Charles Hoyt. He is thought to have produced only 20 these keyless chronometer movements in the late 1860's.

 Rare Pivoted Detent Chronometer Gold Pocket Watch - No.19. The Personalised white enamel dial with black letters (STEPHEN K TAFT) sub seconds at 6, outer minutes in red with matching blue steel hands is wonderful condition.  The key wind 17-jewel 18-size damascened nickel shaped half plate movement, key wind and key set mechanism, gold train and escape wheel, bimetallic balance, blued overcoiled spring. Regulator is working well and has just been serviced by us. The large gold 54.5mm hunter case is in nice original condition, case is numbered 35918, case has been X-rayed 12ct. Total Weight 131.5 gram.

A rare opportunity to acquire a truly hard to find American pocket watch.