by antiquer | March 15th, 2011
Precise Celestial Navigation ~ The Marine Chronometer
Marine Chronometer
The marine chronometer — a timepiece used on ships in combination with the sextant to provide the ship’s position in latitude and longitude — was a breakthrough of sorts. Invented by John Harrison, an English carpenter, who spent over 30 years perfecting his “sea clock,” the chronometer became the standard in seafaring voyages as early as the 18th century. The use of a “clock at sea” inspired others in refining Harrison’s original designs; thus, maritime chronometers changed the world for sailors as they knew it, and enhanced the navigational capabilities worldwide.
The earlier instruments were spring-driven, usually set to Greenwich “mean time” and had to be recalibrated or cleaned once every three years. Just like our “old” watches, chronometers had to be regularly wound once a day. Later versions lasted two days, but still need(ed) rewinding, and remain spring-driven.
Many noted dealers of these fine-crafted maritime instruments are located in England, and of course, through online websites. William Bond & Son, from the Boston area, became one of the early larger chronometer dealers, especially once the instruments started being used by American sailors in the early 1800s. (Later versions of the chronometer were fine-tuned by a Bostonian clockmaker, William Cranch Bond, and were first used in America in as early as 1812.)
While improvements and changes have occurred in both design and workmanship over the last couple of centuries, chronometers’ original beauty and function have remained intact, and their value increased. Some standard features include clocks gimbaled in cases, or in wooden boxes, so that when the ship heaved, the clock remained upright. Lest you think these boxes are just boxes—keep in mind that the cases, or boxes, are usually fine-crafted designs in their own right, made of high-quality rosewood and mahogany. Collectors from around the world have found these beautifully crafted nautical clocks in their “capsules” timeless, not only from a historical perspective, but also for their intricate detail and timekeeping workmanship.
You will find rare and original instruments through high-end private auction houses, as well as through well-known galleries online. Most are preserved in their original cases in gimbaled bowls and signed. Some were also positioned on finely-designed nautical-themed pedestals. You can also find fabulous reproductions that are true works of art, as well as functional and valuable, at many maritime establishments. Of note: working clocks, both originals or as limited reproduction editions, are typically in mint condition, many of which are 24-carat gold coated.
Whether you’re interested in maritime chronometers for investment purposes, or you’re a horology aficionado and into historical navigation adventures, be sure to check the clock’s workmanship, age, and functionality. Then, just enjoy.