Clerke Eight-Day Marine Chronometer
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Circa 1870
This eight-day marine chronometer is attributed to the maker F. W. Clerke, dating to approximately 1870. The instrument is housed in a rosewood case measuring 20 x 20 x 21 cm.
The movement is a brass half-plate calibre of 39 lignes, featuring cylindrical pillars secured by screws and a fusee chain. The escapement is an Earnshaw-type detent mechanism, paired with a compensation balance and a blued steel helical balance spring with terminals. The dial includes a power reserve indication and is signed by the maker along with the case. The auction description reports the object condition as good, with slight oxidation present on the dial.
The chronometer is accompanied by its original winding key. Clerke, who operated from Cornhill, London, between 1863 and 1881, is described in the source as having designed and manufactured his own timekeeping instruments rather than acting solely as a retailer.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Eight-day marine chronometer
- Maker
- F. W. Clerke
- Calibre
- 39 lignes
- Material
- Rosewood
- Dimensions
- 20 x 20 x 21 cm
- Escapement
- Earnshaw type detent
- Case Number
- 557
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Movement Number
- 557
- Maker / attribution
- F. W. Clerke
Design
- Case and Dial
- The marine chronometer is mounted in a rosewood box designed for stability at sea, measuring 20 x 20 x 21 cm. The box features a hinged lid with a glass viewing panel and brass gimbal mounting hardware to maintain the level of the chronometer. The case is fitted with a locking mechanism. The dial is signed by F. W. Clerke and incorporates a power reserve indicator positioned at the top of the main dial. The auction description notes that the dial is in good condition, although it exhibits slight oxidation.
- Visible features
- • Rosewood storage box with brass fittings • Visible power reserve sub-dial at the top • Engraved signature on the silvered dial • Gimballed suspension within the wooden housing
- Signature and History
- The instrument bears signatures on both the case and the dial. The maker, F. W. Clerke, was based in Cornhill, London, where he maintained a business from 1863 until 1881. The provided source clarifies that Clerke was an active participant in the production of his chronometers, rather than exclusively a retailer of pieces made by other tradesmen.
- Movement and Escapement
- The movement is a 39-ligne brass half-plate construction. It features cylindrical pillars that are secured by screws. The timing regulation is handled by an Earnshaw-type detent escapement. The balance system comprises a compensation balance fitted with a blued steel helical balance spring complete with terminals.
Identification
- Serial number
- 557
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The source cites a journal entry date of 20007, which is a typographical error for 2007
- Research required: The extent of oxidation on the dial is subjective based on the grading provided