Louis Urban Jurgensen Deck Chronometer No. 47
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1852
This deck chronometer, numbered 47, is attributed to Louis Urban Jurgensen of Kiobenhann (Copenhagen) and dates to circa 1852. Designed with a 60-hour power reserve, it is housed in a three-body mahogany deck-watch style box accompanied by a brass bowl with a screwed bezel.
The timepiece features a frosted and silvered dial with Roman numerals, subsidiary seconds, and an up-and-down power reserve scale, all indicated by gilt brass spade hands. The movement is a frosted gilt brass three-quarter plate construction, incorporating cylindrical pillars secured by screws and a fusee with chain and maintaining power. The barrel passes through the back plate and is secured by a bridge. Regulation is achieved through an Earnshaw-type spring detent escapement, a two-arm compensation balance featuring cylindrical weights and timing screws, and a free-sprung helical balance spring fitted with terminal curves.
The piece is signed on the dial, movement, and the mahogany box.
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
- Date
- circa 1852
- Type
- Deck chronometer
- Maker
- Louis Urban Jurgensen
- Escapement
- Earnshaw type spring detent
- Case Material
- Mahogany
- Dial Diameter
- 89 mm
- Power Reserve
- 60 hours
- Serial Number
- 47
- Place recorded
- Denmark
- Maker / attribution
- Louis Urban Jurgensen
Design
- Case and Dial
- The chronometer is enclosed in a three-body mahogany deck-watch box, which protects the internal brass bowl. This bowl is secured by a screwed bezel, providing access to the dial. The dial is finished with a frosted and silvered surface. It displays Roman numerals for the primary timekeeping, supplemented by a subsidiary seconds dial and an up-and-down scale for power reserve tracking. The indicators consist of gilt brass spade hands. The auction description notes that the dial displays patination and slight scratches.
- Visible features
- • The mahogany box features an inset plaque marked 'URBAN JURGENSENS SÖNNER Kiobenhann'. • The movement includes a free-sprung helical balance spring with terminal curves. • The dial contains a power reserve indicator marked 'UDLOBET' and 'TRUKKET'. • The brass bowl is mounted within a wooden gimbal-style arrangement inside the box.
- Movement and Escapement
- The movement utilizes a frosted gilt brass three-quarter plate architecture, characterized by cylindrical pillars held in place by screws. It features a fusee system equipped with a chain and maintaining power mechanism. The barrel design is integrated into the back plate and secured by a dedicated bridge. For precision, the watch employs an Earnshaw-type spring detent escapement. The timing assembly consists of a two-arm compensation balance, which incorporates cylindrical weights alongside timing screws. The balance spring is a free-sprung helical type, featuring terminal curves for adjustment.
- Signatures and Reported Condition
- The piece bears consistent markings confirming its identity. Signed signatures are documented on the dial, the movement, and the mahogany box containing the instrument. These markings confirm the association with the Jurgensen firm in Copenhagen. Regarding condition, the auction house reports the item as being in 'very good' state generally.
Identification
- Serial number
- 47
- 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 auction description recommends an overhaul, suggesting the current functional status is not guaranteed.
- Research required: The dial is described as having slight scratches and patination, which may impact its original state.