Nugent Wells Marine Chronometer Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1870s
This marine chronometer clock by Nugent Wells, dated circa 1870s, is housed in a rosewood case featuring gilded brass hardware. The instrument is suspended within a brass bowl equipped with gimballed suspension, a standard configuration for marine timekeepers to maintain level during ship movement.
The silvered dial displays radial Roman numerals for the hours and an outer minute track. It includes a subsidiary seconds dial located at 6 o'clock and a power reserve indicator positioned below the 12 o'clock mark, signifying a 56-hour duration. The movement is a gilt full plate construction, finished with spotting. It utilizes a fusee and chain mechanism and is regulated by a spring detent escapement. The balance is a two-arm bimetallic design with timing screws and cylindrical weights, operating as a free-sprung system with a helical hairspring.
The maker's signature appears on the dial and the case.
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
- Marine chronometer
- Maker
- Nugent Wells
- Dating
- circa 1870s
- Weight
- 4.05kg
- Dimensions
- 18cm x 16.5cm x 18cm
- Escapement
- Spring detent
- Case Material
- Rosewood and brass
- Power Reserve
- 56 hours
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Maker / attribution
- Nugent Wells
Design
- Visible features
- • Case features brass corner reinforcements and side-mounted carry handles. • Dial signature reads 'Nugent Wells London & Newport'. • Case lid includes an inset brass plaque engraved with the maker and serial number. • The brass bowl assembly is visible within the open lid of the rosewood housing.
- Movement and Regulation
- The movement is constructed as a gilt full plate, which has been finished with spotting. Power is delivered to the geartrain via a fusee and chain assembly, which maintains constant torque as the mainspring unwinds. Regulation is achieved through a spring detent escapement, coupled with a two-arm bimetallic balance. The balance is fitted with timing screws and cylindrical weights for adjustment. It is free-sprung, utilizing a helical hairspring to minimize positional errors. The auction description reports that the movement is in good condition but recommends a professional overhaul for optimal functionality.
- Case and Dial Construction
- The chronometer is housed in a rosewood box with gilded brass corner mounts and lateral carrying handles, providing protection and mounting points for transport. The interior of the box features a brass bowl suspended on a gimbal system, intended to isolate the timepiece from the pitch and roll of a vessel. A viewing window in the hinged lid allows the dial to be seen while the box remains closed. The silvered dial includes radial Roman numerals and an outer minute track for time measurement. Additional complications integrated into the dial layout include a subsidiary seconds dial situated at the 6 o'clock position and a power reserve indicator calibrated to track the 56-hour winding duration, positioned directly beneath the 12 o'clock index. The maker's name is signed on both the dial and the external brass plaque on the lid.
- Identification and Records
- The object is identified by the serial number 7/856, which is marked on both the case and the movement. This serial number is also reiterated on the brass plaque affixed to the top of the rosewood case, which additionally lists the maker's name and locations of London and Newport. The chronometer is registered under Lot 164 in the provided reference materials. The case and dial are documented as signed by Nugent Wells. The auction house provided a grading system for the lot, assigning a grade of AA, indicating the object is in very good overall condition, although specific components such as the case show minor surface wear.
Identification
- Serial number
- 7/856
- 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 reports that the movement requires an overhaul.
- Research required: The case exhibits slight scratches as documented in the grading system.