Winnerl Marine Chronometer No. 259
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1840
This small marine chronometer, identified as number 259, is attributed to the maker Winnerl and dated to circa 1840. The instrument features a 49-hour going movement housed within a circular gimballed suspension and a brass bowl.
The exterior consists of a two-part solid mahogany box equipped with a sliding observation lid and external brass handles. The silvered dial is marked with Roman numerals and includes a subsidiary seconds register alongside an Up-and-Down power reserve scale. The movement is a brass spotted finished full plate construction, relieved for the barrel and secured with cylindrical pillars and screws. It utilizes a fusee with maintaining power, an Earnshaw-type spring detent escapement, and a two-armed bimetallic compensation balance with cylindrical weights and timing screws.
The balance spring is a free-sprung blued steel helical type with terminal curves. A rate certificate issued by L. Leroy & Cie in July 1907 accompanies the object.
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 1840
- Type
- Marine chronometer (duration not stated)
- Maker
- Winnerl
- Escapement
- Earnshaw type spring detent
- Dial Diameter
- 75 mm
- Power Reserve
- 49 hours
- Serial Number
- 259
- Balance Spring
- Free sprung blued steel helical
- Box Dimensions
- 14 x 14 x 14 cm
- Place recorded
- France
- Maker / attribution
- Winnerl
Design
- Case and Dial
- The marine chronometer is contained within a solid mahogany box constructed in two parts. The box features a sliding lid designed for observation of the dial and is fitted with external brass handles. The chronometer bowl is held by a circular gimballed suspension system to ensure level positioning during use. The silvered dial displays Roman numerals for hour indication. It is configured with a subsidiary seconds dial and an Up-and-Down scale, which indicates the remaining power reserve of the 49-hour going movement. The overall dimensions of the box are 14 x 14 x 14 centimeters, with the dial measuring 75 millimeters in diameter.
- Visible features
- • Silvered dial with Roman numerals • Circular gimballed suspension • Two-part solid mahogany box with brass handles • Up-and-Down scale on dial
- Movement and Escapement
- The movement is a brass full plate design with a spotted finish, featuring plate relief for the barrel. It is secured by cylindrical pillars held in place by screws. Power is delivered through a fusee system equipped with maintaining power to ensure continuous operation during winding. The timing regulation utilizes an Earnshaw-type spring detent escapement. The compensation balance is a two-armed bimetallic design featuring timing screws and cylindrical weights. The balance spring is a free-sprung blued steel helical type, which includes terminal curves to facilitate isochronism.
- Documentation and History
- The object is recorded as having an associated rate certificate issued by the firm L. Leroy & Cie. This document is dated to July 1907. No further provenance or history regarding the instrument's use at sea is provided in the documentation. The chronometer is identified as No. 259, manufactured in France. The provenance and technical records rely on the specific identification provided by the source, which characterizes the item as a small marine chronometer from the mid-19th century.
Identification
- Serial number
- 259
- 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 exact chronological accuracy of the 1907 rate certificate in relation to the chronometer's operational state is not verified
- Research required: The extent of any internal restorations to the movement is not detailed