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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Marine chronometer · Eight-day marine chronometer

Clerke Eight-Day Marine Chronometer

Partially verified

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.

F. W. Clerke eight-day marine chronometer in rosewood box, showing the silvered dial and power reserve indicator.
F. W. Clerke eight-day marine chronometer in rosewood box, showing the silvered dial and power reserve indicator. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Marine chronometer · Eight-day marine chronometer
Maker / attribution
F. W. Clerke
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
608
Source-reported date
Circa 1870
Source-reported place
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
557

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “rosewood, marine chronometer with power reserve indication.”
  • “Dimensions 20 X 20 X 21 cm”
  • “Dial: 3-6 Good Slightly oxidized”

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “Calibre 39’’’, brass half-plate with cylindrical pillars secured by screws, fuse chain.”
  • “Earnshaw type detent escapement.”
  • “The compensation balance is typical, with blued steel helical balance spring with terminals.”

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “F. W. Clerke was not merely a retailer of chronometer made up for him by others in the trade.”
  • “He is recorded as working at Cornhill, London, from 1863 until 1881”
  • “Signature Case and Dial.”

Open research questions

  • What is the full content of the journal article referenced in the Antiquarian Horological Society regarding F. W. Clerke?
  • Are there other known marine chronometers with serial number 557 attributed to F. W. Clerke?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Clerke Eight-Day Marine Chronometer
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerF. W. Clerke“F. W. Clerke”
Movement Number557“Movement No. 557”
Case Number557“Case No. 557”
Calibre39 lignes“Calibre 39’’’”
EscapementEarnshaw type detent“Earnshaw type detent escapement.”
MaterialRosewood“rosewood, marine chronometer”
Dimensions20 x 20 x 21 cm“20 X 20 X 21 cm”

Visible details

  • 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

Research qualifications

  • The source cites a journal entry date of 20007, which is a typographical error for 2007
  • The extent of oxidation on the dial is subjective based on the grading provided

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

EIGHT-DAY MARINE CHRONOMETER

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record ef85c8edc8

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

Other eight-day marine chronometer records