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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Marine chronometer · Two-day marine chronometer

D McGregor & Co. Two-Day Marine Chronometer No. 1784

Partially verified

This Scottish two-day marine chronometer is reported by Bonhams to have been made circa 1865 by D McGregor & Co. in Glasgow and Greenock, bearing number 1784. The lot entry describes a 3 3/4-inch silvered dial with subsidiary seconds and up-and-down dials. Its internal movement is catalogued as a fusee mechanism featuring Earnshaw's spring detent escapement, a helical balance spring, and a compensation balance. The brass bowl is gimbal-mounted in a brass-bound rosewood case fitted with a double-hinged lid, a signed ivory plaque on the front, and shaped brass side carrying handles.

Oblique view of the two-day marine chronometer in an open brass-bound rosewood case
Oblique view of the two-day marine chronometer in an open brass-bound rosewood case — Bonhams. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bonhams.com
Category
Marine chronometer · Two-day marine chronometer
Maker / attribution
D McGregor & Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
110
Source-reported date
circa 1865
Country
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
1784

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 External Architecture

The chronometer is housed in a brass-bound rosewood case measuring 16.5 cm (6 1/2 inches) in width. The case is constructed with a double-hinged lid and is fitted with shaped brass carrying handles on the sides.

External features include a brass escutcheon keyhole on the front of the lower box section and an applied ivory plaque signed by the maker. The internal brass bowl is mounted within a brass gimbal ring.

Evidence for this section
  • “16.5cm (6 1/2in) wide”
  • “the brass bowl gimbal mounted in a brass-bound rosewood case with double hinged lid and signed ivory plaque applied to the front”
  • “shaped brass carrying handles at the sides”
  • “Brass escutcheon keyhole visible on the front face of the lower box section.”

Dial and Signature

The instrument features a 3 3/4-inch silvered dial. The dial layout includes subsidiary seconds and up-and-down dials.

The dial is signed and numbered 'D McGregor & Co. Maker to the Admiralty Glasgow & Greenock, No. 1784'.

Evidence for this section
  • “3 3/4-inch silvered dial with subsidary seconds and up-and-down dials”
  • “signed and numbered D McGregor & Co. Maker to the Admiralty Glasgow & Greenock, No. 1784”

Movement and Mechanism

The chronometer utilizes a fusee movement. Regulation is provided by an Earnshaw's spring detent escapement.

The movement incorporates a compensation balance and a helical balance spring. The source identifies the object as circa 1865.

Evidence for this section
  • “fusee movement with Earnshaw's spring detent escapement with compensation balance and helical spring”
  • “Scottish, circa 1865”

Open research questions

  • What is the current mechanical condition of the fusee movement?
  • Are there additional provenance marks or inventory numbers on the brass bowl or gimbal?
  • What documentation exists to verify the 'Maker to the Admiralty' status for D McGregor & Co. during this period?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for D McGregor & Co. Two-Day Marine Chronometer No. 1784
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker SignatureD McGregor & Co. Maker to the Admiralty Glasgow & Greenock, No. 1784“signed and numbered D McGregor & Co. Maker to the Admiralty Glasgow & Greenock, No. 1784”
Dial Size and Configuration3 3/4-inch silvered dial with subsidiary seconds and up-and-down dials“3 3/4-inch silvered dial with subsidary seconds and up-and-down dials”
Movement MechanismFusee movement with Earnshaw's spring detent escapement, compensation balance, and helical spring“fusee movement with Earnshaw's spring detent escapement with compensation balance and helical spring”
Case ConstructionBrass-bound rosewood case with double hinged lid and signed ivory plaque“brass-bound rosewood case with double hinged lid and signed ivory plaque applied to the front”
Dimensions16.5cm (6 1/2in) wide“16.5cm (6 1/2in) wide”
Dimensions16.5 cm (6 1/2 inches) wide“16.5cm (6 1/2in) wide”

Visible details

  • Chronometer brass bowl is supported within a brass gimbal ring inside the wooden case.
  • Hinged top lid is raised, displaying an applied maker plaque and decorative brass corner straps.
  • Brass drop carrying handle mounted on the exterior side of the rosewood box.
  • Brass escutcheon keyhole visible on the front face of the lower box section.

Research qualifications

  • Dial details and internal movement components are not clearly legible or visible in the single photograph.
  • Ivory plaque material is stated by the source and subject to international trade regulations.

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

Consulted source

Bonhams : A D McGregor & Co. Two Day Marine Chronometer, circa 1865, 16.5cm (6 1/2in) wide

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record f623d89c04

Terms in this record

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

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