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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Marine chronometer · Box marine chronometer

First Moscow Watch Factory No. 9802 Ship's Chronometer

Partially verified

This Russian marine chronometer is catalogued by the auctioneer as manufactured in 1964 by The First Moscow Watch Factory, bearing serial number 9802. It is housed in a brass-bound mahogany three-tier case measuring 19 cm square, equipped with brass drop handles and an upper hinged lid over a glazed viewing panel. The brass bowl is mounted within a gimbal system beneath a screwed bezel fitted with bevelled glass. The silvered dial features Arabic numerals alongside subsidiary dials for running seconds and state of winding. According to the auction description, the movement utilizes a chain fusée, Earnshaw-type escapement, bimetallic compensated balance, and freesprung helical steel spring.

Three-tier mahogany-cased gimballed marine chronometer shown open
Three-tier mahogany-cased gimballed marine chronometer shown open — Bellmans. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
app.bellmans.co.uk
Category
Marine chronometer · Box marine chronometer
Maker / attribution
The First Moscow Watch Factory
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
10
Source-reported date
1964
Country
Russia
Source-reported serial
9802

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 Construction

The object is described as a brass-bound three-tier mahogany case. It features a hinged lid located above a glazed observation panel.

The assembly includes a pair of brass drop carrying handles and a brass bowl held within a brass gimbal. The bowl is fitted with a screwed bezel and deep bevelled glass. The case dimensions are reported as 19 cm square.

Evidence for this section
  • “The brass-bound three-tier case with hinged lid above glazed observation panel, with a pair of brass drop carrying handles”
  • “the brass bowl with screwed bezel and deep bevelled glass, held in a brass gimbal”
  • “19cm square”

Dial and Identification

The unit features a 4 1/4-inch silvered dial displaying Arabic numerals. The dial is signed and numbered 9802, with subsidiary dials provided for seconds and state of winding.

The manufacture is attributed to The First Moscow Watch Factory, with a production date of 1964.

Evidence for this section
  • “the 4 1/4in silvered dial, signed and numbered 9802, with subsidiaries for seconds and state of winding”
  • “By The First Moscow Watch Factory, No 9802, dated 1964”

Movement Specifications

According to the source documentation, the movement is a chain fusée type. The escapement is described as an Earnshaw type, incorporating a bi-metallic compensated balance and a freesprung steel helical spring with a jewelled endstone.

The maker’s mark and serial number are reported to be present on the barrel bridge.

Evidence for this section
  • “the chain fusée movement with Earnshaw type escapement, bi-metallic compensated balance, freesprung steel helical spring with jewelled endstone”
  • “maker’s mark and number to the barrel bridge”

Open research questions

  • What are the archival production records for the First Moscow Watch Factory regarding marine chronometers from the 1960s?
  • Does the maker's mark on the barrel bridge match known factory hallmarks from 1964?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for First Moscow Watch Factory No. 9802 Ship's Chronometer
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerThe First Moscow Watch Factory“By The First Moscow Watch Factory”
Serial Number9802“No 9802”
Date1964“dated 1964”
EscapementEarnshaw type escapement“Earnshaw type escapement”
Movement MechanismChain fusée movement“chain fusée movement”
Case Dimensions19 cm square“19cm square”
MakerThe First Moscow Watch Factory“By The First Moscow Watch Factory”
Serial Number9802“No 9802”
Date1964“dated 1964”

Visible details

  • Three-tier brass-bound wooden chronometer box shown with upper lid open and inner glazed panel tilted upward
  • Gimballed brass bowl containing a silvered dial with Arabic hour numerals and two subsidiary dials
  • Visible brass corner mounts, drop handles, and gimbal locking hardware
  • Winding key or accessory stowed in an interior corner slot of the wooden case

Research qualifications

  • Movement specifications, including the Earnshaw escapement and chain fusée, are described by the auctioneer and not directly visible in the primary open-box photograph
  • Operational condition is source-reported only

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

Consulted source

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record 6abe8a168c

Terms in this record

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

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