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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Marine chronometer · Two-day marine chronometer

Hamilton Mahogany Two-Day Marine Chronometer, Serial No. 1180

Partially verified

This two-day marine chronometer is signed Hamilton, Lancaster, PA, USA, and dated circa 1941 by the auction source. Housed in a brass gimbal within a mahogany case, the dial features Arabic numerals, spade hands, a subsidiary seconds dial, and an up-and-down power reserve indicator. Inside the central tier of the case is a black metal plaque inscribed for the Ministry of Defence Hydrographic Department with stores reference H.S.527-3634 and serial number 1180. The chronometer is fitted with a single fusee movement and accompanied by an original winding key numbered 1180. The source records provenance to The John Mitchell Collection of Military Horology.

Hamilton mahogany two-day marine chronometer with gimbal mount, plaque, and winding key
Hamilton mahogany two-day marine chronometer with gimbal mount, plaque, and winding key — Sworders Fine Art Auctioneers. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.liveauctioneers.com
Category
Marine chronometer · Two-day marine chronometer
Maker / attribution
Hamilton
Reference
H.S.527-3634
Catalogue / lot identifier
0019
Source-reported date
circa 1941
Country
USA
Source-reported serial
1180

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 Construction and Presentation

The chronometer is housed within a mahogany case measuring 19.5cm in width, 19cm in depth, and 19cm in height. The instrument is secured by a brass gimbal mounting located within the central tier of the box.

Exterior features include brass hardware consisting of a drop handle and a side catch. A brass winding key, which is numbered 1180, is stored within a corner socket inside the case.

Evidence for this section
  • “case, 19.5cm wide, 19cm deep, 19cm high”
  • “single fusee movement contained in a brass gimbal”
  • “original winding key is numbered 1180”

Dial and Visual Indicators

The dial has a diameter of 9.5cm and displays Arabic numerals paired with spade-style hands. Timekeeping functions are supplemented by a lower subsidiary seconds dial and an upper power reserve indicator.

The dial is signed and numbered 1180.

Evidence for this section
  • “dial, 9.5cm diameter”
  • “seconds and power reserve indicator dials, spade hands”
  • “signed and numbered 1180 inside the central case tier”

Military Identification and Provenance

A black metal plaque is fixed to the interior of the case. This plaque identifies the item as property of the Ministry of Defence Hydrographic Department, citing the stores reference H.S.527-3634 and serial number 1180.

The provenance for this object is attributed to The John Mitchell Collection of Military Horology.

Evidence for this section
  • “black metal plaque inscribed Ministry of Defence Hydrographic Dept Chronometer Marine Stores Ref. H.S.527-3634, Serial No.1180”
  • “Provenance: The John Mitchell Collection of Military Horology”

Open research questions

  • What is the significance of the 1941 date in relation to the production or military service of this specific serial number?
  • Does the serial number 1180 on the dial, plaque, and key indicate original factory matching?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Hamilton Mahogany Two-Day Marine Chronometer, Serial No. 1180
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement TypeSingle fusee movement“single fusee movement contained in a brass gimbal”
Department PlaqueMinistry of Defence Hydrographic Dept Chronometer Marine Stores Ref. H.S.527-3634, Serial No.1180“black metal plaque inscribed Ministry of Defence Hydrographic Dept Chronometer Marine Stores Ref. H.S.527-3634, Serial No.1180”
Dial Diameter9.5cm diameter“dial, 9.5cm diameter”
Case Dimensions19.5cm wide, 19cm deep, 19cm high“case, 19.5cm wide, 19cm deep, 19cm high”
Serial Number1180“signed and numbered 1180”
ProvenanceThe John Mitchell Collection of Military Horology“Provenance: The John Mitchell Collection of Military Horology”
SignedHamilton, Lancaster, PA, USA“signed Hamilton, Lancaster, PA, USA”

Visible details

  • Chronometer bowl is mounted in a brass gimbal ring inside a wooden box
  • Dial features Arabic numerals, spade hands, an upper power reserve indicator, and a lower subsidiary seconds dial marked with '1180' and '1941'
  • A brass winding key stands upright in a corner socket of the case
  • A black metal plaque is fixed inside the opened hinged upper lid tier
  • A brass drop handle and side catch hardware are mounted on the exterior of the mahogany case

Research qualifications

  • The internal movement, escapement, and fusee assembly are concealed inside the brass bowl and not visible in the photograph
  • The complete top lid and any additional outer case or transport box are not shown

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

Consulted source

A Mahogany Two Day Marine Chronometer, Signed Hamilton, Lancaster, Pa, Usa, Circa 1941, - Aug 18, 2026 | Sworders Fine Art Auctioneers In Essex

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 55618bbee9

Terms in this record

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

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