Marine chronometer · Gimballed ship's chronometer
This American marine chronometer by the Hamilton Watch Company is a Model 22 timepiece gimbal-mounted in a three-tiered mahogany case. The movement is Hamilton caliber 22 with 21 jewels and crown winding, adjusted to temperature and six positions, bearing an inscribed plate reading 'U.S. NAVY – BU. SHIPS – 1942.' The white dial features black Arabic numerals, spade hands, a 48-hour power reserve indicator at 12 o'clock, and a subsidiary seconds subdial at 6 o'clock. The brass bowl is suspended in a gimbal ring to maintain horizontal orientation at sea, accompanied by case hardware, instruction plaques, and exterior identification plates.
Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.
This timepiece is identified as a Hamilton Watch Co. Model 22 marine chronometer, No. 7943. It is housed in a three-tiered mahogany case.
The movement plate bears the inscription 'U.S. NAVY – BU. SHIPS – 1942.' This inscription is cited by the source as an identifier for the chronometer.
The object utilizes a caliber 22 movement with 21 jewels and crown winding. The brass movement is mounted in a gimbal system designed to compensate for ship movement and maintain a horizontal orientation.
The white dial features black Arabic numerals, black spade hands, a 48-hour power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock, and a subsidiary seconds subdial at 6 o’clock. It is covered by faceted glass.
The source describes the object as being in very good age-appropriate condition with minimal signs of wear. The glass is noted to have minor surface scratches.
The auction source reports that the chronometer is running, though this status is not guaranteed as part of the sale terms.
| Field | Source-reported value | Source quotation |
|---|---|---|
| Caliber | Caliber 22 | “Hamilton movement, caliber 22, with 21 jewels and crown winding” |
| Plate Inscription | U.S. NAVY – BU. SHIPS – 1942 | “The plate is clearly inscribed “U.S. NAVY – BU. SHIPS – 1942.”” |
| Dimensions | 15 x 15 x 15 cm | “15x15x15 cm (HxWxD).” |
| Dial Displays | 48-hour power reserve and small seconds | “a 48-hour power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock, and a small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock” |
| Case Dimensions | 15 x 15 x 15 cm | “15x15x15 cm (HxWxD).” |
Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.
Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 4d76638ac4
Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.
