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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Marine chronometer · Deck chronometer

Louis Urban Jurgensen Deck Chronometer No. 47

Partially verified

This deck chronometer, numbered 47, is attributed to Louis Urban Jurgensen of Kiobenhann (Copenhagen) and dates to circa 1852. Designed with a 60-hour power reserve, it is housed in a three-body mahogany deck-watch style box accompanied by a brass bowl with a screwed bezel. The timepiece features a frosted and silvered dial with Roman numerals, subsidiary seconds, and an up-and-down power reserve scale, all indicated by gilt brass spade hands. The movement is a frosted gilt brass three-quarter plate construction, incorporating cylindrical pillars secured by screws and a fusee with chain and maintaining power. The barrel passes through the back plate and is secured by a bridge. Regulation is achieved through an Earnshaw-type spring detent escapement, a two-arm compensation balance featuring cylindrical weights and timing screws, and a free-sprung helical balance spring fitted with terminal curves. The piece is signed on the dial, movement, and the mahogany box.

The Louis Urban Jurgensen deck chronometer, shown with its mahogany box and internal brass bowl, accompanied by a view of the movement.
The Louis Urban Jurgensen deck chronometer, shown with its mahogany box and internal brass bowl, accompanied by a view of the movement. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Marine chronometer · Deck chronometer
Maker / attribution
Louis Urban Jurgensen
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
219
Source-reported date
circa 1852
Source-reported place
Denmark
Source-reported serial
47

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 chronometer is enclosed in a three-body mahogany deck-watch box, which protects the internal brass bowl. This bowl is secured by a screwed bezel, providing access to the dial.

The dial is finished with a frosted and silvered surface. It displays Roman numerals for the primary timekeeping, supplemented by a subsidiary seconds dial and an up-and-down scale for power reserve tracking. The indicators consist of gilt brass spade hands. The auction description notes that the dial displays patination and slight scratches.

Evidence for this section
  • “Three body mahogany deck-watch type box.”
  • “Frosted and silvered with Roman numerals, subsidiary seconds and Up-and- Down scale.”
  • “Slightly scratched Patinated”

Movement and Escapement

The movement utilizes a frosted gilt brass three-quarter plate architecture, characterized by cylindrical pillars held in place by screws. It features a fusee system equipped with a chain and maintaining power mechanism. The barrel design is integrated into the back plate and secured by a dedicated bridge.

For precision, the watch employs an Earnshaw-type spring detent escapement. The timing assembly consists of a two-arm compensation balance, which incorporates cylindrical weights alongside timing screws. The balance spring is a free-sprung helical type, featuring terminal curves for adjustment.

Evidence for this section
  • “Frosted gilt brass three-quarter plate, with cylindrical pillars secured by screws”
  • “fusee with chain and maintaining power”
  • “Earnshaw type spring detent escapement”
  • “two-arm compensation balance with cylindrical weights and timing screws”

Signatures and Reported Condition

The piece bears consistent markings confirming its identity. Signed signatures are documented on the dial, the movement, and the mahogany box containing the instrument. These markings confirm the association with the Jurgensen firm in Copenhagen.

Regarding condition, the auction house reports the item as being in 'very good' state generally.

Evidence for this section
  • “Signed on the dial, movement and mahogany box.”
  • “Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific nature of the relationship between the instrument labeled 'Louis Urban Jurgensen' and the case plaque labeled 'Urban Jurgensens Sönner'?
  • Is the specific movement layout and bridge configuration consistent with other known deck chronometers from this Jurgensen serial range?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Louis Urban Jurgensen Deck Chronometer No. 47
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerLouis Urban Jurgensen“Louis Urban Jurgensen, Kiobenhann”
Serial Number47“No. 47”
Datecirca 1852“Made circa 1852.”
EscapementEarnshaw type spring detent“Earnshaw type spring detent escapement”
Dial Diameter89 mm“DIAL DIAM. 89 mm.”
Power Reserve60 hours“60 hour going deck Chronometer”
Case MaterialMahogany“Three body mahogany deck-watch type box.”

Visible details

  • The mahogany box features an inset plaque marked 'URBAN JURGENSENS SÖNNER Kiobenhann'.
  • The movement includes a free-sprung helical balance spring with terminal curves.
  • The dial contains a power reserve indicator marked 'UDLOBET' and 'TRUKKET'.
  • The brass bowl is mounted within a wooden gimbal-style arrangement inside the box.

Research qualifications

  • The auction description recommends an overhaul, suggesting the current functional status is not guaranteed.
  • The dial is described as having slight scratches and patination, which may impact its original state.

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

Consulted source

LOUIS URBAN JURGENSEN DECK CHRONOMETER WITH POWER RESERVE Louis Urban Jurgensen, Kiobenhann, No. 47. Made circa 1852. Fine and rare, 60 hour going deck Chronometer with power reserve indication.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 4f6023af2d

Terms in this record

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

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