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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Marine chronometer · Quartz marine chronometer

Matthew Norman mahogany cased marine chronometer

Partially verified

This contemporary marine chronometer is catalogued as by Matthew Norman and presented within a hinged mahogany case measuring 17cm by 17cm by 17cm. The movement is mounted in a gimballed brass bowl within the timber box and features a white dial with Roman numeral hour indices, an outer minute ring, Breguet-style hands, and a central seconds hand. The dial is printed 'MATTHEW NORMAN' under XII and 'QUARTZ' above VI. Fellows records a quartz movement, states that it retains a key, and reports a total lot weight of 2588 grams.

Matthew Norman quartz marine chronometer in a mahogany case
Matthew Norman quartz marine chronometer in a mahogany case — Fellows. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.fellows.co.uk
Category
Marine chronometer · Quartz marine chronometer
Maker / attribution
Matthew Norman
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
336
Source-reported date
Not established
Country
Not established

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 object is presented in a mahogany case measuring 17cm by 17cm by 17cm. The housing features brass fittings and an interior glazed viewing window. The instrument is mounted within a gimballed brass bowl.

The auction source notes the presence of tarnishing to the metal components.

Evidence for this section
  • “A contemporary Matthew Norman mahogany cased marine chronometer, case 17cm x 17cm x17cm”
  • “Some tarnishing to the metal”

Dial and Visual Indicators

The white dial features black Roman numeral hour markers and an outer track. The dial is printed with 'MATTHEW NORMAN' below the 12 o'clock position and 'QUARTZ' above the 6 o'clock position.

The display includes open-tipped Breguet-style hour and minute hands, along with a central seconds hand.

Evidence for this section
  • “White dial with black Roman numeral hour markers and outer track”
  • “Dial printed 'MATTHEW NORMAN' below 12 o'clock and 'QUARTZ' above 6 o'clock”

Mechanism and Source Limitations

The item is catalogued with a quartz movement, which was recorded as working at the time of cataloguing. The auction report notes the inclusion of a key.

The source provides a disclaimer that internal mechanisms and parts were not inspected and their condition, completeness, or operability remains unknown.

Evidence for this section
  • “Quartz movement”
  • “Retains key”
  • “Currently working (on cataloguing)”
  • “Please note that the internal mechanisms and parts contained within this item are not inspected and therefore not known if complete, damaged or inoperable”

Open research questions

  • What is the date of manufacture or production period for this contemporary Matthew Norman quartz model?
  • Does the serial number or model reference exist on the underside of the case or the movement housing?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Matthew Norman mahogany cased marine chronometer
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
DescriptionA contemporary Matthew Norman mahogany cased marine chronometer“A contemporary Matthew Norman mahogany cased marine chronometer”
Case Dimensions17cm x 17cm x 17cm“case 17cm x 17cm x17cm”
MovementQuartz movement“Quartz movement”
KeyRetains key“Retains key”
Total Lot Weight2588 g“Total lot weight: 2588”
Total Lot Weight2588 grams“Total lot weight: 2588”

Visible details

  • White dial with black Roman numeral hour markers and outer track
  • Dial printed 'MATTHEW NORMAN' below 12 o'clock and 'QUARTZ' above 6 o'clock
  • Open-tipped Breguet-style hour and minute hands with a central seconds hand
  • Gimballed brass bowl supported inside a hinged wooden box with an interior glazed viewing window
  • Brass keyhole and latch fittings visible on the wooden case

Research qualifications

  • Internal quartz movement and battery compartment are not exposed in the image
  • The accompanying key mentioned in the auction report is not depicted in this image
  • Fellows notes that internal mechanisms were not inspected for completeness

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

Consulted source

Lot 336 | Matthew Norman chronometer

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 5abe098876

Terms in this record

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