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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Marine chronometer · Two-day marine chronometer in gimballed case

Moscow Watch Factory Soviet Era Marine Chronometer

Partially verified

This Soviet-era marine chronometer is catalogued as produced by the Moscow Watch Factory and features a silvered dial inscribed Kirov with serial number 17762. The movement is housed in a brass bowl mounted within gimbal rings inside a brass-bound double-lidded wooden case fitted with an exterior identification plaque on the front. The dial measures 10 cm in diameter and displays Arabic hour numerals, an up/down state-of-wind indicator below 12 o'clock, and an auxiliary seconds register. The outer case measures 19 cm by 19 cm by 19 cm and retains an accompanying key.

Front three-quarter view of the open two-tier wooden case showing the gimballed marine chronometer and dial
Front three-quarter view of the open two-tier wooden case showing the gimballed marine chronometer and dial — Fellows. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.fellows.co.uk
Category
Marine chronometer · Two-day marine chronometer in gimballed case
Maker / attribution
Moscow Watch Factory
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
276
Source-reported date
Soviet era
Country
Russia
Source-reported serial
17762

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

Object Identification and Case Construction

This Soviet-era marine chronometer is housed within a brass-bound double-lidded wooden case measuring 19 cm by 19 cm by 19 cm. The case features an external identification plaque on the front, side handles, and a glazed inner lid supported by an arm mechanism.

The instrument is suspended within a brass gimbal ring system. According to the source, the wooden case exhibits splits and looseness in the lid, and the brass elements show signs of pitting and tarnishing.

Evidence for this section
  • “A Russian Moscow Watch Factory Soviet era marine chronometer”
  • “in a brass bound double lidded case with plaque to the front”
  • “Case 19cm x 19cm x 19cm.”
  • “The lid to the case is loose and has several splits. There is pitting and tarnishing to the brass elements of the case.”

Dial and Visual Features

The chronometer possesses a 10 cm diameter silvered dial inscribed with the name 'Kirov' and the serial number 17762. The dial displays Arabic hour numerals, an up/down state-of-wind indicator positioned below 12 o'clock, and a seconds register located above 6 o'clock.

The lot includes an accompanying key for the chronometer.

Evidence for this section
  • “the silvered dial inscribed Kirov with serial number 17762”
  • “dial diameter 10cm”
  • “The silvered dial displays Arabic numerals, an up/down state-of-wind indicator below 12 o'clock, and an oversized seconds register above 6 o'clock.”
  • “Retains a key”

Condition and Inspection Status

The internal mechanism has not been removed from its brass bowl for inspection. As such, the completeness, operability, and internal condition of the chronometer are unknown.

Visible condition issues reported by the source include pitting to the brass of the chronometer bowl.

Evidence for this section
  • “It has not been removed from the case”
  • “There is visible pitting to the brass of the chronometer.”
  • “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 historical significance of the 'Kirov' branding on Soviet-era marine chronometers?
  • Can the exterior plaque on the case be identified or translated to determine historical vessel association?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Moscow Watch Factory Soviet Era Marine Chronometer
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker AttributionMoscow Watch Factory“A Russian Moscow Watch Factory Soviet era marine chronometer”
Dial InscriptionKirov“the silvered dial inscribed Kirov”
Serial Number17762“serial number 17762”
Dial Diameter10 cm“dial diameter 10cm”
Case Dimensions19cm x 19cm x 19cm“Case 19cm x 19cm x 19cm.”

Visible details

  • The chronometer bowl is suspended inside a brass gimbal ring system with an arm locking mechanism.
  • The wooden transport case has a glazed inner lid propped open with an arm support, brass corner mounts, and side handles.
  • The silvered dial displays Arabic numerals, an up/down state-of-wind indicator below 12 o'clock, and an oversized seconds register above 6 o'clock.

Research qualifications

  • The movement has not been extracted from the brass bowl, and internal components remain uninspected.
  • The source notes splits to the wood and looseness in the lid, along with pitting and tarnishing to the brass metalwork.

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

Consulted source

Lot 276 | Russian cased ships clock

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 04bb288512

Terms in this record

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