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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Marine chronometer · Marine chronometer

Nugent Wells Marine Chronometer Clock

Partially verified

This marine chronometer clock by Nugent Wells, dated circa 1870s, is housed in a rosewood case featuring gilded brass hardware. The instrument is suspended within a brass bowl equipped with gimballed suspension, a standard configuration for marine timekeepers to maintain level during ship movement. The silvered dial displays radial Roman numerals for the hours and an outer minute track. It includes a subsidiary seconds dial located at 6 o'clock and a power reserve indicator positioned below the 12 o'clock mark, signifying a 56-hour duration. The movement is a gilt full plate construction, finished with spotting. It utilizes a fusee and chain mechanism and is regulated by a spring detent escapement. The balance is a two-arm bimetallic design with timing screws and cylindrical weights, operating as a free-sprung system with a helical hairspring. The maker's signature appears on the dial and the case.

Nugent Wells marine chronometer in rosewood case with gimballed brass bowl and silvered dial.
Nugent Wells marine chronometer in rosewood case with gimballed brass bowl and silvered dial. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Marine chronometer · Marine chronometer
Maker / attribution
Nugent Wells
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
164
Source-reported date
circa 1870s
Source-reported place
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
7/856

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 Construction

The chronometer is housed in a rosewood box with gilded brass corner mounts and lateral carrying handles, providing protection and mounting points for transport. The interior of the box features a brass bowl suspended on a gimbal system, intended to isolate the timepiece from the pitch and roll of a vessel. A viewing window in the hinged lid allows the dial to be seen while the box remains closed.

The silvered dial includes radial Roman numerals and an outer minute track for time measurement. Additional complications integrated into the dial layout include a subsidiary seconds dial situated at the 6 o'clock position and a power reserve indicator calibrated to track the 56-hour winding duration, positioned directly beneath the 12 o'clock index. The maker's name is signed on both the dial and the external brass plaque on the lid.

Evidence for this section
  • “rosewood and brass, key-winding marine clock, with brass bowl and gimballed suspension”
  • “silvered dial with radial Roman numerals, outer minute track, subsidiary seconds at 6 o’clock, 56 hours power reserve indication below 12”
  • “Signature dial and case”

Movement and Regulation

The movement is constructed as a gilt full plate, which has been finished with spotting. Power is delivered to the geartrain via a fusee and chain assembly, which maintains constant torque as the mainspring unwinds.

Regulation is achieved through a spring detent escapement, coupled with a two-arm bimetallic balance. The balance is fitted with timing screws and cylindrical weights for adjustment. It is free-sprung, utilizing a helical hairspring to minimize positional errors. The auction description reports that the movement is in good condition but recommends a professional overhaul for optimal functionality.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gilt full plate, spotted, fusee and chain, spring detent escapement”
  • “two arm bimetallic balance with timing screws and cylindrical weights, free sprung with helical spring”
  • “Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Identification and Records

The object is identified by the serial number 7/856, which is marked on both the case and the movement. This serial number is also reiterated on the brass plaque affixed to the top of the rosewood case, which additionally lists the maker's name and locations of London and Newport. The chronometer is registered under Lot 164 in the provided reference materials.

The case and dial are documented as signed by Nugent Wells. The auction house provided a grading system for the lot, assigning a grade of AA, indicating the object is in very good overall condition, although specific components such as the case show minor surface wear.

Evidence for this section
  • “NUGENT WELLS, MARINE CHRONOMETER CLOCK”
  • “Case No. 7/856”
  • “Signature dial and case”
  • “Grading System Grade: AA Very good”

Open research questions

  • What is the historical significance of the Newport location mentioned alongside London for the maker?
  • Are there extant maritime records that link this specific serial number to a particular vessel or navigational expedition?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Nugent Wells Marine Chronometer Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerNugent Wells“NUGENT WELLS”
Power Reserve56 hours“56 hours power reserve indication below 12.”
EscapementSpring detent“spring detent escapement”
Dimensions18cm x 16.5cm x 18cm“Length 18cm Height 16.5cm Width 18cm”
Weight4.05kg“4.05kg. (approx.)”
Case MaterialRosewood and brass“rosewood and brass”
Datingcirca 1870s“circa 1870s”

Visible details

  • Case features brass corner reinforcements and side-mounted carry handles.
  • Dial signature reads 'Nugent Wells London & Newport'.
  • Case lid includes an inset brass plaque engraved with the maker and serial number.
  • The brass bowl assembly is visible within the open lid of the rosewood housing.

Research qualifications

  • The auction description reports that the movement requires an overhaul.
  • The case exhibits slight scratches as documented in the grading system.

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

Consulted source

NUGENT WELLS, MARINE CHRONOMETER CLOCK, ROSEWOOD AND GILDED BRASS

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record c00b6d3cb3

Terms in this record

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

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