Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Marine chronometer · Two-day marine chronometer in gimballed box

Thomas Mercer Ltd. Marine Chronometer No. 18195

Partially verified

Attributed to Thomas Mercer Ltd. of St. Albans, England, and dated by the source to the first half of the 20th century, this marine chronometer is mounted in a brass gimbal within a mahogany box measuring 19 cm wide, 18 cm deep, and 18 cm high. The silvered dial is signed 'THOMAS MERCER LTD / ST. ALBANS. ENGLAND.' and features Roman numerals, blued steel hands, an up-and-down indicator below XII, and a subsidiary seconds dial marked 18195 above VI. A service label from Observator B.V., Rotterdam, is affixed inside the glazed lid.

Dial and gimbal mount of Thomas Mercer marine chronometer No. 18195 in open mahogany case
Dial and gimbal mount of Thomas Mercer marine chronometer No. 18195 in open mahogany case — Stockholms Auktionsverk Helsinki. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
auctionet.com
Category
Marine chronometer · Two-day marine chronometer in gimballed box
Maker / attribution
Thomas Mercer Ltd.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
4407238
Source-reported date
first half of the 20th century
Country
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
18195

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

Identification and Provenance

This marine chronometer is attributed to Thomas Mercer Ltd. of St. Albans, England, and dated by the source to the first half of the 20th century.

The mahogany case bears an inscription stating it was 'Sold by Marine Instruments Ltd London & Glasgow' and includes the serial number 18195.

Evidence for this section
  • “Marine chronometer, Thomas Mercer Ltd., St. Albans, England, first half of the 20th century.”
  • “Case in mahogany, marked Sold by Marine Instruments Ltd London & Glasgow No 18195.”

Construction and Physical Specifications

The instrument is housed in a mahogany case measuring 19 cm in width, 18 cm in depth, and 18 cm in height.

The source documents the item condition as exhibiting wear and dirt.

Evidence for this section
  • “Width 19, depth 18, height 18 cm.”
  • “Condition Wear, dirt.”

Operational Status

The source states the chronometer has not been functionally tested.

The mechanical interior and movement were not specified or described in the source.

Evidence for this section
  • “Not functional tested.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement caliber associated with Thomas Mercer serial number 18195?
  • Does the provided service history mentioned in the record exist outside of this auction source?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Thomas Mercer Ltd. Marine Chronometer No. 18195
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Source title and attributionMarine chronometer, Thomas Mercer Ltd., St. Albans, England, first half of the 20th century“Marine chronometer, Thomas Mercer Ltd., St. Albans, England, first half of the 20th century.”
Case material and retailer inscriptionMahogany case marked Sold by Marine Instruments Ltd London & Glasgow No 18195“Case in mahogany, marked Sold by Marine Instruments Ltd London & Glasgow No 18195.”
DimensionsWidth 19 cm, depth 18 cm, height 18 cm“Width 19, depth 18, height 18 cm.”
Condition notesWear, dirt. Not functional tested“Wear, dirt. Not functional tested.”
RetailerMarine Instruments Ltd. (London & Glasgow)“Sold by Marine Instruments Ltd London & Glasgow”

Visible details

  • Mahogany box with glazed upper lid, brass stay arm, and winding key rest.
  • Gimballed brass bowl with locking mechanism and counterweight.
  • Silvered dial signed 'THOMAS MERCER LTD ST. ALBANS. ENGLAND.' with Roman numerals and outer railway minute track.
  • Power-reserve indication marked 'UP' and 'DOWN' below XII.
  • Subsidiary seconds register numbered '18195' positioned above VI.
  • Paper label inside lid from 'OBSERVATOR B.V. ROTTERDAM' recording chronometer 'Thomas Mercer 18195', vessel 'Benjamins', and cleaning dated 'febr. 1982'.

Research qualifications

  • Source notes the chronometer was not functionally tested.
  • Movement condition and internal construction are not visible in the photograph.

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

Consulted source

Marine chronometer, Thomas Mercer Ltd., St. Albans, England, first half of the 20th century. Collectables - Technica & Nautica - Auctionet

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record 7e6260fcef

Terms in this record

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