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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Marine chronometer · Gimballed ship's chronometer

Waltham Eight-Day Ship's Chronometer in Mahogany Cases

Partially verified

Catalogued under Waltham Watch Co. and dated to the first half of the 20th century, this eight-day ship's chronometer is accompanied by mahogany deck and travel cases. The gimbal-mounted brass bowl sits in a brass-bound wooden inner box fitted with a glazed viewing lid, placed beside a larger green-lined mahogany carrying box with leather handles. According to the auction catalogue, the side of the brass bowl is marked for the United States Navy as 'US NAVY (an N in a square) 755' and bears serial number 22122099.

Waltham gimballed eight-day ship's chronometer in glazed mahogany box alongside its green-lined wooden outer transport case
Waltham gimballed eight-day ship's chronometer in glazed mahogany box alongside its green-lined wooden outer transport case — Freeman's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
freemansauction.com
Category
Marine chronometer · Gimballed ship's chronometer
Maker / attribution
Waltham Watch Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
427
Source-reported date
First half 20th century
Country
Not established
Source-reported serial
22122099

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 Identity and Documentation

This marine chronometer is attributed to the Waltham Watch Co. and is dated to the first half of the 20th century. The assembly includes a gimbal-mounted brass bowl, a brass-bound wooden inner box with a glazed lid, and a mahogany outer carrying case with leather straps.

There is a discrepancy between the auction title, which identifies the object as an 'English' chronometer, and the markings on the brass bowl, which indicate US Navy service.

Evidence for this section
  • “Waltham Watch Co., First Half 20th Century”
  • “An English Mahogany Cased Eight-Day Ship's Chronometer”
  • “Side of brass case marked "US NAVY (an N in a square) 755."”

Construction and Technical Details

The timepiece features a white dial with Roman numeral hour markers, blued hands, and subsidiary indicators. The device is fitted with a fixed built-in winding mechanism.

The chronometer is mounted in a brass gimbal. The movement's internal components and specific functions of the subsidiary indicators are not documented in the provided source material.

Evidence for this section
  • “White dial featuring Roman numeral hour markers, blued hands, and subsidiary indicators.”
  • “With fixed built-in wind.”

Condition and Functional Status

The auction catalogue notes that the chronometer 'takes a wind and runs,' though the accuracy of the movement is not guaranteed. The general condition of the chronometer parts and cases is described as good, with light signs of age on the metal and wood, as well as cracking to the leather straps.

The auction house clarifies that all lots are sold 'as is' and that condition reports are provided as a convenience, not as a full accounting of condition.

Evidence for this section
  • “Takes a wind and runs, unsure of accuracy of movement.”
  • “Chronometer parts in good condition, with light signs of age on the metal.”
  • “the leather strap cracking but functions properly.”

Open research questions

  • Why does the auction title categorize the object as 'English' despite the Waltham Watch Co. attribution?
  • What is the significance of the 'N in a square' mark regarding the chronometer's service history?
  • Does the serial number 22122099 correspond to a specific production ledger for the Waltham Watch Co.?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Waltham Eight-Day Ship's Chronometer in Mahogany Cases
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker attributionWaltham Watch Co.“Waltham Watch Co., First Half 20th Century”
Carrying case dimensions7 1/2 x 10 x 7 3/8 inches“Height of carrying case 7 1/2 x width 10 x depth 7 3/8 inches.”
Military markingUS NAVY (an N in a square) 755“Side of brass case marked "US NAVY (an N in a square) 755."”
Serial number22122099“Serial number 22122099.”
Winding systemFixed built-in wind“With fixed built-in wind.”

Visible details

  • Chronometer mounted in a brass gimbal ring within an open brass-bound wooden inner box with a glazed lid.
  • White dial featuring Roman numeral hour markers, blued hands, and subsidiary indicators.
  • Separate mahogany outer carrying case with green felt lining and cracked dark leather carrying straps.

Research qualifications

  • The source lot title describes it as 'An English Mahogany Cased Eight-Day Ship's Chronometer', whereas the maker attribution is Waltham Watch Co. and case markings indicate US Navy service.
  • Movement interior, built-in winding mechanism, and side brass case markings are not directly legible in the supplied photograph.

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

Consulted source

An English Mahogany Cased Eight-Day Ship's Chronometer | Freeman's

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record cbd19dff2d

Terms in this record

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

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