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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Marine chronometer · Gimballed marine chronometer

Waltham Marine Chronometer in Mahogany Case

Partially verified

This marine chronometer by Waltham dates to the 1940s and is presented in a two-tier mahogany deck box. The timepiece features a silvered dial with Arabic numerals, an auxiliary seconds register situated at six o'clock, and blued steel hands, signed 'WALTHAM' below twelve o'clock. The brass movement bowl is suspended within a gimbal ring to maintain a horizontal orientation. The seller reports that the movement is constructed of nickel-plated brass and incorporates an anchor escapement, a Breguet balance spring, a compensated balance, and 23 jewels.

Top-down view of the Waltham marine chronometer suspended in its brass gimbal ring within an open mahogany box
Top-down view of the Waltham marine chronometer suspended in its brass gimbal ring within an open mahogany box — Luc Baudry. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.proantic.com
Category
Marine chronometer · Gimballed marine chronometer
Maker / attribution
Waltham
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
1408440
Source-reported date
1940s
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

Housing and Suspension

The chronometer is housed in a two-body mahogany box, which includes a glazed upper section. The enclosure is fitted with brass components, including hinges and an exterior latch plate.

The movement is contained within a gilded brass case suspended by a cardan shaft, a mechanism intended to maintain the chronometer in a horizontal position.

Evidence for this section
  • “Mahogany case, glazed with two bodies, with glazed opening in the upper part, and double protective case”
  • “Gilded brass movement case, mounted on a cardan shaft, to always be in a horizontal position.”

Dial and Visual Features

The timepiece features a silver-colored dial marked with Arabic numerals. A secondary register for seconds is located at the six o'clock position.

The dial includes the manufacturer's name, 'WALTHAM'. Timekeeping is indicated by burnished steel hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “Silver dial, with Arabic numerals, seconds at six o'clock.”
  • “Burnished steel hands.”

Internal Mechanism

The movement is reported to be constructed of nickel-plated brass. The seller lists the technical specifications as including an anchor escapement, a Breguet balance spring, a compensated balance, and 23 jewels.

These internal specifications rely solely on seller-provided information and are not independently verifiable via external observation.

Evidence for this section
  • “Magnificent nickel-plated brass movement, one with anchor escapement, Breguet balance spring, compensated balance, 23 jewels.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific manufacturer serial number for this unit?
  • Are there any government or military contract markings present on the mahogany box or movement plates?
  • What is the physical diameter of the brass movement case?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Waltham Marine Chronometer in Mahogany Case
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerWaltham“marine chronometer of the brand (Waltham)”
Date1940s“from the 40s”
DialSilver dial with Arabic numerals and seconds at six o'clock“Silver dial, with Arabic numerals, seconds at six o'clock.”
HandsBurnished steel hands“Burnished steel hands.”
Jewels23 jewels“23 jewels.”
MountingGilded brass movement case on a cardan shaft“Gilded brass movement case, mounted on a cardan shaft, to always be in a horizontal position.”
CaseMahogany case glazed in two bodies“Mahogany case, glazed with two bodies, with glazed opening in the upper part, and double protective case”
MakerWaltham“marine chronometer of the brand (Waltham)”
Dating1940s“from the 40s”
Jewel Count23“23 jewels.”

Visible details

  • The dial is signed 'WALTHAM' beneath the 12 o'clock position.
  • Arabic hour numerals surround a peripheral minutes track, with a subsidiary seconds register positioned above the 6 o'clock mark.
  • The movement bowl is suspended within a brass gimbal ring fitted with a corner locking screw mechanism inside the wooden box.
  • The mahogany box features brass hinges, a lid stay arm, and an exterior brass latch plate.

Research qualifications

  • Movement specifications (escapement type, balance spring, and 23-jewel count) are seller-reported and cannot be verified from the exterior photograph.
  • Movement serial number is not recorded in the source documentation.
  • Country of manufacture is not explicitly specified in the source text.

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

Consulted source

Proantic: Rare Wwii Waltham Marine Chronometer In Mahogany Case

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record 5e1152fe53

Terms in this record

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

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