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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Marine chronometer · Two-day marine chronometer

Whyte, Thomson & Co. Two-Day Marine Chronometer No. 5737

Partially verified

This marine chronometer is housed in a three-tier brass-bound mahogany box fitted with an exterior brass plaque bearing serial number 5737. The engraved silvered dial is signed by Whyte, Thomson & Co., Glasgow & South Shields, noting their appointment as makers to the Admiralty, and features an up/down power reserve indicator alongside a subsidiary seconds dial numbered 5737. According to the seller, the gimbal-mounted movement possesses a two-day duration fusee mechanism with an Earnshaw design spring detent, a cut bi-metallic balance, and a blued steel helical balance spring with compensating weights.

Whyte, Thomson & Co. two-day marine chronometer in three-tier mahogany box with top lid raised
Whyte, Thomson & Co. two-day marine chronometer in three-tier mahogany box with top lid raised — Kembery Antique Clocks And Watches Ltd. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
antiques-atlas.com
Category
Marine chronometer · Two-day marine chronometer
Maker / attribution
Whyte, Thomson & Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
as579a1804
Source-reported date
circa 1895
Country
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
5737

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 Construction

The marine chronometer is housed in a three-tier mahogany box featuring brass corner bindings and an exterior brass plaque marked with serial number 5737.

The interior contains a rotating gimbal that can be locked. The lower section of the box includes an escutcheon for a key, and a storage socket for a key is present in the upper-right corner of the case.

Evidence for this section
  • “A 3 tier brass bound mahogany box with brass label numbered 5737.”
  • “The original key to open lower section.”
  • “A rotating gimball which an be locked.”

Dial and Inscriptions

The silvered, engraved dial features Roman numerals, a power reserve indicator, and a subsidiary seconds dial numbered 5737.

The dial is signed 'WHYTE THOMSON & CO GLASGOW & SOUTH SHIELDS, MAKER TO THE ADMIRALTY'.

Evidence for this section
  • “A silvered engraved dial signed 'WHYTE THOMSON & CO GLASGOW & SOUTH SHIELDS, MAKER TO THE ADMIRALTY' with corresponding numbers and showing power reserve indicator.”

Movement and Attribution

The source describes a two-day duration fusee mechanism, a cut bi-metallic balance with a blued steel helical balance spring, and an Earnshaw design spring detent. These technical details are not independently verified via the available images.

The dealer attributes the manufacture to circa 1895, consistent with the firm's documented operation at 144 Broomielaw, Glasgow, between 1872 and 1924.

Evidence for this section
  • “A 2 day duration fusee mechanism with cut bi-metallic balance and blued steel helical balance with compensating weights. An Earnshaw design spring detent.”
  • “Whyte & Thomson were working at 144 Broomielaw in Glasgow from 1872-1924.”
  • “This example dates to circa 1895.”

Open research questions

  • Does serial number 5737 correlate to verified Whyte, Thomson & Co. production logs?
  • What physical evidence remains, if any, to support the 'Makers to the Admiralty' engraving beyond the dial signature?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Whyte, Thomson & Co. Two-Day Marine Chronometer No. 5737
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Box descriptionThree-tier brass-bound mahogany box with brass label numbered 5737“A 3 tier brass bound mahogany box with brass label numbered 5737.”
Dial inscription'WHYTE THOMSON & CO GLASGOW & SOUTH SHIELDS, MAKER TO THE ADMIRALTY'“A silvered engraved dial signed 'WHYTE THOMSON & CO GLASGOW & SOUTH SHIELDS, MAKER TO THE ADMIRALTY' with corresponding numbers and showing power reserve indicator.”
Mechanism detailsTwo-day duration fusee mechanism with cut bi-metallic balance and Earnshaw design spring detent“A 2 day duration fusee mechanism with cut bi-metallic balance and blued steel helical balance with compensating weights. An Earnshaw design spring detent.”
Working dates of maker1872–1924 in Glasgow“Whyte & Thomson were working at 144 Broomielaw in Glasgow from 1872-1924.”
Dimensions8 inches / 20 cm“Height/width/depth 8 " / 20 cms”
Dimensions8 inches / 20 cm“Height/width/depth 8 " / 20 cms”

Visible details

  • Chronometer is mounted in a brass gimbal within the glazed middle section of a three-tier mahogany box.
  • A key is inserted into the escutcheon on the lower front section of the box below the brass plaque.
  • Silvered dial displays Roman numerals, an upper subsidiary state-of-wind dial (marked 'DOWN' and 'UP'), and a lower subsidiary seconds dial marked '5737'.
  • Dial is signed 'Whyte Thomson & Co / MAKERS TO THE ADMIRALTY / GLASGOW & SOUTH SHIELDS.'
  • A winding key or gimbal clamp key rests in a socket in the upper-right corner within the case.

Research qualifications

  • Internal movement details, escapement, and balance assembly are source-reported and not visible in the photograph.
  • Circa 1895 date is a dealer attribution.

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

Consulted source

Antiques Atlas - Marine Chronometer Whyte & Thomson Of Glasgow as579a1804

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record 0211f9c303

Terms in this record

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

Other two-day marine chronometer records