Astronomical chronometer

Astronomical chronometer. Thomas Earnshaw made this watch for George Margetts to Margett's design of complex astronomical dialling, but incorporating Earnshaw's spring detent escapement invention. These early chronometers by Earnshaw were usually marked with a stamp and serial number, to denote that a fee was paid to Thomas Wright, who funded Earnshaw's patent costs.

Object Details

ID: ZBA1219
Collection: Timekeeping
Type: Astronomical chronometer
Display location: Display - Traders Gallery
Creator: Margetts, George
Date made: 1783; ca. 1790
Exhibition: Traders: The East India Company and Asia
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London. Acquired with the assistance of The Art Fund and Friends of the National Maritime Museum, 1998.
Measurements: 410 x 330 x 310 mm