This clock was mounted on the Bridge of the D Class destroyer, HMS Defender (built 1932/33). Clocks of this type were intended to keep local time at sea, for the daily routines of the ship, and were not intended as navigational instruments for keeping GMT. On 11 July 1941 the ship was attacked by enemy aircraft while returning to Alexandria from Tobruk, and a bomb, exploding under the ship, broke her back. 5 hours later the ship finally sank, with no lives lost. the clock is said to have been dislodged by the blast and rescued before the ship sank. The clock was handed to Lt.Cdr (later Captain) G.L.Farnfield, commander of Defender at the time. The clock was presented to the museum by his son Captain R.H.Farnfield.



8-day ship's bridge clock in brass case by Waltham Watch Co, U.S.A., c.1932.
Nickel keyless movement with twin going barrels and 6 wheel train, the 5th and escape wheels mounted under a separate sub plate. Jewelled club tooth lever escapement (7 jewels in total) with compensation balance and blued steel flat spiral balance spring with overcoil and regualtion on the balance cock. The backplate is engraved: "WALTHAN WATCH CO / 8 DAYS". 80mm diameter white enamel dial with arabic hour numerals and blued steel spade and poker hands.Subsidiary seconds dial below 12 and signed across lower centre: "WALTHAM WATCH CO. / U.S.A.".
Polished, cast brass case, angled at about 30 degrees to face up. Brass bezel with flat bevelled glass over dial and winding crown projecting below at 6 o'clock. The case seats onto a cast brass wall plate which is screwed to the bulkhead and is locked in place with a key behind the winding crown.