Shipwrecked! Hamilton Model 22 marine chronometer


Significance

The USA was caught unaware by the bombing of Pearl Harbour in 1942 and entered WWII needing a quick supply of marine chronometers. Hamilton won the contract and produced about 11,000 technically advanced marine chronometers. The model 22 is a major upgrade in the largely static design of marine chronometers and is more accurate.

The Hamilton model 22 is made as both a gimbaled chronometer like earlier ones and as a large pocket watch to be used as a deck watch. The deck watch was adjusted to match the time of the main ship's chronometer then taken on deck with a sextant to take navigation observations.

Many chronometers went down with the ship! This is one and just the movement. It has severe saltwater corrosion of the steel parts, however, the working of the chronometer can be seen.

Yes, it is a bit of a laugh but serviceable ones are way beyond my budget. Besides, shipwrecked ones are probably rarer than serviceable ones. Another one but restored here.

Details

Hamilton Model 22 marine chronometer, 21 Jewel, Serial 2F16845
A large pocket watch repurposed as a marine chronometer. A major departure in chronometer design. other bits that are different??

Detailed technical description (chronometerbook.com)

My poor shipwrecked Hamilton model 22 marine chronometer movement, essentially a large pocket watch



The distorted shape of the balance wheel is probably due to the bimetal construction for temperature compensation.

What it would have looked like before it was shipwrecked. Nice, rare, expensive...

 A Hamilton model 22 done as a deck watch with double box.








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