Chronometers, precision watches and timekeepers, Timekeeping

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Collection Chronometers, precision watches and timekeepers, Timekeeping
User collections Harrison by swettengl
PeopleClockmaker: Harrison, John
Provenance: George II, George II
Provenance: Royal Greenwich Observatory
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The Old Royal Observatory Greenwich

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Treasures of the National Maritime Museum
Gloria Clifton and Nigel Rigby
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Object details:

Object ID ZAA0035
Description Marine timekeeper, H2. Made between 1737 and 1739, this is a larger and more solidly built version of H1, see ZAA0034, with the additional refinement of a remontoire - a device to ensure that the drive to the two balances is as uniform as possible. It is probable that Harrison, who had moved to London by this time, had some help in making parts of H2. Because he discovered a design fault with its balances, Harrison never allowed H2 to be tested at sea. He kept it running at his house for many years until, in 1766, it was taken from him by the Astronomer Royal under the conditions of the longitude prize. See also; ZAA0034 (H1), ZAA0036 (H3) and ZAA0037 (H4).
Date made 1739

Artist/Maker Harrison, John
Place made London, England
Credit National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Ministry of Defence Art Collection
Materials bronze; lignum vitae; steel; brass
Measurements Overall display height: 686 mm. Weight 40Kg.
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