The Marine Chronometer: Its History and Development

The author presents an excellent synthesis of the available literature, providing a concise, yet thorough overview of the problem of how to find longitude at sea and its solution by developing and using accurate timekeepers. All the major personalities involved are discussed - John Harrison - the first to design and make a practical sea clock and his hard-fought `battles' with The Board of Longitude - subsequent important developments in England and France, such as by Arnold and Earnshaw - and their rivalries - and to the `finished' design that emerged in the nineteenth century. Technical descriptions are carefully explained and carried through to make it easy to understand, which provides a good basis for further reading, and a thorough description, with diagrams, is provided to explain the workings of a chronometer. There is also a look at how the chronometer-making industry was organized in the UK and at some of the most important makers in Europe and the USA, and a section on chronometer maintenance. The book is profusely illustrated with photographs and drawings - and has a few nuggets of rare information - such as the necessity of smuggling pinion jewels out of France to Spain during World War II, which were then sent to the U.K. for use in the all-important making of chronometers that were so necessary for the war effort.

A great book for the introduction to sea navigation and the history of time instruments which assisted in it. Very well researched and written by a truly qualified author on the subject. Best choice for new to the subject students and excellent refresher for those who have some experience in the area.

A most informative and enjoyable book. The chronometer makers were superlative craftsmen indeed!

Owning a Hamilton model 22 chronometer, I found that this was an excellent source of information, beyond Wikipedia. Very good illustrations. Book was in pristine condition and even autographed!

Excellent, in depth explanation of all aspects of a Marine Chronometer that shows the knowledge of the author. Highly recommended for those who have interest in this kind of chronometers.

However it is not only for beginners, some concepts are easier to understand and comprehend than in other detailed treatises on horology. Recommended for all clock enthusiasts and pros.

It’s a book, I wanted the clock!

Recommended.

A very good review....a little too essential,but exaustive in order to present history,development and technical issues of this fascinating item.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Pictures and text were very informative and entertaining. Recommended to those who love watches. Pick it up and it's to hard top put down

The book is quite good informatively and pictorially.

Excellent book, read it from cover to cover in one sitting. If I were rich, I would collect these wonderful timepieces, they are the 'jewellery' of the engineering world.

Mainly reference though contains all that is expected.