Original Listing Description

Up for sale is a Hamilton Model 21 Marine Chronometer with 3-tier Wooden Box, with Large Brass Gimbal Suspension Ring and one-way Ratcheting Winding Key. This clock also includes an additional large outer mahogany wood "Guard Box" to maximally protect the inner box and clock from harmful sea-salt-air, and from vibration while serving on a ship at sea. The clock is in excellent working condition, and the cosmetic condition ranges from fair to good as indicated below. The box appears lightly used and may be a replacement This item is the large 85-size Hamilton Model 21 marine chronometer ( and not the smaller 35-size Hamilton model 22 chronometer) Only the clock, gimbal ring, inner wooden box, large outer wooden "Guard Box", and 1-way ratcheting winding key are included in this sale, as shown in the photos.The clock is in very good running condition, and is keeping time. Although the Overhaul Due sticker would indicate a clock service date of 1978 (1981 minus the standard 3 year service and calibration recall period), any more recent service history is unknownThe clock runs strong and continuously for approximately 55 hours after a full wind-up.The movement is complete, clean and appears to be in excellent condition. Through 80 years of use and prior servicing there are some scratches, minor scuffs, dirt, oil residue and other signs of wear. See photos of clock interior and mechanism.The clock dial is in good condition, but has some minor scratches, streaks and light patina. There are rub-marks on the extreme outer edge of the dial where the bezel ring clamps down upon the dial. This outer rim wear on the dial is common, and is normally out of view when under the bezel. (See photos).All 4 clock hands are present and are in very good cosmetic condition.The round clock glass is clear, but it has several moderate to scratches, and 1 scuff mark, each of which are difficult to photograph, and are not easy to see under normal lighting conditions.The bezel ring is in generally good condition. The bezel has the aforementioned U.S. Navy Overhaul Due date sticker. See photos of silvered bezel.The Brass Chronometer clock case tub has minor scratches and marks. The clock case tub also has oxidation and residue on the sides (see photos).The chronometer's UP - DOWN winding power reserve indicator hand and its driving mechanism are working properly. The Up - Down indicator was used as follows: When in service aboard a ship, these marine chronometers were always wound every day, and at the same time each day, to ensure maximum timekeeping accuracy. It is the first 24 hours of operation after a full winding of the clock that isosynchronism (stable timekeeping rate) is best achieved. After 24 hours there is sometimes a slight drop-off in accuracy as the mainspring winds down from 24 to 48 hours. The Up - Down indicator was used as a visual verification that the chronometer had indeed been wound-up again for that day, and consistently for every day. If the hand passes the 24 hour mark, then it is time to wind up the chronometer again (even though it would continue running with lesser but still acceptable levels of accuracy).The 3-tier wooden Inner box appears very lightly used and is in very good overall condition. This appears to be a replacement box. See photos.The Inner box drop-handles, latches and hinges are present, are in good cosmetic condition and are working as expected. See photos.The Inner box's time observation glass plate is in good condition with neither any cracks nor any visible scratches.The Inner box's time observation glass plate is in good condition with neither any cracks nor any visible scratches.The large outer mahogany wood Guard Box is in average condition for its 80 year age. There are minor blemishes or scratches on the wood finish. There is minor shrinkage and shifting of 2 of the outer box wood joints, but this is minor. The green velvet cushioned interior has aged, and there is minor fluffing, and dust on some of the green velvet.The brass gimbal ring, its support screws and nuts are all present and are functioning as expected. There is some oxidation and accumulation of tarnish and dirt on the metal gimbal ring surfaces. See photos.The swiveling locking arm is present and is working properly. See photos.The wooden box measures approximately 7.5 inches on each side (excluding side handles)The clock dial is 4 and 1/8 inches in diameter Although the clock is currently functioning well and keeping time, the continued future operation or timing performance cannot be guaranteed, as all of the parts inside the clock were made and adjusted many years ago. Prior service history is unknown.Only the Chronometer clock, gimbal ring, winding key, the 3-tier inner box, and the large outer Guard Box are included in this sale. No other items are included.The chronometer will be carefully secured and balance wheel "Corked" (immobilized for safe transport). The clock will be double-boxed with plenty of protective cushioning, with tracking and insurance for safe delivery. I've shipped over 20 of these chronometers with 100% of them arriving safely in undamaged condition Please ask before buying if you have any questions. Payment and ShippingThe cost of shipping includes tracking and insurance for the full value of the item. The clock will be corked, and double boxed with plenty of protective cushioning.This item only ships to addresses in the United States. Sorry, No International Shipping for this item. Due to the delicate nature of this antique, this item only ships to addresses in the United States. Insurance and Tracking are included in the stated shipping price. No returns on this item unless it differs materially from the item description or photos. Payment is expected within 48 hours of sale unless prior arrangements have been made. Note that some states may require payment of sales tax with the purchase of this item. Thank you for looking! (Condition: Pre-Owned)

Note: This item has been sold and is no longer available. This page serves as a historical price reference for clocks collectors and appraisers.