Sewill Marine Chronometer In Rosewood And Brass Case, 19th Century

Marine chronometer manufactured by the English firm Sewill, housed in a cubic rosewood case with brass reinforcements and mountings. The case measures 18 × 18 × 19 cm and includes two covers: a taller one with a viewing glass, allowing the timepiece to swing freely inside, and a lower wooden lid decorated with a central polygonal brass escutcheon. Retractable side handles facilitate transport.

The movement is contained within a watertight brass cylinder, suspended by a gimbal system to maintain the chronometer in a horizontal position despite the ship’s motion. The dial features Roman numerals for the hours, a large subsidiary seconds dial occupying the lower semicircle, and a 56-hour power reserve indicator at XII o’clock.

The case is missing its locking key. The movement is operational, though at full wind the starting phase can be difficult.