Horology collection online (timekeeping)

Horology collection online

Marine chronometer View horological instruments in Collections Online.

The initial phase to be made accessible online includes John Harrison's (1693–1776) pivotal sequence of marine timekeepers made between 1730 and 1759. Mainly modern examples of chronometers and deck watches by makers whose associations with clock and watch making began in the 19th century can also be seen.

Marine timekeeper H4 - backplate open Apart from a globe clock made in the 16th and a few 17th century clocks, the instruments in the NMM's internationally renowned horology collection date from the early 18th century onwards. Timekeeping devices of this kind include precision pendulum clocks (regulators), watches and a variety of horological components, accessories, tools and relics.

The collection includes accurate portable and marine chronometers: time-measuring instruments used in navigation that keep precise time at all temperatures. The highlight of the collection is the famous and seminal series of marine timekeepers by John Harrison, including the prize-winning 'H4' which he began working on in 1755. We also hold timekeepers by London watchmaker John Arnold (1736–99), the first to employ the term chronometer in the modern sense and who successfully found the way to simplify Harrison's timekeeper design.

Astronomical regulatorThomas Earnshaw (1749–1829) further simplified the designs of the pocket and marine chronometers into their modern, readily reproducible form. Several of this modern type held by the NMM are 20th century marine chronometers by Hamilton Watch Co (see the image at the top of the page) and deck watches by Ulysse Nardin from the Ministry of Defence Art Collection.

Time distribution devices include the original Shepherd master and slave system, the famous time ball by Maudsley on the Observatory roof and the original regulators generating the BBC 'six pip' signals.

The collection also contains many clocks with complex astronomical indications and astronomical regulators (see left). These were used with a transit telescopes to make accurate astronomical observations. We also hold clocks and watches associated with famous naval figures and events.

Find out more about John Harrison and the development of his marine timekeepers in his quest to solve the longitude problem in our online exhibition.

Access to the collections

Not all of the objects in our collections are on permanent display; these objects are called the reserve collection and are mainly stored off-site.

We advise that you contact us prior to visiting if you have a particular interest or if there is an object that you would like to view. We do provide access to the reserve collection and researchers are welcome to study items but an appointment must be made in advance.

For further information:

E-mail: research@rmg.co.uk