The Marine Chronometer: Its History and Development
Product ID: 6858067
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Maritime chronometers are rare and precious items, crafted with care and precision, to provide an accurate means of measuring time and determining longitude at sea. Developed in the eighteenth century, these beautiful instruments were produced for the next two hundred years to the same design, and played a significant role in the growth of maritime trade, ultimately helping to shape the world as we know it today. In Marine Chronometers, the author explains the workings of the chronometer and highlights some of the most significant makers and provides hints for maintenance. Topics covered include: The problem of longitude The early sea clocks Developments in France and England The mechanism of the chronometer Caring for chronometers. Review: The Marine Chronometer by John Cronin - 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. Review: A great book for the introduction to sea navigation and the ... - 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.
| Best Sellers Rank | #4,821,788 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #489 in Marine Engineering #585 in Engineering Patents & Inventions #594 in Antique & Collectible Clocks & Watches (Books) |
| Customer Reviews | 4.8 out of 5 stars 36 Reviews |
P**D
The Marine Chronometer by John Cronin
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.
N**C
A great book for the introduction to sea navigation and the ...
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.
D**.
Four Stars
A most informative and enjoyable book. The chronometer makers were superlative craftsmen indeed!
B**L
These beautiful clocks have a facinating history!
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!
P**A
Excellent, in depth explanation of all aspects of a ...
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.
T**R
An excellent introduction
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.
R**N
Five Stars
It’s a book, I wanted the clock!
S**N
Five Stars
Recommended.
M**O
a very....
A very good review....a little too essential,but exaustive in order to present history,development and technical issues of this fascinating item.
F**R
Outstanding Book on Watches
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
J**D
Brilliant
The book is quite good informatively and pictorially.
J**R
BBC - British brains and craftsmanship........
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.
D**L
Four Stars
Mainly reference though contains all that is expected.
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