sinohog
10
USN instructions
I think that the USN had the best instruction and training program for ship's chronometers because they tend to rotate staff around allot and there is this sensitive instrument that needs to be carefully maintained. Those instructions are very helpful. Hamilton had a printed ten page manual for operation. i think that is probably an excerpt from it that was adapted for yours. What makes your Nardin so rare is that after Hamilton began production, VERY few chronometers made outside the US were purchased. So the history of your instrument is highly valued among some collectors. Mine has a history with the Japanese Navy since it was sold by an agent in Osaka. It was sold by a Japanese dealer to an American collector in 1973. It is also unusual in that it survived the war in very good condition.
I also have a seikosha ships clock with a fusee movement that didn't fare too well. The glass is cracked and the dial is tarnished. But somehow the movement survived the blow without any damage. The two seem to fit together well as the Seiko chronometer from WWII was directly copied from Nardin's like mine that were already in Japan. My ship's clock is a copy of a British ship's clock according to Ray Bates, "the british clockmaker". But i tend to think that the seikosha was over designed in order to withstand the punishment that it took. Naridins are more elegant engineering that no one else has been able to match though they have tried be they Japanese, or Russians, etc.
I saw one restored...
By: Dave G : May 26th, 2013-18:43
In a USA AD showroom about ten years ago that he had done by UN in Switzerland. It looked great with all the wood refinished as well. I have one from 1945 that is in need of servicing as well. I've thought about restoration also, but I'm concerned about r...
Dave G's chronometer
By: sinohog : June 7th, 2013-08:45
I'm very impressed by how well preserved your chronometer is. Ray Bates, the past president of the BHI, probably will restore mine. He told me that he usually has a 9 month lead time which is typical since so few people work on them, now. I have thought a...
USN instructions
By: sinohog : June 8th, 2013-07:50
I think that the USN had the best instruction and training program for ship's chronometers because they tend to rotate staff around allot and there is this sensitive instrument that needs to be carefully maintained. Those instructions are very helpful. Ha...
Take your time ...
By: Marcus Hanke : June 8th, 2013-10:46
... I know that, sometimes, one won't be staisfied with less than the best quality, which includes the quality of one's own work. In your case, it is photography. I am happy to see the pictures whenever you are ready. Regards, Marcus
chronometer photos
By: sinohog : June 9th, 2013-09:49
yeah, it is more about handling the chronometer correctly so that I won't damage it in anyway. Also, to do it justice, I will need a macro lens. I don't have one anymore. But I need one if I'm going to do it right. doesn't have to be an expensive one. A f...
Nardin video
By: sinohog : June 8th, 2013-07:38
Love watching your chronometer run. But I worry about it running "dry", i.e. without oil. I think that you would enjoy reading a book that I recently bought: THE MARINER'S CHRONOMETER: STRUCTURE, FUNCTION, MAINTENANCE AND HISTORY by W.J Morris. He goes in...