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ID #SA694544
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A Fine Marine Chronometer - French of the Royal Exchange .
Sold by Its About Time
sold SA694544
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
Its About Time

Its About Time

Sellingantiques Verified Since Apr 2017
Browse dealers 71 items
  • About Us
    Antique clock and watch shop specialist (featured on salvage hunters the restorers) with select fine furniture.
Id #SA694544
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A Fine Marine Chronometer - French of the Royal Exchange .

19th century
Sold 4 July 2025 · Its About Time
This “Fine Marine Chronometer - French of the Royal Exchange” found a buyer.

It was listed by Its About Time. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

Description

A fine Marine chronometer dating to around 1830-40 and made by the well known clock, watch and chronometer makers (Santiago) James Moore French of the Royal Exchange London . We are currently researching the history of this fine 'instrument' What we can tell you for the moment is that it is a very attractive 'triple' signed Chronometer dial. Firstly we have the superb maker, S.J.M.French who won two Admiralty prizes in 1825. Then we have John Poole of Upper Smithfield, again fine Chronometer makers who 'adjusted' and fitted a new Helical hairspring. Many years later in 1878 it was in the workshops of Richard Hornby of Liverpool, fine chronometer makers in their own right too. They must have had it for a complete overhaul and adjustment. The 56hour (two day) fusee with compensated balance and spring detent has just been fully overhauled and is currently keeping excellent time The case is of good construction in mahogany with concealed dovetails and brass corners and escutions, a lock and key for the lower box and push catch to view. Number 6781.

Physical Dimensions
Height
18cm (7.09")
Width
16cm (6.30")
Depth
16cm (6.30")
Declaration

Its About Time has dated this Antique Marine Chronometer to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA694544
Dealers Internal Reference
Chronometer French Royal
Dealers Notes

As seen on T.V. Salvage Hunters - The Restorers ! Please remember we are closed Sundays and Mondays, open every other day from 9am until 5pm . If we have not responded to an email, we may not have received it...please call or whatsapp us as well.

It's About Time

www.theclockandwatchshop.co.uk

Members of the British Horological Institute

and

The British Watch and Clockmakers Guild.

Description
A fine Marine chronometer dating to around 1830-40 and made by the well known clock, watch and chronometer makers (Santiago) James Moore French of the Royal Exchange London .
“
We are currently researching the history of this fine 'instrument' What we can tell you for the moment is that it is a very attractive 'triple' signed Chronometer dial.
Its About Time

Firstly we have the superb maker, S.J.M.French who won two Admiralty prizes in 1825. Then we have John Poole of Upper Smithfield, again fine Chronometer makers who 'adjusted' and fitted a new Helical hairspring. Many years later in 1878 it was in the workshops of Richard Hornby of Liverpool, fine chronometer makers in their own right too. They must have had it for a complete overhaul and adjustment. The 56hour (two day) fusee with compensated balance and spring detent has just been fully overhauled and is currently keeping excellent time The case is of good construction in mahogany with concealed dovetails and brass corners and escutions, a lock and key for the lower box and push catch to view. Number 6781.

Height
18cm (7.09")
Width
16cm (6.30")
Depth
16cm (6.30")
Date of Manufacture

Its About Time has dated this Antique Marine Chronometer to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA694544
Dealers Internal Ref
Chronometer French Royal
Its About Time
Its About Time
Sellingantiques verified Since Apr 2017

Antique clock and watch shop specialist (featured on salvage hunters the restorers) with select fine furniture.

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Its About Time Profile Page

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An antique wooden box with brass corners open to reveal a gimballed brass marine chronometer with a white face. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
1 / 8
Archive I An antique wooden box with brass corners open to reveal a gimballed brass marine chronometer with a white face. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

A Fine Marine Chronometer - French of the Royal Exchange .

Archive II An antique wooden box with brass corners open to reveal a gimballed brass marine chronometer with a white face. View II
Archive III An antique wooden box with brass corners open to reveal a gimballed brass marine chronometer with a white face. View III
Archive IV An antique wooden box with brass corners open to reveal a gimballed brass marine chronometer with a white face. View IV
Archive V An antique wooden box with brass corners open to reveal a gimballed brass marine chronometer with a white face. View V
Archive VI An antique wooden box with brass corners open to reveal a gimballed brass marine chronometer with a white face. View VI
Archive VII An antique wooden box with brass corners open to reveal a gimballed brass marine chronometer with a white face. View VII
Archive VIII An antique wooden box with brass corners open to reveal a gimballed brass marine chronometer with a white face. View VIII
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 01702 472574
Location
863 London Road
Westcliff-on-Sea
Essex
SS0 9SZ
United Kingdom
Verified Since Apr 2017
Items For Sale 71
Items Sold 321
Its About Time
Its About Time
Verified Since Apr 2017
View Dealer Info
Location: 863 London Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, SS0 9SZ, United Kingdom
Verified
Apr 2017
For Sale
71
Sold
321
An antique wooden box with brass corners open to reveal a gimballed brass marine chronometer with a white face.
A fine marine Chronometer - French of the Royal Exchange .
Ref: SA694544
An antique wooden box with brass corners open to reveal a gimballed brass marine chronometer with a white face.
Detail View 1
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Archival Detail
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Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectScientific Instruments
  • Period19th century
  • StyleMaritime
  • MaterialMahogany, Brass, Glass
  • ColourDark Brown
  • MotifsBrass corner brackets, Gimbal mechanism, Silvered dial, Hinged wooden case
  • SizeH 18 cm (7 in) x W 16 cm (6 in) x D 16 cm (6 in)

A marine chronometer is a precision timepiece carried on ships to determine longitude at sea by comparing local time with Greenwich Mean Time, acting as a portable time standard for navigation.

Traditional marine chronometers feature brass-bound hardwood cases, usually mahogany or walnut, housing a movement suspended in a brass gimbal system with a silvered or enamelled dial.

Authentic pieces typically exhibit maker signatures on the dial, a gimballed housing to counteract ship motion, numerical serial numbers, and aged patination on the brass and wood components.

This instrument functions well as a focal point on a study desk, a library mantelpiece, or displayed within a glass-fronted cabinet to highlight its historical maritime craftsmanship.

Keep the instrument away from direct sunlight, extreme temperature fluctuations, and high humidity, and consult a specialist horologist for professional servicing and winding.
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