antik.it/Nautical-antiques/5119-Mercer-marine-chronometer/
1460464701Code 5119 Mercer marine chronometermarine chronometer signed Thomas Mercer Ltd St. Albans England, n. 17064, 1940’s. Mechanical hand-wound movement with power reserve of 56 hours, complete with original key, mahogany case with glass top. Dial’s diameter cm 12 - inches 4.72. Measures of external box cm 18.5x19x17.4 - inches 7.28x7.48x6.85.
Marine chronometer was invented by John Harrison (1693-1776) and it was one of the most important technical inventions. This instrument, measuring the correct time on board helps to resolve the problem of calculation of longitude on the sea. In XV century, development of oceanic navigation and the following discoveries of new lands increased the world trade and the possibility to navigate in a safe way became very important for all seafaring nations. After two centuries it was found a solution for this problem.
Thomas Mercer Ltd made chronometers, clocks, instruments and measuring equipment in London and St. Albans, from 1858 until 1984. Thomas Mercer was born in 1822 and in 1843 he went to work for Thomas Russell in Slater Street, Liverpool. In his free time he made watches, which he signed and sold under his own name.In 1854, having decided that the English watch and clock industry held no future for him, Mercer took a coach to London and bought a one-way ticket to America. But, while awaiting passage, he saw a marine chronometer in the shop window of John Fletcher, one of the most important chronometer makers of the day. He walked in and asked for work, and was accepted as a watch finisher. In 1858 Mercer left Fletcher's service to set up on his own as a chronometer maker at New North Road, London and he became involved in the British Horological Institute, reputed the oldest professional institute in the world for that discipline. In 1874 he moved to St. Albans, setting up a factory behind his house at 14–15 Prospect Road, then in 1890 he took an office in London at 81 Westmoreland Place, City Road. Success in the Greenwich trials, a competition for find the best makers, was the key to Mercer's business: he entered at least one chronometer each year and he was placed second in 1881. In 1900 Thomas Mercer was appointed as judge for the horological class at the Universal Exhibition held in Paris, but unfortunately he caught a cold on the ferry crossing to France and died at the Hôtel Internationale, Paris, on 29 September. In 1911 his son Frank being placed first in Greenwich trial.
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Code 5119 Mercer marine chronometer
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