Chronometer

A Chronometer is a special type of watch where the movement of the timekeeping mechanism that is inside it is certified to work with a certain amount of time that it can lose or gain overall per day. This is also known as tolerance. In this article, we are going to talk about the definition of a chronometer and its various uses of a chronometer.

Definition of Chronometer

A chronometer is an instrument used to measure time accurately despite variations in humidity and air pressure. Generally, it is around +/- 20 seconds per day within a normal mechanical movement tolerance. Hence, when you compare the tolerance to that of 86,400 seconds in an entire day, that is equivalent to an accuracy of 99%. Also, the tolerances are really reliable in real-life conditions.

The invention of a Chronometer

• Though there have been various attempts previously in order to invent a chronometer, formally, a chronometer was invented in the year 1779 by John Arnold, who was an English clockmaker. 

• According to him, ordinary clocks were not of use at all during temperature changes as well as motions of a ship. 

• However, further, the concept of the chronometer came to light when John Harrison constructed four types of marine timekeepers. 

• One of them was awarded a handsome reward by the British government. 

• Though Harrison’s invention was costly and delicate, further inventions were made, which led to the creation of the evolved and modern chronometer.

Modern Chronometer

• A modern chronometer is mainly a properly well-created watch, with that of a detached chronometer escapement being suspended by gimbals, which are actually sets of rings that are connected by certain bearings, so that it remains horizontal despite the inclination of the ship. 

• Thus, the chronometer is safeguarded against any kind of alterations of positions that might affect the timekeeping for even the best watches. 

• Also, it is different from the working mechanism of an ordinary watch. 

• In a chronometer, the spiral balance spring and lever escapement of an ordinary watch is replaced by a type of helical balance spring that acts as a spring detent, also known as an escapement. 

• This type of escapement is quite a superior form of escapement that does not require any oiling. 

• Though mostly today, modern chronometers are used for various purposes; however, it plays a very important role in marine conditions. 

Now, let us understand the types of chronometers used in marine conditions and how a chronometer is used to measure time in marine conditions.

1. The Traditional Chronometer

• It is mainly an accurate clock that was adjusted according to the changes in the temperature. The gimbals were set so that the working is actually not distributed by the ship’s motion. 

• They are generally carried close to the motion center of the ship and are also insulated against any kind of dampness and properly padded in order to reduce any kind of shocks. 

• The clock mechanism is generally enclosed into a bowl, and a dust cover loaded with a spring is set so that the bowl base allows for accessing winding. 

• Certain chronometers are required to be wound daily, sometimes once in a period of 3 days or in a period of a week. The winding key of a traditional chronometer is also known as a ‘Tipsy Key.’ 

• This is inserted into the base of the chronometer so that when the bowl is inverted into the gimbals, and thereafter, the dust cover is put back. Now, it is important to note that these chronometers cannot be overwound. Hence, when a person wants to fully wound the chronometer, it would keep on winding but stop at a point beyond which it would not. 

• Also, today there are certain chronometers available that are actually fitted with an indicating clock dial that is small and provides a signal that the instrument is fully wound. 

• However, sometimes it is seen that a chronometer gets stopped due to oversight or any other reason; in this case, the hands of the clock are reset. 

• In order to do this, the glass faceplate of the chronometer is unscrewed, and the ‘Tipsy Key,’ as mentioned above, works on the center spindle, which helps to hold the hands of the chronometer, and then the key can be turned in order to move it in a clockwise direction.

2. The Quartz Chronometer

• The quartz chronometer is a modern invention in the marine industry and is quite similar to any other type of quartz clock. They are highly accurate and are generally powered by a flashlight battery. 

• In comparison to a traditional chronometer, it is less expensive as well as can be maintained easily. 

• They do not have the hassle of winding as it is battery operated, and the battery provides power for the clock, which makes it run for a year. 

• They also do not have a requirement for gimbals and are resistant to that shock as well as any kind of vibration. 

• The quartz chronometer generally comes with the key at the back of the clock, which is generally used for adjusting the hands, and their only maintenance is to change the battery that too one time throughout the whole year.

Conclusion

A chronometer is extremely useful and works as a measuring device for many purposes, especially in marine conditions. Hopefully, through this article, you have been able to understand the functioning of a chronometer and its different types.