NavList:

Hello Lars,

In my first reading of your message I thought you were saying that there were no "speed meters" for clocks, I remembered a benchtop instrument, and asked a friend about them. He just replied, I now reread your post where you say "If" you don't have, so I may be mistaken from the beginning.

After starting my question, I asked "Do all timepieces beat each second?"

I think the answer is interesting and somewhat on-subject so: Yes there is a benchtop "speed meter" as a jeweler's regulator. And:

"The typical watch timing machine has (5) settings for beats per hour.  Most old pocket watches are 18,000 bph.  Wristwatches may be 18,000, 19,800, 21,600, 28,800, or 36,000 bph.  Most tall floor clocks, large wall clocks and mechanical jeweler’s regulators run at one beat (tick) per second.  The very few ship’s chronometers that I have seen are simply high-grade pocket watch movements in a gimbal mounting and the whole thing in a nice box.  They are typically rated for positions and temperature.  Also, with non-magnetic hairsprings.  The temperature compensation is accomplished due to bi-metallic rim of balance wheel which is cut at (2) opposed locations.  A railroad grade pocket watch movement has the same construction."

The above is from someone who repairs mechanical watches and clocks and is willing to open up an Omega watch. His opinion seems to slightly short-change choronometers but I don't know enough to judge.

Regards, Noell