NavList:

To get an idea of what a chronometer is,
go to e-bay and type "marine chronometer"
in search. Ignore all wristwatches that are
called chronometers: they just usurped the name:-)
Also ignore "ships clocks" and "deck clocks" which are
sometimes listed in this category.
It is a clock, suspended on gimballs
("Cardan suspension") in a wooden box.
Approximately 10 by 10 by 10 inches.
The design almost did not change since the middle of XIX century.
The average chronometer "goes" about a second per day,
and the best ones about 0.2 of a second.
"Going" of a chronometer is the technical term which describes
non-uniformity of its rate.

Alex

On Mon, 15 May 2006, Red wrote:

>
>
> Geoffrey-
>  "It must be understood that a chronometer is not a "clock"."
>
> I'm afraid I only know the modern use of the term, i.e. that a wristwatch having
> passed certain ratings is now "certified" as a chronometer, as Rolex does. Can
> you tell me what makes a chronometer not just a clock, in the larger sense? And
> what accuracy you expect from a true chronometer?
>
>
> >


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