Chronometers

Laycock (W.S.): The Lost Science of John "Longitude" Harrison
O/P. 159 pages, 144 figs., signed by author, 1976. Laycock investigated and explained the theory behind many of Harrison's ideas used on his wooden regulators and his marine clocks. As Harrison's own writings are very difficult to understand, Laycock's analysis of his ideas is of value to all enthusiasts. A very good copy with very good dust (faded to spine), of a scarce book.

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(Ref: K413 - E7)  in stock.

Levenberg (J.): Russian Wristwatches, Pocket watches, Stop Watches, Deck Watches & Marine Chronometers
NEW. 96 pages, 505 items illustrated, 1995. With an increasing number of Russian watches and chronometers arriving in the West this book is a useful guide for collectors. The book includes a guide to Cyrillic inscriptions and a price guide in US dollars, the prices now somewhat out of date. Card covers. (Ref: N1282)  in stock.

Mercer (A.): Mercer Chronometers - History, Maintenance & Repair
O/P. 239 pages, 300 illustrations, 2003. A book about the history of the Mercer firm from the early days of watchmaking in Liverpool to the large scale manufacture of chronometers in Clerkenwell and St. Albans. The book includes information on historic chronometers serviced by Mercer together with details of Mercer and Kullberg serial numbering. The repair, maintenance and rating of chronometers is given special attention. Now out of print and in demand. A fine copy with very good dust jacket (a few creases to lower edge).

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(Ref: K1662 - G3)  in stock.

Mercer (A.): Mercer Chronometers - Radical Tom Mercer and the House he Founded
O/P. xxiv, 251 pages, 24 colour plates, 68 b&w illus., 1st edition, signed by author, 1978. This is an excellent book, much better in my opinion than the later book by the same author with a similar title. The last 100 pages are an essential research tool being a listing of all known Mercer chronometers sold to retailers, ships chandlers etc., including date of sale, price and retailer's name and serial number as engraved on the chronometer dial. A fine copy of a scarce book with fine dust jacket.

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(Ref: K472 - Z1)  in stock.

Mercer (V.): The Frodshams - the Story of a Family of Chronometer Makers
O/P. 458 pages, 106 plates, 1981. This is the standard work on the various branches of the Frodsham family. Charles Frodsham and Parkinson & Frodsham are two of the most famous chronometer making enterprises of the 19th and early 20th century. The book also covers the business of Frodsham & Keen as well as that of other family members. This is an excellent reference book about this family of chronometer, clock and watchmakers. A very good copy, the dust jacket complete but with wear to edges and corners.

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(Ref: K958 - V3)  in stock.

Mercer (V.): The Life and letters of Edward John Dent Chronometer Maker and some account of his Successors
O/P. 829 pages, 154 plates, 1st edition 1977. This is the standard reference work on the life and work of Edward John Dent the famous chronometer maker, with details of his successors in the business right up to the time the book was written. A very good copy with good dust jacket.

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(Ref: K3997 - W1)  in stock.

Penney (D.): Box-Chronometers, c.1750 - 1980: an historical overview of English Work
NEW. 24 pages, illustrated, 2023. Profile No 5 in a series of booklets by well-known horologist David Penney. While much has been written about the technology of chronometers, this overview is an attempt to place these timekeepers into a proper context, one that better explains their invention, the business of their manufacture, and their subsequent development. Card covers. (Ref: N5199)  in stock.

Quill (H.): John Harrison the Man who Found Longitude
O/P. 255 pages, 33 illustrations, 1st and only edition, 1966. An excellent book on the life and work of John Harrison, his 4 marine timepieces and the £20,000 longitude prize. Essential reading for chronometer enthusiasts. A very good copy, the dust jacket with some wear to top edges.

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(Ref: KW1313 - C2)  in stock.

Robey (J.) Editor: Your Time - Including the Contribution of Northwest England to the Development of Clocks and Watches
NEW. 136 pages, illustrated in colour, 2008. The catalogue of an exhibition organised by the Northern Section of the Antiquarian Horological Society, with interesting introductions on Chronometers, Watchmaking in Prescot & South Lancashire, Edward Massey's Lever Escapement, Unfinished or Raw Movements, Turret Clocks and the Lancashire Watch Company by Edward Powell, Alan Smith, Alan Treherne and Chris McKay. The interesting text and good illustrations of the 127 exhibits mean that this will be a useful reference book in the years to come. Card covers. (Ref: N1698)  in stock.

Sabrier (J.C.): Longitude at Sea in the Time of Louis Berthoud & Henri Motel
S/H. 720 pages, 174 illustrations, 1993. A detailed study of the life and work of Pierre-Louis Berthoud (1754 - 1813) and Jean-François Henri Motel (1786 - 1859), the famous French chronometer makers. This book is the definitive reference work on these makers as the author has used the order books, workshop journals and French Naval records which all fortunately still exist. For each maker a list of all items made is given with details of who made various parts and their cost, as well as the name of the original purchaser. A fine copy (with presentation inscription signed by author on title page) with very good original film wrapper and card slipcase. [English and French language]

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(Ref: K3639 - B1)  in stock.