Project description
We are seeking an experienced horologist to restore a 19th-century ship's marine chronometer housed in its original gimbaled brass case. The chronometer uses a fusee chain movement paired with a spring detent escapement and a bimetallic balance wheel — the mechanism that once gave navigators reliable time at sea for calculating longitude.
Scope of work includes: full disassembly and cleaning of the fusee chain and mainspring barrel, inspection and repair of the chain links (several are worn or stretched), re-bushing worn pivot holes in the movement plates, cleaning and re-oiling the escapement and balance staff, and correcting any bent or damaged balance wheel arms.
The gimbal mount and suspension ring need careful restoration — the knife-edge pivots that allow the chronometer to remain level on a rolling ship must move freely without play. The brass outer case and gimbal ring require careful polishing that preserves original engraving and maker's marks rather than removing patina indiscriminately.
Once reassembled, the chronometer must undergo rate-testing in multiple positions over at least two weeks, with daily rate recorded and adjustments made to the balance timing screws until deviation is within a few seconds per day.
Please share examples of comparable fusee-chain or chronometer movements you have restored, your rate-testing procedure, and an estimated timeline. Original wooden transit case and gimbal fittings are included in the project; extreme care with the antique glass dial cover is required.
Scope of work includes: full disassembly and cleaning of the fusee chain and mainspring barrel, inspection and repair of the chain links (several are worn or stretched), re-bushing worn pivot holes in the movement plates, cleaning and re-oiling the escapement and balance staff, and correcting any bent or damaged balance wheel arms.
The gimbal mount and suspension ring need careful restoration — the knife-edge pivots that allow the chronometer to remain level on a rolling ship must move freely without play. The brass outer case and gimbal ring require careful polishing that preserves original engraving and maker's marks rather than removing patina indiscriminately.
Once reassembled, the chronometer must undergo rate-testing in multiple positions over at least two weeks, with daily rate recorded and adjustments made to the balance timing screws until deviation is within a few seconds per day.
Please share examples of comparable fusee-chain or chronometer movements you have restored, your rate-testing procedure, and an estimated timeline. Original wooden transit case and gimbal fittings are included in the project; extreme care with the antique glass dial cover is required.
Web programming Cash, Bank transfer
