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Chronometer Hohwü

Important Dutch chronometer by Andreas Hohwü from Amsterdam

Type of object:

Timekeeper & Sundial & Compass & Barograpf

Time period:

Gouden eeuw Nederland

Place:

Amsterdam

Date:

1857

Maker / Author:

Hohwü Andreas

Publisher / Printer:

idem

Dimensions:

(Height) 17.5 cm (Width) 16.5 cm (Depth) 16.5 cm

Material:

Brass, 8.5-cm engraved silvered dial and mahogeny box

Graduation:

56 hours

Inscription:

No. 334 ANDr. HOHWÜ AMSTERDAM

Provenance:

Netherlands

References:

Enrico Morpurgo, Nederlandse Klokken- en horlogemakers vanaf 1300, pp. 59.
A rare Dutch mahogany two-day chronometer by Andreas Hohwü Amsterdam, circa 1865. - Gude & Meis (gudemeis.com)

Image by Austin Neill

Description

The 8.5-cm engraved silvered dial has Roman numerals and is signed No. 334 ANDr. HOHWÜ AMSTERDAM. There are gold spade hands. Below XII there is the subsidiary for power reserve indication (op/af 0-56) showing how long the chronometer still can run before needing to be wound. This function was vital of course since a stopped chronometer would loose its function for navigation. Above VI is the subsidiary seconds hand.
The well made movement has spotted plates connected by fine ringed pillars. It has a duration of 56 hours and is being driven by a spring barrel with chain and fusee. To keep the chronometer running while being wound there is Harrison’s maintaining power. The rate is determined by a free sprung compensated balance with helical spring in combination with Earnshaw’s detent escapement.
The case
The movement is housed in an extra brass inner case fixed with bajonet fitting. This is fitted in a brass case with the winding hole at the bottom and that is suspended in brass gimbals. Three-tier mahogany case with brass mounts and a plaque to the front signed ‘A. HOHWÜ No. 334’.

Additional information

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