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)
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