Item ST 23659 Chronometer Escapement Model - Earnshaw, England, late 18th century

Summary

Enlarged working model of Earnshaw chronometer escapement on round wooden base, England, late 18th century. Pallets and endstone are jewelled.
Originally a watchmaker Thomas Earnshaw went on to become one of the pioneers of chronometer development.
A chronometer might be best decribed as a highly accurate portable timekeeping device. Given their easy handling they have often be used at sea to determine longitude.
The term chronometer is derived from the Greek word 'chronos' (meaning time) and meter (meaning measure).