A marine chronometer is a precision timepiece that is carried on a ship and employed in the determination of the ship's position by celestial navigation. It is used to determine longitude by comparing Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), and the time at the current location found from observations of celestial bodies. When first developed in the 18th century, it was a major technical achievement, as accurate knowledge of the time over a long sea voyage was vital for effective navigation, lacking electronic or communications aids. The first true chronometer was the life work of one man, John Harrison, spanning 31 years of persistent experimentation and testing that revolutionized naval navigation.
A marine chronometer by Charles Frodsham of London, shown turned upside down to reveal the movement. Chronometer circa 1844-1860.
The marine "Chronometer" of Jeremy Thacker used gimbals and a vacuum in a bell jar.
Henry Sully (1680-1729) presented a first marine chronometer in 1716
John Harrison's H1 marine chronometer of 1735
Celestial navigation, also known as astronavigation, is the practice of position fixing using stars and other celestial bodies that enables a navigator to accurately determine their actual current physical position in space or on the surface of the Earth without relying solely on estimated positional calculations, commonly known as dead reckoning. Celestial navigation is performed without using satellite navigation or other similar modern electronic or digital positioning means.
Ships Marine Chronometer giving an accuracy of less than ±5 seconds per year, French Navy issued, 1980
U.S. Navy quartermaster 3rd class, practices using a sextant as part of a navigation training aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard, 2018.