| Reference number | MOB/036 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Chronometers by John Arnold |
| Artist | Arnold, John |
| Date | 1771 |
| Description | Two mahogany box chronometers together with winding keys. Each comprising enamel clock faces, Roman numerals, spade hands and a subsidiary dial. Each face engraved 'ARNOLD' in th centre section and framed in brass oval. One chronometer bears the inscription 'Royal Society 36' and one 'Royal Society 27' on its brass frame. Number 36 bears a handwritten inscription: 'In removing the chronometer from the box it should be depressed at XII in order that the long lever on balance cork may clear the wood work. Replace in same manner.' Number 36 is also inscribed 'John Arnold London invt. et fecit no.3' on the back plate. Both travelled with Captain James Cook on his Royal Society sponsored second and third discovery voyages (1772-1775). . Because the timepiece was not given proper trials, it failed after 11 months in HMS 'Resolution'. |
| Extent | 2 timepieces |
| Format | Timepiece |
| Materials | Wood, enamel, glass, brass |
| Access status | Open |
| Provenance | Commissioned by the Society and returned to the Society at some point post-1775 |
| URL description | Digital version available on The Royal Society Picture Library [RS.8496] |
| URL | https://pictures.royalsociety.org/image-rs-8496 |