Ship's chronometer from HMS Beagle
A History of the World in 100 Objects
The History of Chronometers
Inventor John Harrison invented a clock that could tell the time set in Greenwich. His chronometers were pioneering high-quality instruments, made in tiny numbers and affordable only by the Admiralty. Then around 1800 two London clockmakers managed to simplify the mechanisms of his chronometer so that virtually any ship can carry them as routine equipment. Nigel Thrift is with one of those lower-cost chronometers now: it was made in 1800 by Thomas Earnshaw.
00:00
Transcript
Play full episode
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
