Unique Seth Thomas Side Wind Chronometer Ca 1899
UNIQUE SETH THOMAS
SHIP’S CHRONOMETER LEVER
No. 5006 Ca 1899
Seth Thomas,
America’s oldest clock maker operating since 1813, was the offical
supplier to the U.S. Navy for almost 100 years.
Presented is
a Seth Thomas ship’s side winding chronometer.
This is only the second example we’ve discovered marking it as a very rare model. Heretofore, we only knew of
its existance in books and catalogs. This clock was intended to be mounted on a bulkhead, on a ship’s bridge, in
the navigator’s shack, or in the officer’s wardroom, starting in 1881. It has a 5″ porcelain dial, with a 4
1/2” viewing area with Roman numerals, and is housed in a heavy, forged, bronze case with screw
on bezel and promenent flange and a solid, cast aluminum dust ring. The maker’s name appears
under the numeral
XII and the black spade hands are over a small seconds dial which in
turn is over the numeral VI. A key adjustable fast/slow regulator is within the XII o’clock position. This
clock is in like new condition and is keeping perfect time during its rated period. The Seth Thomas catalog says it is
supposed to have a one day movement, but this clock runs for 60 hours.
In Seth Thomas’s Catalog of the day,
they had this to say:
This fine
lever clock was specially designed for steamers or other
situations where accurate time-keeping is required and a pendulum
clock cannot be used. The movements are made in the best manner, with
steel pinions and chronometer balance, jeweled, and are fitted up with
finely tapered hair springs. They have a very simple regulator which
provides for the most accurate adjustment. They are put up in cast brass
cases with porcelain dials
The ingenuity and workmanship
of Seth Thomas was recognized throughout the world because of their high grade precision time pieces making this a great relic
of maritime and horological history! 
Showing the unique flange and
depth of case
Movement showing
the side wind arbor
CONDITION:This example
appears to have come from a time capsule and is in perfect, like new
original condition. It is keeping perfect time with a quartz comparison watch. For a clock that is over
110 years old, this is a remarkable achievemnet. The porcelain face is immaculate.The One Day No. 5006 movement runs
for three days. A special key is included.
DIMENSIONS:Diameter of Dial 5″ Viewing
area 4 1/2″
Diameter Bezel
6 3/4″ Depth
6 3/4″
Full Diameter 8 1/2″ Weight
This Seth Thomas ships clock is a
perfect addition for your desk, mantle, a prestige collection or as an important gift. 
