Maritime chronometers are rare and precious items, crafted with care and precision, to provide an accurate means of measuring time and determining longitude at sea. Developed in the eighteenth century, these beautiful instruments were produced for the next two hundred years to the same design, and played a significant role in the growth of maritime trade, ultimately helping to shape the world as we know it today. In Marine Chronometers, the author explains the workings of the chronometer and highlights some of the most significant makers and provides hints for maintenance. Topics covered include: The problem of longitude The early sea clocks Developments in France and England The mechanism of the chronometer Caring for chronometers.