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Using a Marine Chronometer
A marine chronometer is a highly accurate clock that is kept aboard ships to aid in navigation. When the time of this clock is compared with the local time at sea, a ships navigator can determine the longitude at that position. It is important that these clocks keep accurate time amid variations in temperature, humidity and the movement of the sea.

The marine chronometer was the first precise instrument used to figure out distance between two locations. The difference between the time of day anywhere on land or on the ocean and the time of day at Greenwich, England, was used to measure distance between the two places. Because the size of the earth was already known at that time, the distances between two places could be measured.

The Mechanics of the Marine Chronometer
The marine chronometer was designed so that it could operate upside down or while it was moving around. All other clocks of that time had to operate on a flat, level surface. A coiled spring replaced the pendulum and it allowed this clock to function even in the worst storms at sea.

Built from brass parts, the marine chronometer required no oil and was resistant to temperature and humidity changes. This clock kept time so well, it only lost a few seconds in a month. The marine chronometer was one of the most brilliant inventions of its time!