Description |
Daini-Seiko-sha, Japan, WWII era marine chronometer, fusee-drive with spring detent escapement, 56-hour winding indicator, and break circuit attachment, within brass tub and gimbals set within a three-tier wooden box with serial number plaque to its front, also with outer transportation box, both boxes have been marked to their exterior lids with "From Chief: Occultation Survey Branch USAMSFE APO 67 CP OJ., Japan.," silvered dial of approximately 4 inch diameter, KWKS (a key is included within box as pictured), spring detent escapement with capped escape wheel, bi-metallic free-sprung balance with helical white metal hairspring, gilt damascene, s#V366 with matching serial number to dial, to box signature plaque, and with matching serial number scribed within tub.
In need of overhaul due to a broken detent, but a historically significant and rarely seen piece that is very much deserving of a restoration. Total production of this Daini-Seiko-sha is believed to be in the range of 500 to 600 examples made, but survival rate is relatively low and examples rarely come to market. The markings added to the boxes of this example indicate that it was re-purposed in post-war years by the US Army Map Service - Far East for occultation surveying purposes.
CONDITION: Mvt: NR, balance swings freely but with no escapement action as detent is broken, good winding indicator function aside from hand being out of index, two break circuit wires currently not attached, overhaul needed, excellent cosmetic mvt condition overall, some circular rub from motion of click for set-up ratchet, plates with some ultra-fine scratch striations from past wiping(s); dial with some mild surface spots, some mild darkening of perimeter areas; excellent hands, paint loss to minute tip; tub and gimbals show medium wear, good function, ample areas of darkening and finish loss, glass crystal with scratch of approximately 1 inch length at perimeter; inner box shows light wear, some typical scratches, dings, and abrasions to exterior, upper button latch good, good display glass, a locking key is present as pictured but lock is not reliably functional and if attempted will frequently latch locked on the first try and then require many attempts to re-open (along with great frustration and heartache!) so we very much advise that the box not be locked until its locking function is properly overhauled; outer transport box shows ample wear, significant wear and tear to exterior with many scratches, scrapes, dings, marks, paint loss, and paint transfer, horizontal fracture to left surface of top lid, prominent horizontal fracture to underside of bottom, leather strap has torn at one side and had an improvised repair with string and rope, remaining portions of leather with ample wear and fatigue.
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