| Marine chronometer | |
|---|---|
 The nautical chronometer from HMS Beagle. | |
| Material | steel, mahogany, brass |
| Created | 1795–1805, London (119 High Holborn) |
| Present location | Room 39, British Museum, London |
| Identification | CAI.1957, L210 |
| Registration | 1958,1006.1957 |
A nautical chronometer made by Thomas Earnshaw (1749–1828), and once part of the equipment of HMS Beagle, the ship that carried Charles Darwin on his voyage around the world, is held in the British Museum. The chronometer was the subject of one episode of the BBC's series A History of the World in 100 Objects.
Meticulous naval inventories show that HMS Beagle carried a total of at least 34 recorded chronometers on its three main survey voyages from 1826 to 1843, and 22 on the second voyage with Darwin on board, when they had a dedicated cabin. Some were Navy property and others were on loan from the manufacturers, as well as six on the second voyage owned by the captain, Robert FitzRoy. Both the two known survivors from the second voyage are owned by the British Museum (the second is registration No. CAI.1743).