Spandrel from The H1 Marine Timekeeper

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John Harrison, a self-taught clockmaker, developed a marine chronometer known as H1, a highly sought-after innovation that solved the challenge of calculating longitude while at sea. His solution revolutionized navigation and significantly increased the safety of long-distance ocean travel. The timekeeper, now referred to as 'H1', remains unaffected by ship motion due to its two interconnected oscillating balances. It compensates for temperature changes and operates smoothly thanks to advanced anti-friction devices that eliminate the need for lubrication. Harrison's H1 was the first relatively successful marine timekeeper of any kind and was celebrated in London when he unveiled it in 1735, marking a significant milestone in clock-making history.