deck watch

American  

noun

1. (on a ship) a precision watch used on deck for navigational purposes to avoid disturbing the chronometer.

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Etymology

Origin of deck watch

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

Formerly, before an officer was allowed to stand a deck watch under way, he had to have two years at sea in addition to his four years' training at the Naval Academy.

From Time Magazine Archive

Eph and Williamson had slept through the evening, after supper, and were now to take the night watch tricks, the machinist's deck watch beginning at once and lasting until four in the morning.

From The Submarine Boys for the Flag Deeding Their Lives to Uncle Sam by Durham, Victor G.

If this proved correct then, in all probability, the deck watch would largely be gathered on that side, even the attention of the officer more or less drawn in that direction.

From Wolves of the Sea Being a Tale of the Colonies from the Manuscript of One Geoffry Carlyle, Seaman, Narrating Certain Strange Adventures Which Befell Him Aboard the Pirate Craft "Namur" by Parrish, Randall

Only one officer at a time kept deck watch, and only one engineer officer down below.

From Dave Darrin After The Mine Layers by Hancock, H. Irving (Harrie Irving)

The navigating officer has to stand regular deck watch with the others while at anchor, and the executive is expected to be on board during the day and have charge of everything in general.

From The Story of a Strange Career Being the Autobiography of a Convict; an Authentic Document by Anonymous