deck watch

American  

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of deck watch

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

She started her career as a Deck Watch Officer on the Seattle-based Polar Star.

From Seattle Times

“From her career beginnings as a deck watch officer on the Seattle-based icebreaker Polar Star, Admiral Fagan has shown strong leadership and a strong commitment to service that make her an outstanding choice,” Cantwell said in a Tuesday statement.

From Seattle Times

“On the lovely Puget Sound is the walkable town of Edmonds, more affordable than its big-city neighbor of Seattle. Ferries glide back and forth over the sound, while riders on the deck watch as Edmonds’ picturesque waterfront downtown comes into view,” Fuller wrote.

From Seattle Times

“Small boat with two enlisted men approaching, sir,” called out the deck watch of the big battleship “Long Island.”

From Project Gutenberg

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