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

See Examples For:

deck watch

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

There did not appear to be overmuch sense in keeping this deck watch.

From The Submarine Boys and the Spies Dodging the Sharks of the Deep by Durham, Victor G.

Whew! what a stream of cold air comes rushing down the hatchway, as it opens to let in the deck watch, glad enough to get below again out of the cold and wet!

From Harper's Young People, March 16, 1880 An Illustrated Weekly by Various

The deck watch saw ghosts walking apparently in mid-air over the moonlit bay, and claimed that he saw the white figure of a man pass through the solid hull-plates of the ship.

From The White Invaders by Cummings, Ray

Unquestionably the entire attention of the deck watch at this hour would be concentrated on the expected return of their expedition around the distant point—seeking the glimpse of a white sail above the black water.

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