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

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

From The Battleship Boys at Sea Two Apprentices in Uncle Sam's Navy by Patchin, Frank Gee

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

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)

If there was one thing on which the lieutenant prided himself, it was upon the strictness of his deck watch.

From The Submarine Boys on Duty Life of a Diving Torpedo Boat by Durham, Victor G.