Harrison's clocks

Harrison's clocks refer to highly precise timepieces developed by John Harrison in the 18th century to solve the "longitude problem" at sea. Accurate navigation required knowing both latitude and longitude; Harrison's clocks kept consistent time aboard ships despite constant movement and changing conditions. By comparing the time on the clock (set to a known reference location) with local lunar or solar observations, sailors could determine their exact east-west position. His innovations dramatically improved navigation safety and accuracy, laying foundational principles for modern chronometry and global positioning.