Which consequence of thermal expansion posed a challenge to early ship chronometers during long voyages?

💡 Explanation

When temperatures fluctuate on a long sea voyage, thermal expansion causes subtle dimensional changes in the chronometer's components which alter moment of inertia for balance wheel, influencing the escapement mechanism timing because of dimensional changes against other components. Therefore, timing variations result, rather than fatigue, corrosion, or viscosity changes which have secondary contributions.

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