Ptolemy claims his solar observations were on a transit instrument set in the meridian.
From the en.wikipedia.org
The only telescope in the establishment when he took charge was the transit instrument, and to this he vigorously devoted himself.
From the en.wikipedia.org
In 1860-61 he mounted a transit instrument, constructed a chronograph, and made the first accurate determination of the latitude of the college observatory.
From the en.wikipedia.org
The transit circle was capable of determining both right ascension and declination of a star, unlike the more simple and common transit instrument that can only determine the right ascension.
From the en.wikipedia.org
Such a small deviation will seldom be of interest and if desired instrument grade time receivers can be corrected for transit delay.