Chelsea Clock recently made a trip to “Yachting Capital of the World” Fort Lauderdale, Florida for the 51st Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show on October 28-November 1, 2010. With more than 3 million square feet of space over five locations, there was plenty to see. Boat aficionados were eager to take in everything the boat show had to offer – including our fine mechanical clocks.

According to Chelsea Clock CEO JK Nicholas…”We enjoyed re-introducing the Chelsea Clock brand and products to the marine industry at this important boat show where the industries leading products and services congregate. The reception to our presence at the show was very enthusiastic, especially to our array of new products.”

Show exhibits ranged from yacht builders and designers to exotic cars and brokerage yachts. A wide variety of boats and sea vessels were on display including runabouts, sport fishers, high performance boats, center consoles, cabin cruisers, flats boats, skiffs, express cruisers, sailing yachts, motor yachts, bow riders, catamarans, ski boats, jet boats, trawlers, inflatables, canoes, and extraordinary super yachts.

We had a booth where we showcased some of our quality nautical clocks, and had conversations with show attendees. Here are a few snapshots of our booth…

We met many Chelsea Clock customers, and got to hear all about the clocks that keep time on their boats and yachts. One lucky show attendee – Marilyn Crawford of West Olive, Michigan, won a Nickel Constitution Desk Clock in our grand prize drawing. Congratulations, Marilyn!

We look forward to attending more boat shows and clock events, and will keep you posted when we do so you can come say hello…

We specialize in restoring Chelsea Clocks as well as many other antique clock brands to their original appearance. Common antique clock restoration needs include refinish work on clock cases, dials, and hands. Here’s a story of a clock and how we restored it for its owner…

CASES: Over the years we have serviced thousands of old cases by removing tarnish and restoring them to their original brilliance. We have seen many of the original plated finishes polished off, but once we disassemble the case we can sometimes find clues that show its original color. We offer an array of finishes such as red brass, copper bronze or chrome to name a few.

During the refinishing process, our metal refinishing specialists first chemically strip off all the old lacquer and any oxidation that has built up over the years. At this time any surface dents/scratches will be addressed. Then the case is hand polished and buffed as we do for our new clocks and finally a new clear lacquer seal is applied. We also offer wood refinishing and restoration services.

In the case of the 8 1/2″ Desk Clock and Barometer Set shown below, our technicians performed a complete overhaul on the clock and barometer movements and also refinished the cases, dials, hands and reflectors.

Desk Clock and Barometer Set- Before Picture

Desk Clock and Barometer Set - After Picture

DIALS: There are various things that happen to a clock’s dial as it ages, including marks from winding and setting or attempts to clean the dial with a polish. Once the lacquer seal has been compromised, which will happen over time due to climate or just the natural aging process, the underlying finish is exposed to the elements which will cause it to deteriorate. Because of Chelsea’s unique dial finishing process, we are able to restore most Chelsea Clock dials to their original state. For these dials, we are able to re-silver the clock face and reflector to give it a brand new look. During this restoration process the raised numerals are removed, and the dial is re-silvered using our proprietary silvering process. Then dial is re-lacquered to protect the delicate silver plating.

HANDS: Sometimes hands can’t just be refinished, they need to be replaced. We reuse all the original parts of the instrument but if a hand is damaged beyond repair we will attempt to either locate the correct hand part or at least a hand from the clocks era if we don’t have originals in stock.

For a free estimate of your antique clock complete a clock repair and restoration service form and ship your clock to our facility. Charges for case, dial, hand, and base refinishing will be quoted separately. All movement service work is warranted for two years.

Some things are best left up to professionals, but there are a few things you can do at home to maintain your mechanical clock and minimize the need for premature or unnecessary repairs.

1.  Wind Regularly.  

While our clocks will run for more than one week (7 days), we do suggest that you wind the clock the same day each week for consistent time keeping and prevent the strike train from jamming.

2.  Wipe the case often with a soft cloth to keep dust and fingerprints from harming the finish.  

Do not use any polishes or cleaners on the case or dial as this will compromise the protective coatings.  Most paste polishes tend to leave a residue that will have a corrosive effect on the metal of the case, dial and can occasionally get into the movement and harm it.  If a polish is needed for the outside casing we would recommend using a small amount of pledge sprayed on a cloth first – not directly onto the case. 

3.  Monitor the clock’s time keeping.  

While there is a regulator to help with fine tuning your mechanical clock’s time keeping, once adjusted the clock should run well for many years.  If you find the clock needs frequent regulation this may be a sign that the clock needs service.

4.  Never attempt to oil the clock yourself

...Or spray the movement with any type of lubrication as this will cause more harm than good to your clocks movement.

If you encounter any issues, from time keeping to strike problems with your Chelsea Clock , don’t try to fix it yourself.  Call us!  We are here to help and serviceour customer’s needs.  Click here to submit an inquiry or call 800-284-1778.

Our Clock technicians service both new and antique clocks right here at our factory in Chelsea, Massachusetts. Each clock we service is first completely disassembled and thoroughly cleaned using an ultrasonic cleaning process, which removes any old oils and debris from your clock’s working movement. Next, our technicians carefully inspect each component for damage, wear or breakage.  We burnish and polish pivots, replace or restore worn bushing holes and service or  replace mainsprings.  The escapement, which is the heart beat of the clock, is also disassembled and cleaned for service by our senior watch technician who looks for any damaged components that need repair/replacing.  Once all has been fully serviced, we will reassemble the escapement to the movement, regulate, and accuracy-test your instrument for a minimum of two weeks. All repair work is guaranteed for two years. Whether your clock is 5 or 100 years old, our clock technicians will have your clock performing as if it were new.

Every day we receive clocks that require our care.  A well adjusted clock will run tip top for many years, but like all things requires service from time to time.  We suggest having your mechanical clock serviced every 7-10 years.  Our expert clock technicians provide clock repair and restoration services for both Chelsea and hundreds of other clock brands.  Some of the most common service requests by our customers include…

• Clock starts running fast or slow
• Chimes stop or are out of sequence
• Case or dial needs refinishing
• Glass is cracked and needs to be replaced  

There are four important things to consider before deciding where to have your antique clock serviced…

1.  EXPERIENCE & REPUTATION:  How long has a clock maker been in business, what is their background, and do they specialize in certain types of clocks?  

At Chelsea Clock, we have been manufacturing and repairing clocks right here in Chelsea Massachusetts since 1897.  There is no one who knows our clocks better than us!  We are one of the few remaining original clock companies in America, and the only to offer a branded clock repair service.  Our clock repair and restoration technicians are among the finest clock technicians in the country.  They have studied at and apprenticed with the best schools and clock makers all over the world, and maintain nationally recognized certifications to keep their skills current with changes in the industry.  In addition to servicing clocks made by Chelsea, they have a wide range of clock making and repair skills for instruments manufactured by hundreds of other makers.

2. KNOWLEDGE:  Does the clock maker know your particular clock, how it works, and how to fix it?  

At Chelsea Clock, we can fix almost any mechanical clock you send our way.  The unique skill set required to repair a Chelsea is passed down through generations, from one technician to the next.  Many of the clocks we fix are our own Chelsea Clocks.  We’ve had clocks come back for repair 50 years after we made them and had people in the factory here recognize them.  That’s how well we know our clocks.  But our experience does not stop with Chelsea – we also service many other timepieces from different manufacturers such as Seth Thomas, Waterbury, Ansonia, Sessions and Ingraham to name a few. Click here to see a complete list of clock brands we are skilled in servicing.  If you have another brand clock, give us a call.  We can walk through your needs, source or make parts if need be.  We know our clocks.

3.  PARTS:  Sometimes antique clocks require specific parts that clock makers don’t keep in stock all the time, so it can take months to get your clock back.  

Since we make many of our parts here on premises, we can assure you we will be able to fix your Chelsea clock in a timely fashion.   We also have a team of specialists to help us with cosmetic work such as hand painted dials, reverse glass painting, refurbishing of wood clock bases and brass clock cases, custom glass and specialty metal finishes such as copper and chrome.

4.  PRICE & TIME:  Time and money are always a factor when deciding who to go to for clock repair.  

Each clock we receive is assessed for work and parts needed to restore back to original function and condition.  Most start with a basic overhaul price (similar to a tune up for your car) which is dependent on the model and vintage of movement.  We do know how much our customers treasure their clocks and while there is no such thing as a clock emergency, we will do our best to have your clock repaired and returned within 6-10 weeks.  Who better to repair your Chelsea clock than the people who originally built it?  Our technicians take great pride in the work they do.  And since we make many of our parts here on premises, there is no “middle man” adding unnecessary costs to the parts we use to repair your clock.

We welcome you to send your clock to us for repair.  Just click here to fill out the repair request form.  A free estimate will be sent to you 7-10 days from the date in which your item is received. Questions? Click here to submit an inquiry or call 800-284-1778.

We also welcome your repair stories for our blog!  Write to us at stories@chelseaclock.com or Chelsea Clock Blog, 284 Everett Avenue, Chelsea, MA 02150-1598.