Let’s face it: We all think about picking up that one item at a garage sale or flea market for just a few dollars, only to discover that it’s worth much, much more. See what this Minneapolis bargain shopper happily discovered when he shared his Chelsea Clock find with Sean Delaney on an episode of PBS’ “Antiques Roadshow.”

Watch Appraisal: Chelsea Clock Company Tambour No. 3 Clock, ca. 1915 on PBS. See more from Antiques Roadshow.

Chelsea Clock’s Tony LaChapelle (L) and Terry Kubarsky-Engel (R) congratulate Senator Scott Brown on his special award.

We’re pleased to note that, while our Boardroom Clock was introduced just this past month, it has already achieved celebrity status! At a recent Congressional roundtable luncheon hosted by The New England Council in Boston, Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown accepted an engraved Boardroom Clock, presented by James Brett, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Council.

Senator Brown addressed nearly 200 New England Council members, touching on current issues relating to economic growth and business development in the New England region.

Our Chief Operating Officer, Tony LaChapelle and Director of Corporate Sales, Terry Kubarsky-Engel, were on hand, as well, as Chelsea Clock is a long-standing and active member of the Council.

The New England Council was established in 1925 and is a non-partisan alliance of businesses, academic and health institutions, and public and private organizations. The Council’s mission is to identify and support federal public policies and to help support the collective interests of its members on important issues facing New England.

A symbol of solidarity and strength, the Chelsea Clock Presidential Clock is a magnificent timepiece that celebrates the enduring spirit of both visionaries and everyday people who dare to dream of making a difference. . .and do.

Throughout history Chelsea Clock timepieces have graced the homes of dignitaries, and stood in faithful observance during encounters among world officials. Our clocks’ visual appeal, combined with their rich history are just some of the reasons Chelsea clocks are often chosen as cultural ambassadors for the United States. In fact, Chelsea timepieces have been offered as official gifts by many of our country’s presidents.

In both name and design, the Presidential Clock reflects significant achievement in the art of superb clock making for which Chelsea Clock is world renowned. This exquisite piece brings stately elegance to any room, with its hand-finished solid forged brass case and rich, solid mahogany base. Boasting a 4.5” dial with traditional black Roman numerals, this classically-styled piece features a quality German-engineered quartz movement.

Strength. Precision. Endurance. These are but some of the many qualities that define a great leader. They are also some of  the same characteristics that shape the Chelsea Clock Presidential Clock and help make it a lasting symbol of accomplishment for those fortunate enough to receive it.

Chelsea Clock proudly introduces the American Eagle Series, featuring our signature 4.5” dial mechanical Ship’s Bell Clock.

This special, limited edition collection – which proudly celebrates the enduring American spirit – is masterfully hand carved by West Newbury, Massachusetts, sculptor Vincent Harrild in the style of famed nautical wood carver John Haley Bellamy. Harrild pays homage to Bellamy by creating original works of art that echo the highly stylized, precisely carved eagles for which the former Maine native is world renowned.

Each carving in the American Eagle Series is painstakingly crafted by Harrild from eastern white pine, a large soft-wood pine native to the New England region. The artist employs many of the same master carving techniques as Bellamy to carefully reveal the rich character and subtle narrative of each design. Harrild also uses time-honored methods of hand-applied pigment patination and meticulous 23-karat-gold leafing to colorize each eagle carving, ensuring his creations remain true to Bellamy’s trademark palettes.

Each piece in the American Eagle Series is a limited edition and is sequentially hand-numbered and signed by the artist. A Chelsea Clock certificate of authenticity accompanies each magnificent carving.  Chelsea Clock’s Limited Edition American Eagle Series is currently available through Shreve Crump Low in Boston, MA, Betteridge Jewelers in Greenwich, CT and Chelsea Clock directly.

For more information on the American Eagle Series please contact us at 866-899-2805.

As the official prize sponsor of the 2011 Charleston Bermuda Race, Chelsea Clock is pleased to congratulate the finishers of this historic ocean challenge. Crews of the Tucana – winning first place in the PHRF Racing Class and IRC Racing Class – J/130 – taking first place in the PHRF Doublehanded Division – and the Spirit of Juno –  capturing second place in the PHRF Racing Class – were among those presented with Chelsea Clock trophies during a formal awards ceremony held at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club.

Among the crew of the yacht Spirit of Juno was comedian Stephen Colbert who, upon receiving the award, said “For those of you who’ve not done this race, it’s not always easy, but it’s always beautiful.” He expressed his gratitude to his fellow crewmembers, adding “their English accents made us calm with their quiet sense of authority.”

Colbert and other Race participants were joined at the awards gala by a number of Bermudian dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor, the Premier, the Minister of Development and Tourism, and the Mayor of Hamilton.

All of us at Chelsea Clock are delighted to have been a part of this exciting sailing event and applaud the tremendous spirit and perseverance of all who participated.  A special thanks to Ondeck for organizing a great event. We look forward to the next Charleston Bermuda Race in 2013!  For more information about the race and results, visit www.charlestonbermuda.com.

Click here to see a humorous video of Stephen Colbert displaying his trophy and recounting his race experience.

What do Dwight Eisenhower, Elvis Presley, Bob Hope, Aristotle Onasis, James Taylor, John Wayne and Deval Patrick have in common? They all received Chelsea Clocks as gifts, and some then gave Chelsea Clocks as gifts in turn. Elvis loved our clocks so much, he purchased 100 as ideal Christmas presents.

Our most recent clock gift recipients were President George Bush and Elton John.

George H.W. Bush with his Dartmouth Chelsea Clock

President Barack Obama has purchased our fine clocks as gifts for foreign dignitaries in his travels for international relations.

Here are some of the models of clocks notable owners have received over the years…

Governor of Massachusetts, Duval Patrick at the State House with Mitt Romney and his Chelsea Ship's Bell Clock and Barometers on the mantel

Claremont: John F Kennedy, Dwight Eisenhower
Mariner: Leonid Breshnev
US Navy Pilot House Clock: Richard Nixon
Tambour: Harry Truman, Winston Churchill
Vanderbilt: Margaret Truman
Admiral: Douglas MacArthur
Dartmouth: George H W Bush
Clock & Barometer: Bob Hope, Gerald Ford, Aristotle Onasis, Ronald Reagan
Ship’s Bell: Elvis Presley, Mitt Romney, Deval Patrick

Some other notable owners of Chelsea Clocks…
Senators John Kerry and Scott Brown, David Letterman, Condoleezza Rice, Senator Ted Kennedy, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, Woodrow Wilson, Bing Crosby, The Grateful Dead, Billy Joel, Rocky Marciano, James Taylor, John Wayne, Janet Reno, Warren Harding, Calvin Coolidge, Herbert Hoover

Chelsea Clock owners have always been leaders and visionaries – some in world politics, and some in their own backyard communities.

Do you know someone deserving of a Chelsea Clock? If so, send us their story! blog@chelseaclock.com

Here at Chelsea Clock Company in Chelsea Massachusetts, we have been designing, manufacturing and procuring solid brass, handmade, top quality clocks since 1897.  We take a lot of pride in our work and we know our clock owners take a lot of pride in their clocks.

Around here, we have a lot of stories.  Clocks and the people who make clocks, repair and restore clocks, and own clocks.  Every day we hear another story from a customer about what their clock means to them.  And some days the clocks themselves, that come into our factory for repair, tell us stories about where they’ve been – just based on the condition they are in and the restoration touches they require.

We are starting this blog to tell you some of these stories.  So you can get a feel for the place these clocks come from and the people here who make them by hand in a long tradition of nautical clock makers.  Over the years we have developed new technology, designs, and processes, but the quality remains.  And the fact that our clocks continue to work for hundreds of years doesn’t change either.

We are also starting this blog to give you pointers – on how to care for your clock, how to consider clock purchases, what to look for and expect of a quality clock.

We hope you’ll find the blog useful and informative.  And we hope you will let us know what you think!  Anytime you have a question or comment, you can write to us stories@chelseaclock.com or Chelsea Clock Blog, 284 Everett Avenue, Chelsea, MA 02150-1598.

Shown Left: Boston Clock, Circa late 1800′s made by Chelsea Clock Company’s predecessor, Boston Clock Company which operated from 1884-1894..

This rare clock (1 of only 3 known to currently exist in this size) was originally named the “Locomotive” for its use in trains in the late 1800’s.