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.

Extraordinary Performance, Exceptional Value

Chelsea Clock has built a 115-year reputation as the American leader in precision mechanical timekeeping. We are proud to offer an array of key-wind mechanical clocks to satisfy a number of tastes and budgets. Our famous Shipstrike Mechanical Clock boasts many of the same hallmark qualities as our signature Ship’s Bell Clock, but at an exceptional value. Here are some of the features of this Chelsea timepiece:

• Heavy, solid forged brass case, hand lacquered and polished to resist tarnish
• Hand-crafted German-made timekeeping mechanism
• Hinged bezel for easy opening
• Chiming mechanism (chimes traditional Ship’s Bell code)
• Solid metal gears and parts
• A 5-jewel movement, incorporating tiny gem crystals to reduce friction and wear
• Aluminum dial with painted black numerals
• Full, two-year warranty against defects in material and workmanship

We are pleased to offer two different sizes of  Shipstrike Mechanical Clocks, as well as a full complement of hand-finished hardwood bases for desk or mantle display.

 Trying to decide between a Chelsea Clock mechanical clock and a quartz clock? The differences between the two mechanisms are vast, and offer distinctly different experiences, depending on your preferences. Yet no matter which mechanism you choose, you can be sure you’re bringing home an exceptional timepiece that will stand, well. . .the test of time.

 To help you decide, here’s a quick overview of the Chelsea Clock Ship’s Bell Mechanical Clock and our famous Shipstrike Quartz Clock.  While both are hand assembled right here in the original factory in Chelsea, Massachusetts, by our master clockmakers, there are subtle – and not-so-subtle – differences that make each of these timepieces truly unique.

On the outside, both the Chelsea Clock Ship’s Bell and Shipstrike clocks share many of the same qualities that have made the Chelsea name synonymous with exceptional beauty and quality. Both cases are made from heavy, solid forged brass (not cast or stamped from sheet brass), hand finished and lacquered to last a lifetime. And both are available mounted on one of our solid American hardwood bases, hand rubbed to a lustrous rich mahogany or cherry finish. And, of course, both strike the traditional Chelsea Clock Ship’s Bell chimes: eight bells at 4, 8, and 12 o’clock to mark the end of a mariner’s watch, with one bell for the first half hour after, plus one additional bell with each subsequent half hour.

But the main difference between these two timepieces is the internal mechanism, which is most clearly reflected in the price of each piece. The Chelsea Ship’s Bell Clock features a key-wound 8-day movement, while the Shipstrike Clock is powered by a battery-operated quartz movement. The Ship’s Bell Clock features our patented, hand-assembled mechanism, comprised of some 364 precision brass parts – many plated with gold to resist corrosion – as well as an 11-jewel escapement.   There is no sound quite like a Chelsea Clock Ship’s Bell chime; the solid forged brass case resonates a rich, mellow tone when the clock’s leather-covered hammer strikes our patented Chelsea bell.

On the other hand, the Chelsea Clock Shipstrike Quartz Clock features a battery-operated precision German quartz movement, offering owners the convenience of an automatic, non-winding timepiece. While Shipstrike Quartz version also strikes the famous Ship’s Bell chimes, the striking mechanism is powered by an electronic current rather than by a mechanical escapement and mainspring.

Another difference between these two Chelsea clocks is in their dials: the Ship’s Bell Clock boasts a solid brass plate, hand silvered with acid-etched, enameled numerals, while the Shipstrike Quartz Clock features a machined dial with imprinted numerals. And finally, the Ship’s Bell Clock comes with a Chelsea Clock five-year warranty, while the Shipstrike Quartz Clock carries a two-year warranty.

But whether you choose a Chelsea Ship’s Bell or Shipstrike Quartz clock, there’s absolutely no difference between these two pieces when it comes to your satisfaction. You’ll be acquiring a quality timepiece made by one of America’s most renowned clockmakers, guaranteed to bring you many years of enjoyment!

Chelsea clocks use a hammer and gong to produce our trademark sound. The strike hammer rises and falls onto a circular gong in the back of the case. If the sound is not a clean stroke, with a clear ringing tone, it can be adjusted as follows.

On the back of the case you will see a circular plate, held in place by three screws. Removing this plate allows a clear view of the hammer and the gong. At rest, the hammer head should be poised about 1/8″ above the circular gong. This allows the hammer to fall onto the gong and bounce clear, allowing the bell to ring after being struck. A slight adjustment of the wire that the hammer head is mounted on is all that is necessary to improve the sound quality. With a little patience and care, you should be able to restore our trademark Chelsea Clock sound to your clock’s strike. Move the hands ahead and allow the clock to strike several times while the plate is off, observing the action of the strike hammer. On the half hour strike, you should note that the strike hammer remains up in the air at the completion of the cycle. Move the minute hand ahead to the hour position. After the clock strikes the hour, the hammer will be at rest above the circular gong.  Make a slight bend on the brass wire that the hammer head is mounted on to affect the change in the sound quality. When you are satisfied with the sound, replace the inspection plate with the three screws. Check the strike sound one or two more times, making sure that the hammer doesn’t rub on the inside of the inspection plate.

Enjoy the sound of your Chelsea clock.

The history of timekeeping, called the science of horology, is a lens through which we can view the advance of scientific inquiry and some of the influential people and ideas associated with these developments. In future postings I would like to continue to explore the historical advances of timekeeping technology.

The story of timekeeping reflects the efforts of humankind to understand the natural world. Early humans were aware of the cycles of light and darkness, day and night, and the changing seasons. They observed the stars and planets as they moved through the night sky; they mapped the heavens, and learned to anticipate the nightly and seasonal changes in position of the constellations. In more recent history there is evidence of efforts to measure the passage of time on a daily basis.

The first truly natural, standard and predictable timekeeper is the sun itself. At some point, some wise person drove a stick into the ground, and the sundial was born. This stick, which became known as the gnomon, was observed to cast a shadow of varying length as the sun moved across the sky. Daily marking of time was first seen in the earliest sundials in the form of ancient Egyptian obelisks dating back to 3500 BCE. An original Egyptian obelisk of this period can be seen in Central Park in New York City today.

There are many ways that people measured time. In 1200 BCE, 2300 years after the Egyptian obelisk sundials were in use, the Phoenicians burned knotted ropes to budget the time allotted to a given task. The rope was lit, smoldered, and as the rope was consumed between knots – the time was estimated. They also used oil burners with markings on the side to indicate the amount of time a given amount of oil would burn. The Greeks invented the Clepsydra – “the water thief”. Water dripped through an orifice collected in a cistern with a float that would rise up to scale marks on the side of the cistern.

We will explore more developments in horology as this series continues.

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.

Below are some of our most frequently asked questions about caring for your Chelsea Clock.  Do you have a question about your clock?  Visit our FAQ page or simply type your question in the comment section below and we will provide you an answer as quickly as possible. 

Is it possible to over-wind my clock?

No, it is not possible to over-wind a Ship’s Bell or Shipstrike Clock. An under-wound clock will sometimes have an inconsistent chime or may not keep accurate time. When it comes time to wind the clock, be sure to wind both keyholes (clock mainspring and strike mechanism) completely each time (turn the key until you can not turn it any further).

My clock chimes inconsistently. How can I fix this?

More than likely this is caused by not fully winding the clock. To resolve the issue, wind both the clock mainspring (right keyhole) and the strike mechanism (left keyhole) fully. Next, turn the minute hand clockwise to the correct time, stopping at each hour and half-hour point to allow the bells to strike their full count. The hour hand should never be moved manually; all adjustments should be made by moving the minute hand.

How should I care for my clock if I am going on vacation or unable to wind it for extended periods?

If you are not going to be with the clock for over one week, be sure to fully wind both keyholes on the clock. Then insert the black tube into the winding arbor in the front of the clock (provided with the clock’s original packaging). This will ensure that the clock does not wind down completely.  If you have misplaced your black tube you can contact us and we can mail you a replacement or you can cut a plastic straw to fit and insert into the winding arbor.

Guaranteed, Branded Repair for Every Brand of Clock
Save 15% on all Repair Services for a limited time.

Chelsea Clock, one of America’s oldest and most respected makers of fine clocks, barometers and tide instruments, provides high quality clock repair and restoration services at its headquarters in Chelsea, Massachusetts. All professional services are performed on-site by skilled, certified Chelsea Clock technicians. To ensure expert service, optimum performance and lasting quality, Chelsea Clock recommends that all Chelsea Clock products be returned to our facility for fully-warranted, expert repair and restoration.

As the largest clock repair facility in the United States, Chelsea Clock is proud to service a wide variety of well-known brands. Clocks are thoroughly examined by our onsite technicians before a free estimate is provided.

Unfortunately, we only repair electric clocks made by Chelsea Clock, and not those made by other manufacturers.  For the repair of electric clocks by brands other than Chelsea Clock, you may wish to visit www.awci.com or www.nawcc.com for a listing of repair personnel or shops.

To help avoid unnecessary returns of non-Chelsea mechanical and quartz clocks, we always ask our customers to first email photos of their timepieces to us at repairs@chelseaclock.com. Having images of the front, back and inner workings of the clock beforehand allows our technicians to see what type of movement the piece has and if it can be repaired here at Chelsea Clock.

Among the basic repair services Chelsea Clock provides include the:

• Disassembling and cleaning of the clock’s working movements/components
• Replacement and refurbishing of worn or broken components and jewels
• Fitting and installation of new mainsprings
• Oiling, regulating and accuracy testing of movements (testing period takes approximately 2 weeks)

Visit www.ChelseaClock.com/repair-and-restoration for more information about expert Chelsea Clock repair and restoration services and to download a repair quote request form.

Mention Code SUMMER-PROMO, and save 15% off any Repair and Restoration Service now through August 31, 2011.

Each Ship’s Bell Clock is made and assembled by hand at our factory in Chelsea, Massachusetts. It takes up to four weeks to make each timepiece, which is made with over seven pounds of solid brass and hundreds of precision, gold plated parts. The clock strikes the Ship’s Bell Code* with a rich, nautical tone reminiscent of life at sea.

*Mariners have used a unique bell code to tell time at sea for hundreds of years. The code is based on the crew’s typical workday routine while the vessel is under way. A ship at sea requires constant attention throughout the day’s twenty-four hours. The day is therefore divided into six four-hour periods, each called a “watch.” Similarly, the crew is segmented into three divisions. Division members then stand their individually assigned duties on two watches per day, with eight hours off duty between watches. To rotate each division’s watch times, the Evening Watch is periodically divided into two watches. These are called Dog Watches because they “dog” the watch schedule for all divisions ahead by one watch period.

First Watch 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Mid-Watch (also Black Watch) 12:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m.
Morning Watch 4:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.
Forenoon Watch 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Afternoon Watch 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Evening Watch 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The watch officer struck the ship’s bell every half hour to apprise the crew of the time. A single bell denoted the end of the first half hour and one bell was added each half-hour. Eight bells therefore signaled the end of each four-hour watch. Like centuries of seafarers, you’ll soon know the time when the clock chimes, even if you can’t see it.

8 bells 12:00 4:00 8:00
1 bell 12:30 4:30 8:30
2 bells 1:00 5:00 9:00
3 bells 1:30 5:30 9:30
4 bells 2:00 6:00 10:00
5 bells 2:30 6:30 10:30
6 bells 3:00 7:00 11:00
7 bells 3:30 7:30 11:30