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.

Since the first patented Ship’s Bell Clock left the Chelsea Clock factory in 1900, it has stood as the standard by which all other key-wind mechanical nautical clocks are measured. Still hand assembled by master clock makers in Chelsea, Massachusetts, our signature Ship’s Bell Clock boasts a number of trademark features that include:

• Heavy, solid forged brass case, hand lacquered and polished to resist tarnish
• Hinged bezel for easy opening
• Hand-crafted timekeeping mechanism
• Patented chiming mechanism, featuring a small leather-covered hammer that produces a rich-sounding bell tone (chimes traditional Ship’s Bellcode)
• 364 brass parts, many plated with gold to resist corrosion
• An 11-jewel movement, incorporating tiny gem crystals to reduce friction and wear
• Deeply-etched, solid brass dial with hand-applied silver finish
• Five year warranty against defects in material and workmanship

For over 115 years, the Chelsea Clock name has represented perfection in American timekeeping. We offer a full line of Ship’s Bell Clocks in various sizes and metal finishes, including a full complement of hand-finished hardwood bases for desk or mantle display.

Learn about our Ship’s Bell Clocks >

 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!

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.

“Voyage: (n) 1. a journey, travel, or passage, esp one to a distant land or by sea or air.”

There are times when limitations overpower or inhibit change. Then there are those wondrous instances where certain restrictions only serve to motivate us more to push beyond what’s easy or expected, often leading to exciting new solutions. Such is the case with our Voyager Collection of clocks and barometers. Through the years, many of our customers have expressed their frustrations with outfitting their boats when cabin or dash space is limited. We, in turn, accepted this challenge and set to work on adapting our products to best meet their needs. The result: a new collection that offers the same exceptional quality and performance for which Chelsea Clock is world renowned, but in a more compact size and format.

The intensity, commitment and challenge of voyaging naturally leans toward no-frills, no distractions and no fuss — just man conquering wind and sea. Those same requirements are what lead us to create a nautical line, with a total focus on a mariner’s duties, attainable for any Chelsea Clock admirer. The Voyager Brass Nautical Clocks and Barometers place practice over theory, function over form, voyaging over cruising. Performance is paramount.  Made for use in the tight space of a captain’s quarters, we crafted the nautical clocks for easy accessibility, agility to fit in various spaces, and with minimal upkeep.

With pronounced clarity and simplistic contemporary style, the austerity of the design is in it’s adherence to necessity. Compact, clean yet still a figure of Chelsea Clock’s tradition of excellence.    Matte-finished forged brass, beveled glass, and a clear noble face prove the pieces to be reliable instruments for any travel on the sea.

 The Voyager Clock and Barometer Set on a Mahogany Plaque blends in with the wooden panels that line a vessels quarters, and it’s solid properties attribute to its high-resistance to deterioration which is why it has been a cornerstone in boat construction.  Those details that represent the seafarers environment make these ideal nautical gifts to grace staterooms, cabins, quarters and the rooms of your life.

There’s nothing like a boat trip to help you escape from the craziness of life. You leave land far behind you, and your troubles seem to stay right there with them. So whether you’re a boat enthusiast or just dreaming about a nautical get-away, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is where you want to be October 27 – 31, 2011.

If you’ve never been to the show, let’s put it this way – there are boat shows and then there’s THE boat show.  This is THE boat show – the world’s largest and most exclusive in-water nautical get-together. Hundreds of the marine industry’s leading companies will be waiting to welcome you. In fact, this year’s show spans six sites and will feature more than $3 billion worth of boats, yachts, super yachts, electronics engines and thousands of boating accessories from every major marine manufacturer and boat builder around the globe.

Naturally, Chelsea Clock is going to be there, showcasing our newest collection of nautical timepieces, barometers and tide instruments, plus a number of our classic pieces, of course. All in a new booth that’s worth putting on your “must see” list.

We’re particularly excited about unveiling our new Voyager Collection clock and barometer set. This handsome collection is specially designed to fit more compact spaces, and is available at a very attractive price, as well.

If you can’t make it to the show, you can see the Voyager Collection and other authentic Chelsea Clock pieces in our new nautical catalog. Request your free copy via email to sales@chelseaclock.com.  And, for more information about the show, visit the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show website. We hope to see you there!

Interested in helping to protect and restore our world’s oceans? It’s safe to say, we probably all are. One organization that’s fully dedicated to this worthy cause is The International SeaKeepers Society. This committed group of seafarers and their friends provides governments, scientists and educational institutions with critical research about the health of the world’s oceans and climate.

To keep their work going, SeaKeepers is sponsoring an online auction that invites boaters, yachters, and sea lovers everywhere to show their support. It’s called the “SeaKeepers’ Bid to Protect Our Seas.” And here at Chelsea Clock, we’re honored to be contributing our nautically-inspired Andover Classic Ship’s Bell mantel clock to the lineup of exciting auction items.

See for yourself. Log on to www.seakeepers.org to preview the extraordinary and exclusive offerings. If you like what you see (and you will), you can submit your bid online. The online program runs until October 20, 2011, and culminates in a live auction scheduled to take place at the annual SeaKeepers’ Founders’ Dinner in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on October 26. That’s the night before the opening of the incredible Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, which runs from October 27 – 31. If you go, stop by and say hello because Chelsea Clock will be there, as well!

And if you like what you see in the online auction, tell your friends, family and community about it. Or share this blog with a note.  The SeaKeepers’ Bid To Protect Our Seas event a wonderful opportunity to claim some truly unique treasures while helping to support and protect the health and future of our world’s oceans.

Considered by many to be the “boating capital of New England,” the picturesque town of Boothbay Harbor, Maine, is abuzz with excitement as participants and spectators for this weekend’s Shipyard Cup begin to pour into town. The Shipyard Cup – racing Saturday and Sunday, August 13 and 14 – is the eminent big boat sailing regatta held annually in the Boothbay Region. And specially created Chelsea Clock trophies will be at the finish to honor first-, second- and third-place winners in each of the two races that comprise this annual superyacht competition.

“The Shipyard Cup is a wonderful New England tradition that attracts some of the world’s most spectacular sailing yachts,” says JK Nicholas, CEO of Chelsea Clock. “We are thrilled to be a part of this prestigious event and honored to be the creators of the exclusive Shipyard Cup trophies.”

The Shipyard Cup is a grand sailboat regatta held for nine of the past 10 years in Boothbay Harbor, and is one of a handful of big boat regattas held in other great yachting capitals around the world such as St. Barth’s, Palma de Mallorca, Porto Cervo and Newport.

The “Corinthian Spirit” style competition of the Shipyard Cup is run under Bucket Protocol rating rules. The event kicks off at midday on Friday with registration, cocktails and, in keeping with the true Maine spirit, a lobster bake held at Hodgdon Yachts, main sponsor of the race. Participating yachts will set off from Wotton’s Wharf on Saturday for the first race at noon and again on Sunday for the second race, followed by a host of other scheduled festivities. The event rounds off with the official award ceremony on Sunday, August 14, when one of the yachts will take top honors and carry off the overall winning trophy – an engraved Chelsea Clock  4.5” Ship’s Bell Clock.

With a passion for the true amateur sport, a respect for the grandeur of big boat competition and the unmatched beauty and grace of the coast of Maine, the Shipyard Cup is a participant and spectator’s dream come true. Few events celebrate the authentic majesty of yachting’s heritage and future like the Shipyard Cup. This year, the Shipyard Cup will again be open to sailing vessels 21 metres/70 feet and above from around the globe, with typical entrants averaging 100 feet and over.

The Shipyard Cup began in 2002 with support from founding sponsors Hodgdon Yachts of East Boothbay, Maine and Boothbay Region Boatyard of Boothbay Harbor, Maine. This spectacular, weekend-long event continues to celebrate the true spirit of yachting, attracting boating enthusiasts from near and far to compete for top honors. 

For more information on the 2011 Shipyard Cup and sponsorship by Chelsea Clock, visit www.shipyardcup.com.  Follow Chelsea Clock on Facebook and Twitter, too, for race updates and results.