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!

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.

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.

Dating back to the early 1900s, when Chelsea first began making the Ship’s Bell, detailed records have been kept of each Ship’s Bell Clock ever produced by the company. Each Ship’s Bell Clock is individually numbered and then registered prior to leaving the factory. The model numbers are stored within a library of log books, which include not only when the Ship’s Bell Clock was made and who it was sold to, but also holds records of any service work we may have performed on the timepiece. This unchanged, century old process, is an example of how Chelsea Clock has been able to guarantee consistent quality and service for over 100 years.

Often a Chelsea Clock is handed down through generations and the inheritor is curious about the clock’s history, or a collector of antiques comes across a Chelsea Clock at an auction and is anxious to determine its age to estimate its value*. Chelsea Clock offers a Certificate of Origin for any Ship’s Bell Clock ever produced by the company.   Each certificate is embossed with a Chelsea Clock stamp of approval and is hand signed by JK Nicholas, President and CEO.

Are you curious to know when your clock shipped from our factory?  If you post a picture of your clock with your serial number on the Chelsea Clock Facebook page we will send you a free Certificate of Origin, a $35 value.  This offer is valid through October 31, 2011 and the oldest clock posted will receive a $250 repair gift certificate to be used on your next repair order at Chelsea Clock.  Post a photo of your favorite clock today.

* Note: Chelsea Clock does not provide clock appraisal services

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.