If you have ever visited Morven Park in Leesburg, Virginia, home of the state’s former governor Westmoreland Davis, you most likely spied a Chelsea Clock Ship’s Bell Clock displayed in a very unusual and interesting way. If not, you owe it to yourself to pay a visit to this remarkable historic setting.

The centerpiece of the estate’s “Trophy Room” is an eight-foot-long wooden airplane propeller with a Chelsea 6-inch Ship’s Bell Clock proudly displayed in its center. And we are pleased to report that Chelsea Clock recently completed the restoration of this special mechanical timepiece, originally presented to Virginia Governor Westmoreland Davis in 1918, and now part of the historic setting’s permanent collection.

According to Teresa Davenport, Assistant Director of Development and Communications at Morven Park, the “propeller clock” was presented to Governor Davis by a military pilot as a memento commemorating the Governor’s first flight aboard a plane on September 3, 1918.

“Governor Davis was the first Virginia governor to ever fly in a plane,” says Davenport. “This highly publicized event was part of a military tournament staged by the United States Army Air Corps. at the start of WWI.” Newspaper accounts of the historic 30-minute flight report the battle plane left from the Virginia State Fair grounds and circled over the city of Richmond at “an altitude of 3,000 feet to the thunderous applause of 10,000 spectators below.”

Chelsea Clock records indicate that the 6-inch dial Ship’s Bell striking mechanical clock was manufactured by the company in the early part of 1918, and was originally sold to the Nowland Company. Unfortunately, no further information is available to trace the sale of the clock from the Nowland Company to the pilot, nor who may have mounted it to the inside of the propeller to create the commemorative gift.

“It’s wonderful to discover that a Chelsea clock played a role in this fascinating historical event,” notes Chelsea Clock CEO JK Nicholas. “Our company has an incredibly long and storied history of making precision timepieces for the US military. We are pleased and proud to add this interesting chapter to the Chelsea legacy.”

According to Ms. Davenport, the propeller clock had not been operational for as long as the staff could recall.  At some point in its history, a small padlock had been placed on the clock’s solid brass case and the key was never found.  So no one was ever able to open the bezel and wind the timepiece, which meant, unfortunately, it sat quiet for many decades.

“But this piece has long been one of the most beloved items in the Park’s collection,” adds Davenport. As a non-profit organization, Morven Park’s ongoing operating expenses and limited budget meant that returning the clock to working order was something we just could not afford. So, when Chelsea Clock offered to restore this piece, we were delighted. It is now back in its place of honor, keeping perfect time and once again inspiring admiring comments from our visitors.”

Master clockmakers at Chelsea Clock spent several weeks carefully restoring this timepiece to its original working condition. First, technicians removed the padlock using locksmith tools to access internal mechanisms. All parts and gold-plated brass gears were removed, cleaned, calibrated, and oiled and then carefully re-assembled. The clock’s original mainspring was removed and replaced with a new one, and the Ship’s Bell patented chiming mechanism was adjusted. Finally, the clock was tested for two weeks to ensure proper operation and accuracy. At the request of Morven Park, the exterior of the nickel-plated brass case was not refurbished, opting rather to retain the authenticity and weathered look of this vintage piece.

About Morven Park

A National Register Historic Property, Morven Park was for 40 years the home of Virginia Gov. Westmoreland Davis. More than 75,000 people visit Morven Park each year, enjoying entertaining and educational programming at its three museums and multifaceted equestrian center, and experiencing its beautiful scenery, historic gardens, sports fields, and hiking trails, all within its 1,200-plus acres.  The public is invited to events in every season, including Civil War reenactments, equestrian competitions, festivals, and hands-on learning programs. For more information about Morven Park and to view the Trophy Room where the restored Chelsea Clock Ship’s Bell is displayed, visit www.morvenpark.com

Happy New Year! From all of us at Chelsea Clock, we extend our sincere wishes to you and your family for a very happy, healthy and safe 2012.

As we look ahead to an exciting and promising year, we’d like to take a moment to share just a few notes and stories from friends of Chelsea Clock that helped to make 2011 a memorable and very special year for us and for them.

This letter came to us from a new Chelsea owner in Harvard, Massachusetts:

“At the age of 60, I gave myself a Christmas present of your 8 1/2″ Ship’s Bell Clock in brass. This is something I have admired and desired since I was a teenager. Now that it is in our home I can say it was worth the wait. I am sure you receive many well-deserved praises, but wish to add a comment you may not hear as often. An overriding factor in my willingness to purchase is your continued manufacture of these clocks in Chelsea, MA. If this clock were manufactured outside the United States, I would not have purchased it at any price. It is more than a clock. It is a symbol of the quality and craftsmanship that has made our country great.”

New York City-based DeNatale Fine Jewelers, one of our valued authorized Chelsea Clock retailers, shared this wonderful story with us:

This past November marked the 20th anniversary of the election and enthronement of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew,

Worldwide spiritual leader of the Orthodox Christian Church. In celebration of his ministry, Archbishop Demetrios of America and National Commander Anthony Limberakis, MD, presented the spiritual leader a special edition Andover Classic Ship’s Bell Clock. The commemorative timepiece, whose dial was customized with the Patriarchal 20th Anniversary emblem, was presented to His All-Holiness on behalf of the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle at a special banquet in Istanbul, Turkey.

And this happy message from Tom Piraino, a proud father and one of our long-time distributors of Chelsea Clock timepieces and barometers to companies and organizations across the country:

“I just wanted to share some wonderful holiday news: my son, who is in the Delaware National Guard, just arrived home from basic training in Fort Benning, Georgia. It’s the best Christmas gift we could hope for! With basic training behind him, it’s now on to twenty six weeks of technical training in Satellite Communications at Fort Gordon. We are so proud of him, and of all of the many dedicated men and women who are serving – or preparing to serve – our country.”

It’s so nice to share good news. And we look forward to sharing much more with you in the days and weeks ahead. Please feel free to share your stories and thoughts with us, too!

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.

“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.

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.

Whether it began as a sport or the answer to the call of venturing beyond land, the affinity for the sun, open sky, endless sea, and the adrenaline of speed make sailing a way of life. Now, Chelsea Clock has captured that passion in the Carbon Fiber Collection. These pieces echo the spirit of the sea with distinction and utility as aids in navigation.

Combining sport and elegance, Carbon Fiber’s monochromatic black encased by resplendent chrome, or Carbon Fiber and brass, make the Carbon Fiber Clocks, Carbon Fiber Barometers, and Carbon Fiber Tide Clocks an aesthetic combination of sport and elegance.

Although mainly known for its use in the car industry, this super fiber’s ability to exude strength while being characteristically light allows Carbon Fiber to be used in sailing and yachting. It’s application in sea exploration range from serving as the main material in sails to that of a catamaran.  The innovative material has also been used in U.S. Navel boat designs of  high-performance composites that are engineered for resilience and strength. Pounding ocean waves dissipate when they collide against this  high-tech fiber.

Here the power of Carbon Fiber is harnessed with modern Chelsea Clock charm to serve as a captain’s companion of motion, time and weather — from majestic coasts to balmy seas. Even for those who enjoy Chelsea Clock’s storied products, the Carbon Fiber Collection includes Carbon Fiber Flag Clock, with 12 pennant flags used in nautical communication impressed on the etched sharp black Carbon Fiber dial. In addition to its nautical uses, the Carbon Fiber Wall Clock, Carbon Fiber Desk Clock and Carbon Fiber Mantel Clocks are key pieces to the collection that would bring the spirit of sea exploration to any boat, home or office.

At a glance, the  Ship’s Bell and Barometer Set is the paramount symbol of the standards that Chelsea Clock has adhered to since 1897: exquisite craftsmanship, precision and timeless.  But if you look beyond the pristine brass cases of classic pieces you will find a confluence of scientific invention and human progress.

The Ship’s Bell history as a mechanical clock and the Ship’s Bell Barometer as a teller of the weather at sea are a testament to how one discovery, that at the time may seem insignificant, served as an integral building block to scientists for centuries.

Just as Chelsea Clock enthusiasts have placed these two pieces side by side on mantels for decades, author Kendall Haven places inventions, the barometer and mechanical clock, side by side in his book, 100 Greatest Science Inventions of All Time.

The discovery of the barometer has led to many scientific inventions. It assisted travelers in detecting weather patterns while its sensitivity to air pressure laid the groundwork for the invention of the steam engine, which inspired the industrial revolution.

Evangelista Torricelli, scientist and side-kick to Galileo Galilee, discovered the vacuum in 1643, which later led to his creation of a device that measured atmospheric pressure. Eventually, others realized that the barometer could assist in predicting weather patterns. Further improvements gave birth to the marine barometer, a nautical instrument used for tracking weather and alerting sea voyagers about inclimate weather, thereby allowing them to carve out routes based on past data.

Since the 1900s Chelsea Clock Ship’s Bell Barometers have provided readings on fluctuations in barometric pressure as well as accurate temperatures. It has assisted the United States Navy in its duties as well as served as a companion to those who navigate the seas.

In 1657, Dutch scientist Christian Huygens applied Galileo’s discovery of the scientific formula behind a pendulum’s swing. He integrated a pendulum into the clock’s makeup, forming a precise mechanical clock that enabled further scientific exploration.

Chelsea Clock celebrates the scientific discoveries of yesterday and elevates the Ship’s Bell Clock to an American classic. Since 1898, this nautical marvel has alerted mariners about their watch at sea with it signature chiming bell. Today it can be found on many U.S. Naval ships, proving its worth as an enduring timepiece and heirloom.

This week, the world of horology lost one of the shining lights of our ancient profession. George Daniels died at his home on the Isle of Man in England on October 21. Dr. Daniels defied the contemporary logic of the late 1960’s by diving into the practice of building watches, every piece of his own design and construction, by hand, in his own workshop. The rest of the world was in a mad dash to embrace the quartz watch revolution, fascinated by the idea of precision timekeeping on the wrist for mere dollars and cents. Most everyone assumed the age of mechanical watches had come to an end.

George Daniels was inspired by the work of arguably the greatest watchmaker in history, Abraham Louis Breguet, who lived and worked in Paris in the late 1700’s. Breguet was a pioneer in the development of metallurgical and mechanical technology to enhance the accuracy of watches. Like Dr. Daniels two hundred years later, he gained the attention of Royalty, both earning the coveted distinction of being horologist to the Crown. George Daniels had the rare opportunity to examine some of Breguet’s watches while doing repair work for London clock and watch dealers.

Doctor Daniels built on the groundbreaking work of Breguet, mastering the manufacture of extreme complications in his watches. He soon gained the attention of connoisseurs and collectors worldwide. He built and assembled all of his watches by hand in his atelier on one of the Channel Islands. He published a number of scholarly treatises in the field of horology, one of which, “Watchmaking” has become a classic, original editions fetching high sums. Most importantly, George Daniels inspired dozens of similar artisan/craftsmen who, in his footsteps, are producing one of a kind, hand built watches for an appreciative clientele. His legacy is assured as his watches will undoubtedly be studied and treasured for generations to come, and as his successors continue to push the envelope of precision mechanical timekeeping.