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.
If you want find out how old your Chelsea Clock is or when it 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
July 9, 2012 at 1:05 pm
i found this clock at a garage sale and wondering what you might be able to tell me about it
July 9, 2012 at 1:06 pm
sorry us navy serial number 35723e
December 20, 2012 at 11:34 am
Thank you for your note. Unfortunately, we would need the Chelsea Clock serial number from the case and inside movement in order to provide details of it manufacture date and to whom it was originally sold. Please let us know if you need any assistance in finding the numbers.
August 9, 2013 at 2:39 pm
The serial # is 786173. What can you tell me about it. Thanks
August 12, 2013 at 1:40 pm
Hello Chuck,
Here is what our records indicate for serial number 786173: The clock was originally sold to Dockside 500 Marina, Incorporated on November 12, 1974 and it is listed as a 6″ Ships Bell clock. Unfortunately, that is all the information we have on file. Thank you.
September 9, 2013 at 2:30 pm
Have a chelsea ships bell clock. Serial #783295. would like any info available. thanks
September 10, 2013 at 8:58 am
Hello Hank,
According to our manufacturing log, this serial number relates to either a barograph movement or a chart recorder movement (not capable of telling time), not a Ship’s Bell clock. Serial number 783295 was sold to Belfort Industries on May 24, 1974 and was a movement-only. I’m afraid that’s all the information we have on file. Thanks for writing us!
October 13, 2013 at 5:45 pm
I have a US Navy black faced deck clock, Serial Number 19672-E on the face and Serial number 316502 stamped on the back of the works below the Chelsea name. If is in a black bakelite case with the number on it of B-6902.
What can you tell me about this clock? There is no other identifying info I have found. Someone scratched “4-1-98” on the back of the case.
Thanks for your help.
John
October 20, 2013 at 6:08 pm
Correction, the scratched date is 4-1-48.
For the clock works serial number dates the manufacture from 1940 to 1944.
Does anyone have a clue about the US Navy serial number?
John
December 9, 2013 at 6:17 pm
We have a Chelsea Ship’s Bell clock with a number of 579286 . Can you tell us anything
about it? What it might be worth?
January 17, 2014 at 9:55 pm
Simple question, but not obvious. If clock is slow, do I move slider to S because it is too slow or F because I want it to go faster?
July 21, 2014 at 10:21 am
Hello Neil,
If your clock is losing time, turn the lever toward “f” for faster; if it is gaining time, turn the lever toward “s” for slower. You maydownload the entire user’s manual from the http://www.ChelseaClock.com at http://www.chelseaclock.com/customer-service.
April 14, 2018 at 6:22 pm
have a chelsea clock co boston clock, no clue what make. heres serial number # 772763 what can you tell me about it?
July 27, 2018 at 3:39 pm
Hello Reggie,
According to our manufacturing log, serial # 772763 is listed as a 2 3/4 Viking Clock, originally sold to H.N. Calahan, Inc., on November 27, 1972. Unfortunately, that is all the information that we have on this piece. Thank you!
July 29, 2014 at 10:08 pm
My mom has given me my great aunts Chelsea clock. It is a desk model with barometer and clock all bronze. Probably from the 1940’s. Where can I locate the serial number. It was a 25th wedding anniversary gift from Mildred White to Linford White of Watertown Connecticut. Any help is appreciated, thanks.
July 30, 2014 at 11:05 am
Hello Carl,
Depending on the model, the serial number could be on the back door of the clock. If not, then it should be on the clock movement itself. If you would like to send us an image (front and back views) we should be able to help determine where to find the serial number. You can upload images by visiting this page on our website: http://www.chelseaclock.com/repair-restoration-form/index.php
Thank you.
July 30, 2014 at 7:39 pm
Tried to send picture from iPad could not as server indicated it was not receiving images. I removed the rear access panel and believe the serial # is 528846. Does this make sense. It is a desk mariner model with clock and barometer on bronze base with ball feet. Thanks. I would love to send picture it is near perfect condition.
July 31, 2014 at 2:03 pm
Hello Carl,
Unfortunately, 528846 is not one of our serial numbers. However, from your description, the item may be a Chelsea Claremont Clock. I will send you a separate email so that you can attach an image in return. Once we have that, we may be able to more clearly identify the piece.
Thank you!
December 6, 2014 at 5:34 am
Hello,
I own a US Navy Chelsea clock with Ser. No. in front 16420-E.On the back of the clock etched are numbers: 431785. Could you please give more infromation about this clock?
Thank you in advance.
December 8, 2014 at 11:53 am
Hi Michael,
According to our manufacturing log book, serial number 431785 was sold to De Foe Shipbuilding Company on April 12, 1944, and it is listed as a 6″ Marine mechanical clock. This is the only information we show for this serial number. Thanks!
March 4, 2015 at 2:02 pm
What can you tell me about chelsea clock serial 826060.
Thanks, Jim Miles
January 15, 2016 at 1:42 pm
Hi Jim,
I will look into this for you and respond via email. Thanks for your interest. –Lindsay
October 15, 2015 at 11:33 am
I HAVE A U.S. NAVY CHELSEA CLOCK, SERIAL NO. 45326E AND WOULD LIKE A CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN. THE BASE IS 7 INCHES, THE FACE PLATE IS 6 INCHES. IT IS BLACK. I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE ANY INFORMATION ON THE CLOCK. THANK YOU. JOHN MANSFIELD
January 15, 2016 at 1:43 pm
Please visit our website for more information on obtaining a certificate of origin. Thanks so much for your interest! http://www.chelseaclock.com/p/certificates-of-origin/
December 26, 2015 at 1:23 am
I was wondering if there is any way to track down which ship a Chelsea clock came off of based on the serial numbers on the face of the clock.
February 16, 2016 at 8:53 am
This Chelsea Ship’s Bell – Serial Number 530037 – accompanied me through all my
seagoing years. After retirement it was fixed to the wall in my house an showed
corectly the time. I used to say to visitors: This is the most accurate clock in the house!
Last week it stopped service. I’m going to clean it to have it work again.
It’s a pitty, that I could not attach a foto!
Friendly,
W. R. Hering, AG CT
February 25, 2016 at 4:18 pm
Thanks for sharing your note! I’m so sorry to hear your clock stopped working. If you weren’t able to get it going again, you might consider sending it to us for an official repair. You can fill out a repair request form for a free estimate here: http://www.chelseaclock.com/p/repair-restoration/ or give us a call anytime 617-884-0250.
Thanks,
Lindsay
March 30, 2016 at 7:57 pm
I have a Chelsea Ship’s Bell clock, #282069, that has been handed down through my family. Family lore says that it was given by the captain of a ship, but I have nothing to verify that. Can you tell me the origin of this clock? It’s lovely. Thank you.
May 2, 2016 at 10:46 pm
225348 (b)+(m). Can you tell me where it was sold to. I purchased in Nantucket
May 2, 2016 at 10:51 pm
Just acquired 11880. Any help on where it came from?
First 100 years book says 1903 but not who bought it
May 3, 2016 at 2:01 pm
Hi Chris,
Please email me the serial number from the backplate at lindsayt@chelseaclock.com and I will look into this for you. Thanks!
Lindsay
August 15, 2016 at 4:26 am
I have a ships bell clock with no.630780 on it. Can you tell me the history of this clock, Please. Aug. 14,2016
October 28, 2016 at 3:06 pm
We have a ship’s bell clock that has Tiffany & Co under the 12 and Chelsea Ship’s Bell above the 6. Serial number is 869079. What can you tell us about it?
February 6, 2017 at 10:25 pm
My father was a ship’s agent for Esso (Exxon) oil in the 50’s and 60’s. He retired in 1969. One of the ships captains, captain White, presented my father with Chelsea clock (615364) at his retirement dinner for his 40 years of service. The number tells me it was sold between 1950-1955 but that is all I know. My mother gave me the clock 40 years ago and I cherish it as an heirloom. Can you tell to whom the clock was first sold? Thank you.
August 14, 2017 at 11:20 pm
I have a 6″ Chelsea ships bell #766913 and a barometer #12-71-4. Can you tell me anything about them?
October 8, 2017 at 12:29 pm
Hello, I’m hoping someone will be able to help me out in telling me the date the clock was made, as well as any ship history (if possible) On the back is scratched 3-83-C. It also has numbers inside B-6902 and is marked 824 on the inside of the clock. Thank you in advance!
October 15, 2017 at 1:52 pm
I have a US Navy Chelsea clock with the serial number 110741 stamped in the brass on the back side. I would love to know when it was made and to whom it was sold. The face on the clock is about 8″ in diameter and the brass surrounding the face is about 10″ in diameter.
November 6, 2017 at 5:20 pm
I have a Chelsea Ships Bell serial number 172648 and would love some info about it. Clock face is about 4 1/2″ and it is housed in a massive brass mantle.
November 9, 2017 at 5:10 pm
Hi I recently purchased a Chelsea shipstrike clock the serial number is 10874 is there any information that you can give me about the clock. It a beautiful piece and seems to be in working order
November 27, 2017 at 8:57 pm
I have a black face 24hour US Navy clock with serial no. 46363E on its face and inside # 473001. Can you please provide me any further information? Thanks
December 21, 2017 at 6:40 pm
I have a 6″ clock in a Black Bakelite case. The front has a small dial for seconds. There is no markings or numbers on the face or back of the case. When I opened up the clock, the following number was pressed into the back bakelite ( B-6902) On the brass movement is: 451324
I would be interested in determining (a) its age, (b) who it was sold to , (c) the name/description of the clock and (d) how long the clock should run when fully wound. Thanks
February 6, 2018 at 12:03 pm
Can you please give me info on a U.S. Navy Chelsea Clock face SN 74752E and back # 425783.
Thank you!
July 26, 2018 at 4:40 pm
Hello Carrie, For serial # 425783, the only information we find in our manufacturing log is the date of manufacture, which is 1944. Unfortunately, we do not have details to whom it was originally sold. Thank you.
February 23, 2018 at 2:06 pm
Hello! I have a Chelsea US Navy Clock that shows Ser. No. 15565E stamped on the front, and then 620175 scratched by hand on the back. I originally thought my dad brought this home from WWII, until I saw the “1959” also scratched on the back. Is there any information you can provide me with? Thanks so much!
July 27, 2018 at 2:37 pm
Hello Linda,
According to our manufacturing log, serial #620175 is listed as a 6″ Marine Mechanical Clock, originally sold to Glen Burlingame on August 16, 1957. Thank you!
March 6, 2018 at 11:21 pm
I have a clock 828598 what can youtell me about where it came i’d like to know how it works
July 27, 2018 at 2:50 pm
Hello Patrick,
According to our manufacturing log, serial #828598 is listed as a 6″ Ship’s Bell Clock, originally sold to Byrne Rice & Turner Co. on April 1, 1980. Thank you!
April 14, 2018 at 7:23 pm
I sent a question in 2016. It appears these inquiries are no longer being answered? If so, please advise and shut this page down perhaps?
July 26, 2018 at 10:54 am
Hello Lydia, My apologies that we have missed your question! Would you be kind enough to resend it to customerservice@chelseaclock.com and we will be sure to reply as quickly as possible. Thank you.
June 12, 2018 at 6:09 pm
I have an us coast guard ships bell all black, ser no 3474. Any info would be great
Kenny
July 31, 2018 at 3:58 pm
Hello Kenneth,
Unfortunately, the serial number you’ve provided does not match any entry in our manufacturing log. If you could provide us with the serial number stamped onto the movement, that may prove more helpful. Thank you!
June 13, 2018 at 12:12 am
Hello! I have a black face 24hour US Navy clock with serial no.30056E and clock mechanism number 367358. What can you tell me about them? I will be happy with any information. Thank you in advance.
July 31, 2018 at 4:00 pm
Hello Vladislav,
Thank you for your inquiry. According to our manufacturing log, serial #367358 is listed as a 6″ Marine Mechanical Clock and was originally sold to the U.S. Navy Dept. on May 13, 1943. Unfortunately, that is all the information that we have on file. Thank you!
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July 1, 2018 at 6:31 pm
I found this clock at a sale and wondering what you might be able to tell me abuot it,and value. serial # 111317
July 31, 2018 at 5:04 pm
Hello Ronnie,
According to our manufacturing log, serial #111317 is listed as a Marine Mechanical Clock, originally sold to Marshall Field Co. on July 25, 1917. Unfortunately, that is all the information we have on this piece. Chelsea Clock does not provide appraisal services. You may wish to bring it to a local antique dealer to inquire about its current market value. Thank you!
July 5, 2018 at 9:24 pm
I own a crime scene cleaning company and also do large hoarding jobs (like the show Hoarders) came across this Chelsea Clock and couldn’t throw it away. The gentleman who passed away had no family we knew of. Sadly 99% of his things had to go to the landfill.
Serial # is 796555
Would love some information if available. God Bless.
July 31, 2018 at 5:06 pm
Hello David,
Thank you for your inquiry. According to our manufacturing log, serial #796555 is listed as a 4.5″ Ship’s Bell Clock, originally sold to Balcor Lyman & Co. on January 21, 1976. Unfortunately, that is all the information we have on this piece. Thank you!
August 20, 2018 at 10:37 pm
chelsea clock co serial numbers 82496e. Can you tell me more information on this clock.
August 25, 2018 at 4:48 pm
I’d love some info on SN 107921 if you would please! Thank you!
August 25, 2018 at 4:56 pm
I have a black U.S. Coast Guard ships bell ser. No. 3474. Any info would be great
September 4, 2018 at 7:55 am
I inherited a Chelsea Ships Bell from my step-father about 10 years ago. He was a Merchant Marine and worked on a ship that ran from Honolulu to the mainland for over 30 years. When he retired, the Captain gave it to him as a retirement gift. (or so the story goes….) The serial number on the back is 803103. Any info would be great. ps. Its on its way to you for calibration and service. Thanks, Tim
September 13, 2018 at 12:28 pm
Looking for information on a Chelsea Clock C7 B6902 Ser. # 497209
Thanks, Brian
brianbishop1@bellaliant.net
September 15, 2018 at 7:13 am
I have what I think is an 8″ Chelsea black 24-hour U.S. Navy clock with a blank serial number on the face. I know that the clock was installed in Engine Room #1 onboard the U.S.S. Long Beach, CGN-9, and removed during a COH in Bremerton, WA in 1983. Much of the engine room on the Long Beach was refurbished from older WWII vessels, so I really have no idea when the clock was manufactured. Any ideas?
October 7, 2018 at 5:40 pm
Looking for information on Chelsea Ship Clock serial number 790668 and barometer serial number 2753 please.
Thanks so much!
RC