How to Adjust Your Ship’s Bell Clock for Daylight Saving Time (DST)

Occasional clock adjustments are part of owning a classic Ship’s Bell timepiece. In addition to adjustments after initially winding the clock, you will also need to set the clock hand twice a year to account for daylight saving time.

Fortunately, it’s easy to adjust your Ship’s Bell mechanical clock for the beginning or end of daylight saving time is easy. Simply follow these steps for how to adjust the clock hands when time springs ahead or falls back.

“Spring Ahead” – Begin Daylight Saving Time

Beginning daylight saving time requires setting the clock forward by one full hour.

  • Using your finger, carefully move the minute hand (long hand) ahead one hour.
  • Be sure to pause at the half-hour point to allow the clock to fully strike before continuing to move the hand forward.
  • Do not move the hand backward as this can cause damage.

“Fall Back” – End Daylight Saving Time

Ending daylight saving time requires setting the clock back one full hour. This can be done in one of two ways.

Method 1

  • Insert the small black stop tube (that originally came with the clock) into the keyhole to stop the clock from advancing.
  • Leave the tube for one full hour, then remove it.

Method 2

  • Using your finger, carefully move the minute hand (long hand) ahead until you reach the correct time.
  • Be sure to pause at each hour and half-hour point to allow the clock to fully strike before continuing to move the hand forward.
  • Do not move the hand backward as this can cause damage.

If you find you need to frequently adjust your clock, there may be other problems. Visit the Chelsea Clock Blog for other tips or send in your Ship’s Bell clock for a free repair estimate with no obligation.

Key Points

  1. Only move the minute hand (long hand) forward.
  2. Never move clock hands backward. This can cause damage.
  3. Pause at the hour and half-hour points to let the clock fully strike.

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