Ship's Bell Key in Nickel

Ship's Bell Key in Nickel

$30.00
/

7 - 10 Business Days

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Mariners have used a unique bell code to tell time at sea for hundreds of years. The code is based on the crew’s typical workday routine while the vessel is under way. A ship at sea requires constant attention throughout the day’s twenty-four hours. The day is therefore divided into six four-hour periods, each called a “watch.” Similarly, the crew is segmented into three divisions. Division members then stand their individually assigned duties on two watches per day, with eight hours off duty between watches. To rotate each division’s watch times, the Evening Watch is periodically divided into two watches. These are called Dog Watches because they “dog” the watch schedule for all divisions ahead by one watch period.

The watch officer struck the ship’s bell every half hour to apprise the crew of the time. A single bell denoted the end of the first half hour and one bell was added each half-hour. Eight bells therefore signaled the end of each four-hour watch. Like centuries of seafarers, you’ll soon know the time when the clock chimes, even if you cannot see it.

Watch Schedule

First Watch

8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.

Mid-Watch (also Black Watch)

12:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m.

Morning Watch

4:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.

Forenoon Watch

8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Afternoon Watch

12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Evening Watch

4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The watch officer struck the ship’s bell every half hour to apprise the crew of the time. A single bell denoted the end of the first half hour and one bell was added each half-hour. Eight bells therefore signaled the end of each four-hour watch. Like centuries of seafarers, you’ll soon know the time when the clock chimes, even if you cannot see it.

Hear the Famous Ship's Bell Chime

 8 bells 12:00 4:00 8:00
1 bell 12:30 4:30 8:30
2 bells 1:00 5:00 9:00
3 bells 1:30 5:30 9:30
4 bells 2:00 6:00 10:00
5 bells 2:30 6:30 10:30
6 bells 3:00 7:00 11:00
7 bells 3:30 7:30 11:30

This is an authentic Ship's Bell key for our flagship collection of nautical clocks. We sell them separately for people who have purchased a used Ship's Bell clock that did not come with a key. It's also an excellent option if someone has lost their original key or the clock key has been damaged in some way.

Like the original key that came with the chronometer, our Ship's Bell Mechanical Clock Key is made from solid brass. It has a nickel-plated finish to go with a matching Ship's Bell Clock or if you want to try out a different style. This key will fit all Ship's Bell models, including the 4.5-inch, 6-inch and 8.5-inch clock.

We can ship this key anywhere in the U.S. or arrange for pickup at the Chelsea Clock factory in Chelsea, Massachusetts. Visit our blog for more information on how to wind a Ship's Bell Clock. If you want the brass finish key, search for item #01272.

Item: 91272

This is an authentic Ship's Bell key for our flagship collection of nautical clocks. We sell them separately for people who have purchased a used Ship's Bell clock that did not come with a key. It's also an excellent option if someone has lost their original key or the clock key has been damaged in some way.

Like the original key that came with the chronometer, our Ship's Bell Mechanical Clock Key is made from solid brass. It has a nickel-plated finish to go with a matching Ship's Bell Clock or if you want to try out a different style. This key will fit all Ship's Bell models, including the 4.5-inch, 6-inch and 8.5-inch clock.

We can ship this key anywhere in the U.S. or arrange for pickup at the Chelsea Clock factory in Chelsea, Massachusetts. Visit our blog for more information on how to wind a Ship's Bell Clock. If you want the brass finish key, search for item #01272.

Item: 91272
Warranty

Your Chelsea Clock is warranted against defects in material and workmanship for at least two (2) years* from the date of original purchase. Any defects or damage caused by misuse, accident, tampering or negligence of the user is not covered by this warranty. All implied warranties covering merchantability, fitness for particular purpose, or otherwise are limited in duration to two (2) years from the date of original purchase. The repair or replacement of any defect is the exclusive remedy under this warranty. In addition, the warrantor shall not, under any circumstances, be liable or responsible hereunder for consequential, incidental, indirect, or special damages. Please note that some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the foregoing limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights; you may also have other rights that vary from state to state.

In the event of any such defect, pack the instrument and return it to us via UPS, along with an explanation of the defect. We will repair or replace the instrument at our option and expense. Please take care when packing your item, we recommend that the instrument be double boxed when shipped due to the weight of the item and to ensure proper delivery.

*The Ship’s Bells Clocks and Barometers have a five (5) year warranty.

Product options

Ship's Bell Key in Brass
$30.00

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Customer Testimonials

★★★★★

"I just opened my father's brand new Chelsea boardroom clock and WOW! It is absolutely exquisite. The engraving is beautiful and the clock itself is a work of art."

Haley C.
★★★★★

"I was thrilled to discover that Chelsea Clock Company is still in business making and servicing their clocks for over 120 years. I was able to have my 1906 Ship’s Bell clock’s movement cleaned and a new coat of lacquer applied to the brass case. The craftsmanship is exemplary, suitable for something you’d expect to see on display in a museum collection."

Bill M.
★★★★★

"I recently ordered 2 clocks with engravings as leaving presents for 2 colleagues. The office was excellent in working with us in formatting the text to fit the clocks, and accommodating our short timeline. The clocks looked beautiful and loved by the recipients."

A.T.