About Our Blog
Around here, we have a lot of stories. Clocks and the people who make, repair, restore, and own them. Every day we hear another story from a customer about what their clock means to them. And some days the clocks themselves that have come into our factory for repair, tell us stories about where they’ve been – just based on the condition they are in and the restoration touches they require. We started this blog to share some of these stories.
November 21, 2014 at 11:00 pm
I sailed as a Merchant Marine on a supply tug MV CONSTITUTION SERVICE from 1983-1986. She ran aground in Alaska and we towed her into Seattle where she was to be scrapped out.
I had served on her my entire career and was given the ships bell as well as the Brass Chelsea clock from the bridge.
This is something that I have treasured for decades. My curiosity has been peaked lately to learn more about the Chelsea clock while I’m alive to pass onto my family.
It is brass, 7 3/4″ face, 10″ wide by 3″deep . The serial number is 788799. I would truly appreciate any information on this clock and what it cost new as well as a simple guestimation on it’s current value.
I want them to know the sentimental value will always be greater in my mind, yet I want them to be aware of it’s guestimated value so as to never be scammed in the future.
I am very much looking forward in hearing back from you !
Sincerely,
Dale Garriga
Bosun Mate
December 2, 2014 at 4:43 pm
Hello Dale,
Thank you so much for your note and for sharing your story. We are pleased to learn that you are the proud owner of a Chelsea Clock Ship’s Bell from the ship on which you served. According to our manufacturing log, the serial number you provided shows that the clock was originally sold to Nutall-Styria Company Inc. on September 16, 1976 and is listed as an 8 ½” marine mechanical clock. Unfortunately, this is all that our records indicate. We hope this has been helpful.
July 20, 2015 at 2:47 pm
I have been given a ships clock made by your company. The clock came to me from the estate of my wife’s aunt. It belonged to her first husband. I would like to send the clock to your company to have it serviced. Could you give me an estimate on how much it would cost. There is no paper work to go with this timepiece. Would the name of the original owner be of any help? There is nothing wrong with this clock, I just feel it has never been serviced.
Thank you for your time and attention to this request.
James “Jim” Dodson
October 15, 2015 at 2:39 pm
Hi Jim,
Thanks for your note. You can download a free-estimate form on our website here: https://www.chelseaclock.com/p/repair-request/
Once we have a little more info, our master repair specialists can get you an accurate quote. Or, feel free to give us a call 800-284-1778.
best,
Lindsay
December 1, 2015 at 5:07 pm
My wife inherited a Chelsea Ship’s Bell clock from her father. The serial number is 740012. Can you tell us anything about it and what would be involved with obtaining a key to wind it?
Thsnks, Mike
January 10, 2016 at 3:09 pm
Good evening,
I live in SW London UK.
I have a US Navy 24 hour clock made by Chelsea Clock Co which used to work but now works intermittently. It hasn’t been serviced for a very long time.
Is this something for a reputable repairer in the UK?
Do you have any recommended firms I could contact or any help you could give me?
It was fitted on a bulkhead of a 48 foot wooden motor yacht built in 1968.
Regards,
Graham Bartholomew
January 15, 2016 at 1:57 pm
Hi Graham,
Thanks for reaching out. I am looking into this with our master repair specialists and will let you know what I come up with via email. Thanks so much for your inquiry. Cheers–
January 30, 2016 at 4:45 pm
I have an old Chelsea U.S. Navy Deck clock that I received from my maternal grandfather many years ago. He spent several years working for the U.S. Corp of Engineers but the history of the clock has not survived and I would like to learn if there is anyway to research the history of the clock. It is a brass case approximately 6in across with U.S. Navy Deck Clock No 3 on the face with what looks like an “O” with the letter N inside the circle and the number 319. On the back of the clock on the brass rim is inscribed “March 1916 P14586”
Thanks for your help
February 21, 2016 at 4:41 pm
I have a Chelsea clock and I’d like some info please. It says, Chelsea clock co. Boston above center. US Government on bottom, just above key wind. It has 4 hands: seconds, minutes, hours and a red one that moves around but not as fast as the hours hand. Black bakelite, thumb screw for front cover, and a “721227” scratched on the back. It works fine and is in mint condition. Thank you and take care
February 25, 2016 at 4:15 pm
Hi Shawn,
Please email me at lindsayt@chelseaclock.com and let me know specifically what info you are seeking. Please include the serial number in the email, as we field a lot of these requests. Thanks, Lindsay
August 19, 2016 at 12:04 pm
Good morning, Lindsay.
I have an 8.5-in, 24-hour, WWII-vintage U.S. Government labeled clock that served on the hospital ship USS Sanctuary (AH-17). Runs great.
One question: the adjustment dial on the right hand side of the face–“F” at the top; “S” at the bottom. Should that be rotated up because the clock is running too fast, or up to make the clock run faster because it’s slow? Do the hash marks on the dial represent a specific time unit (e.g., one minute)?
Thanks.
Have a great day.
February 17, 2017 at 10:16 am
Am curious about the history of Chelsea clocks often seen in White House photo ops with visiting dignitaries – any written descriptions?
October 6, 2017 at 12:00 pm
Hi. I have 1942 Mk 1 Deck Clock, serial number 429087 and wonder how I can find out to what ship it may have been assigned. Thanks!
January 9, 2018 at 1:43 pm
The single strike of the bell mechanism on my Chelsea ship clock does not work. Where I am supposed to get one bell, I get two.
February 8, 2018 at 9:20 pm
I have a 4.5” Chelsea “Boston” Barometer.
I can’t adjust the reading. Turning the adjustment screw does nothing.
After removing the instrument from the case, I found that the adjustment screw is just in a threaded hole, there is nothing for it to press against. It seems like there must be some missing parts, but nothing looks broken.
Is there any chance I can get pictures and or drawings of the Barometer works?
John Wisniowski
June 11, 2018 at 10:28 pm
I grew up with my great grandfather’s 1917 Commander chiming bells every half hour, and when i inherited it, it was not running. I brought it in to be repaired, and was stunned to find it would come back with a 2 year warranty. While the repairs were not inexpensive, 2 years later it is still running spot on timed to my cell phone. Thanks for the quality workmanship, original and repair!
August 4, 2018 at 8:46 am
I have a 8” brass face, military time, black painted brass body Chelsea24 hour clock. Serial number is : 131947-WB7 . The first one might just be a scratch. Can you tell me anything about it?
August 23, 2018 at 11:11 pm
Hi Can you tell me what the typical time keeping precision of your Ship Bell movement is and what is guaranteed? Is it 1 minute per week?, per month? Any help you can give me would be appreciated. An answer to my email would be great. Thanks
August 29, 2018 at 4:24 pm
p o box 72
428 moorewood circle
October 21, 2018 at 12:47 pm
satokarski@gmail.com
November 7, 2018 at 12:42 pm
I have been given a radio room clock serial No. 297992 and I was wondering if you more information about this clock.
March 23, 2019 at 8:36 am
Hi,, I have a Chelsea US Navy clock with a blue clock dial. I have done some research trying to find others like it and have come up empty. All of the others are black, white, silver or other multi-colored (sectored). The Serial Number is 394826 which matches the hand inscription on the back of the bakelite case. Can you tell me the history on this and whether the clock face is likely original. Thank you
April 18, 2019 at 9:01 am
How can I make the bell ring louder? My ten year old electric clock rings only faintly.
August 25, 2019 at 8:10 pm
Hello,
My husband is a submariner in the US Navy and I bought him a WWII era US Navy Chelsea clock. The serial number is 39603E and I am trying to find out any information about this clock.
Thanks in advance,
Melissa
October 18, 2019 at 12:04 pm
I recall Mr. King as a nice gentleman. In my younger days I worked for the Ford Dealer in Revere, Crescent Motors. Mr. King I recalled owned a 59 Ford and when he would bring it in for service I would drive him back to his office and would deliver the car back to said office once the work was completed. The owner of Crescent Motors Mr. Ben Abrams, one day he had me accompany him on an errand to East Boston. Along the way we talked and I mentioned several customers who seemed like nice people Mr. King being one of them. Per Mr. Abrams Mr. King was introduced to him by then Rev. Monsignor Pallotta of St. Anthony’s Church in Revere.
Donald J. Zollo, Sr.
January 23, 2020 at 1:59 pm
My QMCS USN ret, father’s clock is the standard Black Bakalite SN 30834E with the number scratched on the back 3767 Of note is that it is a 24 hr clock with 00 in the 12 o’clock position. He doesn’t recall where he acquired it. He served in WWII, Korea and Vietnam. Could you tell me a little about the clock?
February 10, 2020 at 3:07 pm
Cape Lookout National Seashore recently had a USLH Service clock, serial number 14908, donated to the park. The gentleman who donated the clock believes the clock dates from the early 1920’s. Can you tell us anything about the clock?
February 14, 2020 at 6:40 pm
I was given a Chelsea Boston Shipstrick clock. It seems to work perfectly but I cant find any serial number on the back. All I’ve found are the numbers 4 86 4. Can you give me any information on it please.
Thank you
April 15, 2020 at 11:30 am
Hi.
I have a brass ship clock barometer set in a wooden holder. Unfortunately the glass broke on the barometer and I need a replacement how can I order one of those? Thank you for your time. Andy
May 30, 2020 at 9:19 am
Hello,
I write from Germany. We inherited a Chelsea Clock US Maritime Commission Quartz Clock in a brass casing and with a 24hrs Display. We wanted to check the value but cannot find it in your shop or on the net. Is it a fake?
Can you possibly give us some more insights?
Best Regards
Ronald
July 13, 2020 at 9:45 pm
I came across a Chelsea Clock, black, in my late relative’s possessions. I being an Army guy really did not much about it. The serial number is 747857 and would appreciate any information that you can.
Thank you,
Jim
July 17, 2020 at 9:10 pm
Following up on my post from 2018, the 1917 Commander is still spot on. I have to reiterate my thanks to the repair crew and the original makers.
July 24, 2020 at 1:27 am
Outstanding
July 24, 2020 at 1:28 am
Its really nice and awesome blog
November 4, 2020 at 9:23 am
Hello, I am researching a Chelsea Ships Bell Mariner’s clock with the serial # 768741, any information would be helpful. Thank You
December 25, 2020 at 12:50 pm
We have a Chelsea Clock and I would like to stop it from chiming. Is that possible? I stopped winding the left ( when facing clock , the left side ) mechanism but it still chimes. Please help.
January 9, 2021 at 10:21 pm
I found this really cool site about clock repair in Georgia. Anyone heard about them? I found them at https://www.romeclockservice.com
April 16, 2021 at 5:13 pm
I have a ship’s clock that my father took from the USS Arkansas during Operation Crossroads. From what I have been told and pieced together, my father piloted one of the boats carrying men back and forth to the ships that were used as targets. They were preparing the ships for the explosion. My understanding is that the sailors were allowed to take souvenirs (no questions asked) from the ships as long as it was something they could easily carry. My father took this ship’s clock. If you have any information that would tie the sale of this clock to the Navy Department or any other information I would greatly appreciate it. The serial number is 188823.
Thank you
Garry Wagner
May 27, 2021 at 5:11 pm
Does anyone happen to know what the serial number on the dial face of a US Navy Chelsea clock actually means? I am not talking about the movement serial number. For example my 6″ dial Chelsea has a Serial # of 79284E on the dial face. My Chelsea was made sometime in 1944 and was shipped from Chelsea in January, 1945. Thank you.
Jack McTeague
August 9, 2021 at 5:11 pm
As a follow up to my previous question. There is currently a Chelsea 6″ mechanical clock with a US Navy on dial (as with most during WWII it has a bakelite case) for sale on ebay. It has a serial # on the dial, right under the US NAVY of 45073E. The exact date of manufacture of this clock is unknown since the movement serial # is in the 1940 – 1944 time frame. Whereas, my clock has a dial serial # of 79294E, and my clock was manufactured in 1944, shipped from Chelsea in Jan, 1945…Once again, anybody know what that dial serial number means?
Thanks in advance
September 13, 2021 at 4:25 pm
Hello, I have a Chelsea Clock marked U.S. Government that appears to be made of the “bakelite”. The serial number appears to be 726563. Is there any information on this clock in the records? Thankyou very much in advance!
September 29, 2021 at 4:14 pm
Good afternoon; I have a 1940 Mark 1 Deck Clock, US Navy, with a number of 8385 on the clock face, and P24977 scribed on the back of the clock itself. On the backside of the exterior on the mounting ring, there appear to be 3 numbers (865) with what appears to be an upside down “v” The clock is very heavy and appears to be nickle plated brass with a stainless steel mounting plate. It does not run but I would very much like to have it working again. Can you tell me where this clock was stationed, and how much it would cost to rework it?
October 1, 2021 at 1:08 pm
I have a small ships bell that wasbat my fathers cottage. The number on the back is 502167 would it be possible to get the manufacture date from this number. Also this clock has sat on a shelf at the cottage for at least 25 years and never used. I recently wound it and it didnt work. I called a local antiqe clock repair man and he told me before bringing it to him give it a good shack from right to left away it went and it is keeping perfect time. There is also a chrome tag on the oak mount of the clock that has Captains clock from Steamer Arthur Orr a great lakes ship 1893 to 1945.
October 2, 2021 at 2:23 pm
Another question about the Chelsea “US NAVY” dial face serial numbers. Most of those I have looked at have 5 digits followed by (usually) an “E”. Today, I noticed one on ebay that has a serial number of “35 – 150”. Anyone have any thoughts on this one? Thanks
October 5, 2021 at 3:02 pm
Do Chelsea Clock company considered to be in the niche of premier clocks?
October 23, 2021 at 8:37 am
Hello,
I recently purchased a 1927 Chelsea Constitution Desk Clock and had it restored by an authorized Chelsea Dealer in my area. I have a warranty on its repair. I have not seen another one like it anywhere. The Serial # 169146 is on the bottom.
I’m retired from the US Navy and what I’d really like to have is a US Navy version Chelsea Wall Clock that has already been serviced. I was primarily on Navy Ammo ships during my carrier. I was a Postal Clerk and a Master at Arms.
October 26, 2021 at 12:04 am
Looking for information available for a U.S. Navy Deck Clock No. 3. It has a symbol and 6009 with the 9 underscored below this information. The serial number on the back is 21391. This was passed down from my grandfather who served in the Marines and I know he spent some time in China.
December 7, 2021 at 5:43 pm
Bradley Stenstrom,
One way to pick up a US Navy mechanical clock (non-shipstrike) is ebay. If you search US Navy Chelsea Clocks you will find several Chelseas with bakelite cases. I picked up mine on ebay, then sent it to Chelsea Clock to be refurbished. My 6″ dial Chelsea left the factory in January 1945 and runs beautifully. It is older than I am (by a year plus) and is in better shape than I am. Good luck with your search.
December 17, 2021 at 6:46 pm
I Notice that the ships Bell face has a new design with the ships bell on off control and the time regulator, can you tell me why this was done
December 23, 2021 at 10:19 pm
I have found out the Ship Bells 4 inch and 6 inch now have a German Movement in them. I am sadden and heart broken by the upper Management at Chelsea Clock. Please reconsider correct this mistake, I have bought many Chelsea clocks through the years, and had to return the six inch nickel Ships Bell because of the German movement. You can feel the weight difference. I always love Chelsea Ship Bells before 100% made in USA I have bought many of my clock during recessions to help out Chelsea Clock as much as I could through the year. Please change back to the original movements. I feel I am part of your family.
January 21, 2022 at 2:24 pm
My father in law recently passed away. He had this clock with the serial number 71989E. Can you give any information where this clock sailed? He sailed around the world several times and was on many ships.
February 4, 2022 at 11:54 pm
Why can’t I find a simple, easy to interpret, time and tide clock? I want the hands to move like a regular clock so I know what time it is, and also for there to be a double ended hand that has “high” and “low” written at each end that moves slightly in a 24 hour period to adjust to the changing tide times each day (24h 50m)… why has no one made this type of Tide clock? The ones we see all have some cryptic math and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, rising, falling, High, Low nonsense!!! Someone really should make a simple, geared-adjusting Time and Tide Clock that’s easy to read and figure out!!! Yes I’m pissed… this makes no sense to me!
May 18, 2022 at 10:05 am
I have a Chelsea Maritime Commission ship’s clock that belonged to my father. I am trying to establish a time line of the clock. The ser# is 326461, scratched on the back. On the front is a serial#6155. All information will be appreciated.
Thanks, Eric Boh