Here’s a modern look at what’s on the inside of our Ship’s Bell clock — a century-old mechanical timepiece that we’ve been crafting by hand, the same way, since 1900.
Although we’ve been making mechanical timepieces the old-fashioned way for over a century, these days our engineers use cutting-edge technology to create the blueprints for our designs. Every single component we manufacture — no matter how tiny — is digitally rendered to its exact specifications using special software. One-hundred-percent accuracy is key, so that our master clockmakers have access to detailed images of each and every part that goes into the making of our Ship’s Bell clocks.
Back in the day before CAD (computer-aided design), renderings of clock components and finished pieces were done by craftsmen who generated hundreds of scale drawings by hand, numbering each one in ink. Modern technology has expedited this process tremendously, while also ensuring greater precision and proper documentation for production — now and in the future.
Here’s an inside look at how all the pieces come together to create the spectacular (and timeless!) Ship’s Bell clock.
Computer rendering demonstrating how a Chelsea Ship’s Bell clock is assembled.
A hand rendering of the Ship’s Bell mechanism, circa 1900.
May 30, 2016 at 11:12 am
4.5″ Clock. How do I open the face?
November 30, 2016 at 8:07 am
Good post..
March 28, 2017 at 3:02 pm
Just a pat on the back for your service department. You serviced my 48 year old Chelsea Pilot in October, and since it’s return it has lost only 4 seconds in 5 months compared to the radio signal from Colorado. Kudos to you guys! We love our clock.
March 29, 2017 at 8:20 am
My favorite clock is always a Chelsea. I have four and need more…….
March 30, 2017 at 8:57 am
Nice info to have. I have 2 Chelsea clocks, one a fancy-schmancy bronzish mantle clock with a pair of brass dragons on it, and a striking works that slowed down considerably until it finally kept slowing every time I wound it until I finally gave up.
The other is a 6 inch (I think) brass clock that is not a striker, but can be mounted on a wall. It has been working of late, though I am not very careful about how often I wind it.
October 19, 2021 at 1:33 pm
I received a mounted ship’s bell clock as an award in 1988 and have since had it serviced at Chelsea’s service department twice. It’s a beautiful and reliable piece that we love to hear strike as part of our daily home life. I also brought home from Vietnam many years ago a mechanical radio room clock that was in our company HQ. It was gifted to me by the CO. It ran well for 40 years once at home. But just to restore it, I brought it back to Chelsea last year where the mechanism was overhauled, the dial re-plated in brass and completely renewed. It now looks new, runs flawlessly and is a very valued member of the family. I can’t say enough good things about the quality of Chelsea clocks and the outstanding service from the Service Department. Thanks to you all for now many decades of quality service.
October 19, 2021 at 7:20 pm
We have had a Chelsea Ship’s Bell clock since circa 1914. It has been part of the family life for four generations.
When I hear it strike oft times I remember my great uncle James who bequeathed it to my father.
I remember my Dad with whom I played catch when I was a boy and who taught me about life, courage, loyalty and perseverance.
I remember receiving the clock after my fathers passing. Where would I put it? What would be my family’s response to the half-hourly bells.
Finally, I think of my son, to whom I will gift the clock on my passing. I wonder if he will be delighted to have the bells in his life once more.
Owning a Chelsea clock is a commitment to the future and a window to the past.