WHERE STORIES ARE FORGED INTO HEIRLOOMS

CHELSEA CLOCK FOUNDRY

A private commission program dedicated to creating extraordinary maritime timepieces and instruments that can never be replicated.

Welcome to Chelsea Foundry.

A private commission program dedicated to creating extraordinary maritime timepieces and instruments that can never be replicated.

For nearly 130 years, Chelsea Clock has crafted instruments that measure time.

Through two World Wars. Across more than a century of U.S. Presidents. Aboard yachts, within historic homes, and alongside some of the country's most enduring institutions.

Now, for a select number of clients each year, we offer something more.

An opportunity to commission a one-of-one heirloom inspired by your story, your achievements, and your legacy.

A family business passed through generations. A historic home overlooking the harbor. A yacht that has crossed oceans. A distinguished military career. A life defined by achievement.

The objects we value most are those that preserve what matters.

Every Chelsea Foundry commission begins with a conversation. Together, we transform memories, milestones, materials, and personal history into an heirloom designed to endure for generations.

No two commissions are ever alike. Nor should they be.

Why Chelsea Foundry

Not every object is worthy of becoming an heirloom.

The foundation of every Chelsea Foundry commission begins with a timepiece already distinguished by history, craftsmanship, and American manufacturing excellence. For more than a century, Chelsea Clock has produced instruments built to last generations.

Each Chelsea Ship's Bell Clock begins as a forged brass case, not a stamped shell. The result is exceptional strength, weight, and permanence that can be felt the moment it is held.

Inside, every movement is hand-assembled by skilled craftsmen in our Massachusetts workshop and individually tested for weeks before earning its place within a finished instrument and leaving the workshop.

This unwavering commitment to precision and quality has established Chelsea Clock as a trusted supplier to American institutions, White House administrations, military leaders, yacht owners, and distinguished luxury brands including Tiffany & Co. and Ralph Lauren.

Chelsea Foundry builds upon this legacy. Together, we transform an already extraordinary object into something deeply personal — a one-of-one heirloom forged from American craftsmanship and your unique story.

The Foundry Process

Discovery Every commission begins with a private consultation. Our team works closely with each client to understand the people, places, achievements, and experiences that have shaped their story. Together, we identify the themes that will define the commission.

Design Inspired by your story, our craftsmen develop a bespoke concept unique to your commission. Custom elements may include family crests and insignias, historic coordinates, yacht silhouettes, military service tributes, personal mottos, archival imagery, significant dates, custom dial artwork, precious materials, and meaningful objects supplied by the client. Every detail is reviewed and refined collaboratively.

Craftsmanship Once approved, your commission enters production within our Massachusetts workshop. Throughout the process, you receive exclusive access to the journey through photographs, artisan notes, design updates, and progress documentation. You witness your heirloom taking shape.

Legacy Upon completion, every Foundry commission includes a Certificate of Authenticity, Commission Provenance Archive, Professional Photography, Design Documentation, and Lifetime Chelsea Service Support. The result is more than a clock. It is a permanent expression of a life, family, achievement, or legacy.

Every Commission is Built Upon:

Chelsea Ship's Bell clocks are manufactured using forged brass cases rather than stamped components, creating superior durability, weight, and permanence.

Each movement is individually assembled, regulated, and tested for weeks in Chelsea's Massachusetts workshop before shipment.

Chelsea clocks have served through two World Wars, appeared in offices of White House administrations for more than a century, and accompanied generations of military officers, sailors, explorers, artists, and collectors.

Chelsea has created products for distinguished American luxury brands including Tiffany & Co. and Ralph Lauren.

Authentically designed and assembled in Massachusetts since 1897.

Explore our Commission Categories

The Captain's Commission

Created to honor military service, maritime achievement, and leadership.

The Legacy Commission

Designed to preserve family history and celebrate generational milestones.

The Founder's Commission

Inspired by entrepreneurship, business achievement, and enduring leadership.

The Estate Commission

Created for historic homes, waterfront properties, and distinguished private collections.

The Yacht Commission

Designed specifically around a vessel, her voyages, and the people who sail her.

Foundry One

The highest expression of Chelsea craftsmanship. Created once. Never repeated. Reserved for only a select number of commissions each year.
Some stories have already begun

Restoration Through the Foundry

Chelsea Foundry accepts select historic Chelsea clocks and family heirlooms for restoration, preservation, and reimagining. Whether restoring a treasured instrument to its original condition or incorporating new elements that carry its story forward, every project receives the same attention to craftsmanship and historical integrity. Your heirlooms deserve another century.

The Gift of Experience

A Chelsea Foundry commission is a legacy gift in itself — but the discovery process, where someone's story is translated into a one-of-one design, can be just as meaningful to share. Commission a piece in someone's honor and give both: an heirloom to keep, and the experience of being asked, "tell us your story," for someone who values American craftsmanship, tradition, and a truly original gift.

Your Legacy, Forged.

Begin your Chelsea Foundry Commission and let your story become an heirloom. Commissions are accepted on a limited basis each year.

Request a Private Consultation