Spend a Day Inside America's Iconic Clock Factory
MASTERCLASS
Step behind the scenes at Chelsea Clock for an exclusive one-day experience — learn from master clockmakers, and help build the clock you'll take home.
For nearly 130 years, Chelsea Clock has produced precision timepieces trusted by mariners, military leaders, collectors, and institutions across the country. Now, for the first time, select guests can experience the craftsmanship behind the clock firsthand.
During this immersive one-day program, you will receive private factory access, meet Chelsea Clock craftsmen, learn the fundamentals of clockmaking, and participate in the build and personalization of your own Chelsea Clock (Square Desk Alarm).
Private welcome and VIP factory access
Guided historical exhibit and heritage presentation
Behind-the-scenes factory tour
Time with Chelsea Clock master clockmakers
Hands-on production and assembly participation
Introduction to clockmaking, calibration, and craftsmanship
Personalized engraving options
Final inspection and certificate of authenticity
Access to factory-exclusive products and limited editions
This is not a standard tour. It is a private, hands-on experience built around access, craftsmanship, heritage, and personal connection.
Guests leave with more than a finished clock. They leave with a timepiece they helped create, a deeper appreciation for Chelsea Clock's legacy, and a story that can be passed down for generations.
Duration: One full day (8 hours)
Location: Chelsea Clock factory
Availability: Limited sessions by inquiry
Group Size: Small private groups
Ideal For: Individuals, couples, families, collectors, and corporate groups
VIP Check-In Guests are welcomed by a Chelsea Clock host and receive:
Welcome refreshments: coffee, pastries, and local/New England food for out-of-town guests.
Executive Welcome Presentation by Chelsea Clock leadership covering:
"Nearly 130 Years of Keeping Time" Private guided tour featuring:
Topics covered: origins of Chelsea Clock, role in maritime navigation, military history, evolution of precision clockmaking.
Interactive elements: handle select historical components, examine antique movements, compare historical and modern designs.
Manufacturing Floor Access Tour includes: brass machining, component fabrication, assembly operations, quality inspection, finishing processes, restoration work.
Meet the Craftsmen Introductions to master clockmakers, restoration specialists, assembly technicians, and long-tenured employees.
Discussion topics: traditional manufacturing methods, tooling and equipment, quality standards, preservation of craft knowledge.
Understanding Timekeeping, led by a master clockmaker. Topics include: quartz and mechanical clock anatomy, gear trains, escapements, movement design, precision adjustment, maritime clock requirements.
Hands-on demonstrations: movement disassembly, regulation techniques, calibration procedures.
Participants gain foundational horological knowledge before beginning assembly.
VIP Heritage Luncheon, catered lunch. Topics include: significant restoration projects, historic commissions, rare clocks, lessons learned from generations of clockmaking. Guests have time for questions and discussion.
Participants move to dedicated workstations. Each guest receives a square desk alarm kit: clock case, quartz movement assembly, dial, and hands.
Under supervision, participants install the movement, fit the dial, install the hands, assemble components, test operation, and learn calibration techniques.
Time is left for custom engraving and boxing. Participants personalize their clocks with a name, date, yacht name, military service, company logo, or family dedication. Optional premium upgrades include custom plaques, special edition dials, and limited production numbering.
Final Inspection: the master clockmaker conducts operational testing, timekeeping verification, and quality review.
The clock receives a Builder Certificate, Factory Authentication, Builder Registry Entry, and personalized serial number documentation.
Guests gain access to products unavailable through retail channels, including new-release clocks at a discount.
Following testing, each participant receives their completed Chelsea Clock, a Certificate of Completion, Builder Registry Membership, and a commemorative photograph — plus a group photograph with the craftsmen.
Image: Square Desk Alarm clock (the build model), plus factory/craftsmanship images for the tour sections.
Following testing, each participant receives their completed Chelsea Clock, a Certificate of Completion, Builder Registry Membership, and a commemorative photograph — plus a group photograph with the craftsmen.
Image: Square Desk Alarm clock (the build model), plus factory/craftsmanship images for the tour sections.
Few days are made to remember, this is sure to be one of them. This experience is offered in limited numbers, by inquiry. Tell us a bit about yourself, and a member of our team will follow up with available dates and details.
