Chelsea Clocks are recognized for their precision and accuracy in time and enduring product quality for years to come.
This distinctive, handcrafted timepiece signals the passing of time with gentle, rich-sounding chimes – eight bells at 4, 8 and 12 o’clock to mark the end of a mariner’s four-hour watch. It sounds one bell at the first half-hour after the top of the hour, plus one additional bell with each subsequent half-hour.
The "Shipstrike" Clock features:
- Choice of precision German-made, battery-powered quartz movement or mechanical (winding) movement w/hinged bezel
- Strikes traditional ship's bell code, each half-hour during a 4-hour ship's operational watch (duty period)
- 4 ˝” (quartz or mechanical) and 6” Dial (mechanical only) sizes (please make your selection above.)
- Brass finish only
- Choose from wall-mount (shown) or mantle/desk style w/wood base
Here is Chelsea Clock Company’s explanation of the Ship’s Bell chiming pattern:
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.
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
First Watch | 8:00 PM to 12:00 AM |
Mid-Watch (also Black Watch) | 12:00 AM to 4:00 AM |
Morning Watch | 4:00 AM to 8:00 AM |
Forenoon Watch | 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM |
Afternoon Watch | 12:00 PM to 4 PM |
Evening Watch | 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM |
Chelsea Clock Company (Boston, MA) is the oldest clock manufacturer in the U.S, with a lineage dating to 1884. Chelsea's clocks and barometers, featuring forged brass casings and precision internal movements, are prized by mariners and collectors alike. Their intrinsic quality caused the US Navy to rely on Chelsea clocks for their ships during World War II and since.