Original Listing Description

Chelsea Antique Ships Bell Clock COMMANDER EDITION - 1918RARE CHELSEA COMMANDER MODEL ‘SHIPS BELL’ CLOCK ALSO KNOWN AS ‘MAHOGANY AND METAL, 6 INCH DIAL.THIS 1918 RED BRASS CASE WITH HINGED BEZEL IS 105 YEARS OLD and in excellent condition. THIS CHELSEA COMMANDER SHIPS BELL CLOCK HAS A 7 1/2 INCH HINGED BEZEL ELEGANTLY PRESENTED ON A RED BRASS AND MAHOGANY MOUNT. THE CLOCK WEIGHS OVER 12 LBS and MAKES A STUNNING NAUTICAL PRESENTATION. THE CLOCK IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION AND ORIGINAL. THE CHELSEA CLOCK COMPANY HAS BEEN IN BUSINESS FOR OVER 120 YEARS, AND IS KNOWN AS THE PREMIER SHIPS CLOCK MANUFACTURER IN THE WORLD.IT IS RARE TO FIND AN ANTIQUE 105 YEAR OLD COMMANDER SHIPS BELL CLOCK IN THIS CONDITION OUTFITTED WITH THE FINEST AMERICAN-MADE RACK AND SNAIL STRIKE 8-DAY MOVEMENT, READY FOR A LONG AND HEALTHY LIFE. CHELSEA MADE THESE MODELS FROM 1904 to 1937.THIS MODEL IS DIFFICULT TO FIND. THE GLASS IN THE BEZEL IS ORIGINAL AND IN EXCELLENT CONDITION CONTACT ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS. DISPLAY IN ANY SETTING. THIS CLOCK IS SURE TO PLEASE.ON THE DIAL THE TIME MAINSPRING WINDING ARBOR IS LOCATED AT THE NUMERAL 4 AND THE STRIKE MAINSPRING WINDING ARBOR IS AT THE NUMERAL 8. AT THE 12 IS THE SPEED ADJUSTMENT LEVER.CORRECT WINDING KEY IS PROVIDED. THE SHIPS BELL STRIKE SEQUENCE IS AS FOLLOWS, INCLUDING A BRIEF HISTORY. 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. The day is thus 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. 1 First Watch 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. 2 Mid-Watch (also Black Watch) 12:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. 3 Morning Watch 4:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. 4 Forenoon Watch 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 5 Afternoon Watch 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 6 Evening Watch 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.The watch officer struck the ship's bell every half hour to apprise the crew of the time. A single bell denoted the end of the first half hour and one bell was added each half-hour. Eight bells therefore signaled the end of each four-hour watch. Like centuries of seafarers, you'll soon know the time when the clock chimes, even if you cannot see it.Starting in 1915, all U.S. Merchant vessels over 100 gross tons have, by law, divided the crew into three watches, working four hours on and eight hours off, and turning the dog watches into one evening watch. (Condition: Refurbished)

Note: This item has been sold and is no longer available. This page serves as a historical price reference for clocks collectors and appraisers.