Founded in 1897, Chelsea Clock Company is one of the oldest and largest clock manufacturers in the United States. For over a century, the company has been designing and building some of the world’s most exquisite time machines.

Today, the company continues to manufacture and repair clocks at its corporate headquarters in Chelsea, Massachusetts. The Chelsea Clock Company of Boston, founded in 1897, is renowned for its maritime timepieces. The firm patented its ship’s bell clock in 1900, and the design and mechanism have changed little for over a century, see more at chelseaclock.com.

Lot #2007: Brass Cased Base & Ball Ship's Bell Mantel Clock by Chelsea Clock Co., limited edition #149 of 500 made to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the US Constitution, 8-day movement with key, instruction guides and service documents, with gold plated case engraved "1787 - Constitution of the United States - 1987" to lower front, silvered dial with black Arabic numerals, set on ball feet.

The ship’s bell clocks were originally developed for use on ships, where the bell strike system marked sailors’ watch intervals. However, the company soon offered deluxe desk and mantel versions for offices and homes, capitalizing on the nautical aesthetic, high accuracy and renowned engineering.

An iconic Chelsea Ship’s Bell Clock featuring solid brass construction, classic nautical styling, and precision 8-day mechanical movement. — *Lot #2045: Vintage 4.5” Dial Ship’s Bell Library Clock*

In the early 20th century, Chelsea produced a series of brass-cased 8-day ship’s bell clocks often nicknamed after naval ranks – for example, the Admiral, Commander, and Commodore models – denoting differences in size or style. The Library model is one of the most sought after of the Chelsea clocks. The symmetry of the clock case with the sharp-edged bezel and back flange centered on the base makes this one of the most elegant of the Chelsea desk clock designs.

Early 20th Century Advertisement for the “Chelsea” 3-day High-Grade Library Clock

These clocks were luxury items of their day, and they were frequently retailed by high-end jewelers and stores like Tiffany & Co. or Shreve, Crump & Low, sometimes bearing the retailer’s name on the dial. Chelsea Clock Co. also made clocks for the military, and there examples of some dials marked “U.S. Coast Guard” or sold to shipbuilders, adding to their historical interest and military associations.

Throughout the 1900s, Chelsea’s ship’s bell clocks earned a reputation for accuracy and reliability, and their movements were finely tuned (the company even developed an 11-jewel escapement accurate to within seconds per day in the 12E movement). In short, this style of clock embodies both nautical heritage and New England craftsmanship, with typical features (heavy brass case, silvered dial, ship’s bell strike) that have remained consistent from antique examples to those still produced today.

With several on offer during our upcoming Summer Splendor Auction another exquisite example is a brass desk clock (8-day movement with ship’s bell strike) featuring a sold brass case with a hinged bezel, housing a high-quality mechanical movement. The dial is silvered with raised Arabic numerals and paired with ornately pierced “serpentine” hands, giving an elegant and readable display.

The clock is set on a pedestal base with four ball feet, a distinctive design often called the “base-and-ball” style. These clocks were sold with a winding key and accompanied by instruction booklets on operation and care.

In operation, the clock’s 8-day spring-driven movement keeps time accurately while a separate strike mechanism sounds the charming ship’s bell code—one bell for each half-hour of a four-hour watch. The build quality is exceptional, with a vintage patina of the aged brass. Chelsea’s ship’s bell clocks use heavy forged brass cases that age with distinction, and the housed jeweled lever escapement (traditionally an 11-jewel platform) reflect the company’s reputation for precision.

Evoking the golden age of maritime craftsmanship, this exquisite vintage clock commands attention with its hand-silvered dial, patina brass finish, and the unmistakable resonance of its ship’s bell chime. It’s more than a timepiece—it’s a statement of sophistication, military history, and timeless appeal.

⏳ Time is ticking—secure your spot and register today before this classic sails away!

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