A Chelsea Ships Clock. "Marine." 6-inch dial ship's bell strike clock. 219110.
This marine clock with brass movement is die-stamped with the Maker's name and serial number 615493 on the backplate of the movement. As indicated by its serial number, Chelsea made this clock between 1955 and 1959. This example is in good condition and of excellent quality.
The case of this clock is brass, and it has been recently polished and protected with a lacquer finish. The case is quite heavy due to its quality. It measures approximately 7.5 inches in diameter across the back and is 3.5 inches deep. The threaded bezel is fitted with glass. The 6-inch diameter dial features a nickel finish that contrasts with the black graphics. The engraved time ring features Arabic hour numerals inside the segmented minute ring. The Maker's and model names are below the arbor to which the open-moon style hands mount. The Retailer's name, SOUTHWEST INSTRUMENT CO. / SAN PEDRO, is printed above the arbor.
The Southwest Instrument Company was located at 246 W. 7th Street in San Pedro, California. They specialized in Nautical Instruments Chronometer Repairing by Chronometer Maker. They sold watches, chart agents, and flags.
The Chelsea Clock Co. made high-quality movements designed to run for eight days once fully wound. The escapement features a balance wheel, which means that this clock will continue to run while being moved. As a result, these types of clocks were very popular in marine environments. The time is adjusted by manipulating the micrometer below the 9:30 position. The strike train is formatted on a ship's bell striking arrangement. This means it will strike the traditional ship's bell code - one bell for each half-hour on a four-hour watch. The watch starts at 12:00. At 12:30, this clock will strike once on a gong mounted inside the case. At 1:00, it will strike twice. This progression will continue until eight blows are struck at 4:00, and then the process starts over. This format is most often used in nautical situations. The gong's sound is lovely, with a deep, rich tone that is sure to please.
For additional information about the Chelsea Clock Company, please review Andy Demeter's book Chelsea Clock Company. The First Hundred Years. You are also encouraged to visit Jim Dyson's website, Chelsea Clock Museum.
This clock is sold fully serviced and in excellent working order. The movement has been completely disassembled and cleaned. Areas of wear are addressed while the movement is rebuilt. The movement is then lubricated and tested to ensure its performance.
Inventory number 219110.
The Chelsea Clock Company Board of Directors met for the first time on July 28, 1897. The Board consisted of Whipple N. Potter, Jr., President, Charles H. Pearson, Treasurer, Reginald Foster, Clerk and Secretary. Allen L. Shepherd served on the Board with the elected officers. This first group of individuals was not together long. The Chelsea firm persevered and has enjoyed a long run of success as a result of making clocks of superior manufacture. This company made many clocks. Some of which were in the style of the Willard timepiece or banjo clock, the E. Howard Model No., 70 and more famously, marine clocks. This company remains in business today.