Chelsea Clock Company, Chelsea (Boston), Mass. The Pilot House circa 1917. Non-magnetic, 11 jeweled movement. Chelsea clock. 218027.
This is a difficult model to find. It is an interesting clock in that the second hand and its' display are larger than those considered "Marine" clocks. This display is also located under the center, as the more common display presentation is to have the seconds displayed above the center of the dial. This orientation also means that the plates of the movement are rectangular as opposed to the common "Marine" version, which is round. The front plate of the movement is die-stamped with the Maker's name and the serial number 113232. This movement is also jeweled in 11 positions. It has a compensated balance and a non-magnetic hairspring. These movements are of very good quality. The heavy brass case has been recently polished and is treated with a protective lacquer finish. The access to the silvered dial is through the threaded bezel. The back of the case is die-stamped with serial number 113232. This number matches the number on the movement.
The approximate dimensions are as follows: The dial plate diameter is 6 inches. The front bezel measures approximately 7 & 3/8ths inches in diameter. The rear flange is 7 & 5/8 inches in diameter. The depth is 2.5 inches.
Inventory number 218142.
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.
