Accessories : Thos. Moser

Two of New England’s most renowned companies have joined hands to marry the finest in clock making and woodworking to produce a stunning timepiece ensemble.

Chelsea Clock enlisted Tom Moser to design and craft a distinctive base for its venerable 8-1/2" Ship’s Bell Clock. Made exclusively for Chelsea, the base is hand carved from solid cherry and hand rubbed to a pristine finish.

Elegant, modern and graceful lines accentuate the natural beauty of the wood, and serve as the perfect minimalist companion for the grand scale of an 8-1/2" Chelsea Clock. Each base is sold with a custom engraved solid brass plaque marking its authenticity, and shipped directly from Chelsea in their keepsake blue box (shipping charge will be based on delivery address).

About Chelsea Clock
Founded in 1897, Chelsea Clock Company is one of the oldest, and largest clock manufacturers in the United States. For over a century, Chelsea's craftsmen have been designing and meticulously building some of the world's most exquisite time machines. Today, the company continues to manufacture and repair clocks at its original corporate headquarters in Chelsea, Massachusetts.

Ship's Bell Story
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.

First Watch: 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Mid-Watch (also Black Watch): 12:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m.
Morning Watch: 4:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.
Forenoon Watch: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Afternoon Watch: 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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 can't see it.

To hear the chime, visit Chelsea's website (click on the "HEAR THE CHIME" button).