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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Ship's bell desk clock

Chelsea Clock Company 'Mariner' Yacht Wheel Ship's Bell Clock

Partially verified

This nautical desk clock, identified by the source as the 'Mariner' model by Chelsea Clock Company of Boston, Massachusetts, dates to circa 1953. Constructed in the form of a ship's steering wheel with eight turned brass spokes, the case is mounted onto a wood base with polished metal trim. The silvered dial features black Arabic numerals, spade hands, a slow/fast regulation slot beneath the 10 o'clock mark, dual winding arbors, and the marking 'CHELSEA SHIP'S BELL'. The seller reports an 8-day jeweled movement striking ship's bells on a tuned gong.

Front view of Chelsea Mariner yacht wheel ship's bell clock on wood base
Front view of Chelsea Mariner yacht wheel ship's bell clock on wood base — Renaissance Antiques. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.renaissanceantiques.com
Category
Clock · Ship's bell desk clock
Maker / attribution
Chelsea Clock Company
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
ROSA 387 P
Source-reported date
Circa 1953
Country
United States

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Identity and Model Form

The desk clock is identified by the source as the 'Mariner' yacht wheel ship's clock produced by the Chelsea Clock Company of Boston, Massachusetts. The source dates the piece to circa 1953, noting production in the early 1950s.

Visual observation shows a maritime ship's helm format, with eight turned brass spokes radiating outward from the bezel to form the yacht wheel. The clock mechanism and helm are supported by a shaped brass stanchion mounted on a stepped dark wooden plinth.

Evidence for this section
  • “This exquisite timepiece, known as the Mariner, was produced by the Chelsea Clock Company of Boston, Massachusetts in the early 1950s.”
  • “Eight turned brass spokes radiate outward from the bezel to form a yacht wheel.”
  • “The clock mechanism and helm are supported by a shaped brass stanchion on a stepped dark wooden plinth.”

Dial and Exterior Display

The clock features a silvered dial described by the source as having engraved and enameled Arabic numerals and spade hands. Observation confirms the dial reads 'CHELSEA SHIP'S BELL' in black lettering positioned above 6 o'clock.

Two winding arbors with brass grommets sit at approximately 3:45 and 7:15 on the dial. In addition, an arched horizontal slow/fast regulation index marked 'S' and 'F' is visible directly below 10 o'clock.

Evidence for this section
  • “the time displays on a silvered dial with engraved and enameled Arabic numerals and spade hands.”
  • “The dial reads 'CHELSEA SHIP'S BELL' in black lettering above 6 o'clock.”
  • “Two winding arbors with brass grommets sit at approximately 3:45 and 7:15 on the dial.”
  • “A horizontal slow/fast regulation index marked 'S' and 'F' is located below 10 o'clock.”

Mechanism and Material Contradiction

The seller describes the internal movement as an 8-day jeweled movement striking ship's bells on a tuned gong. The internal components, serial number, and movement state are not visible in the provided photographs and remain unexamined directly.

The source text exhibits an internal contradiction regarding case material: the narrative section states the case is 'drop forged brass', while the summary listing specifies 'Drop Forged Steel on Wood Base and Back'.

Evidence for this section
  • “A jeweled 8-day movement features ship’s bell striking on a tuned gong”
  • “Hand crafted with a case of drop forged brass and mounted onto a wood base and back.”
  • “Drop Forged Steel on Wood Base and Back”

Open research questions

  • What movement serial number is stamped on the rear movement plates to confirm the circa 1953 manufacturing date via Chelsea records?
  • Does physical inspection resolve whether the forged metal case is brass or steel as inconsistently claimed by the seller listing?
  • What specific wood species was used for the base and back plate?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Chelsea Clock Company 'Mariner' Yacht Wheel Ship's Bell Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
ModelMariner“This exquisite timepiece, known as the Mariner, was produced by the Chelsea Clock Company”
MakerChelsea Clock Company“produced by the Chelsea Clock Company of Boston, Massachusetts”
DateCirca 1953“Circa 1953”
Movement8-day jeweled movement with ship's bell strike“A jeweled 8-day movement features ship’s bell striking on a tuned gong”
Dimensions10 1/2″H x 8 3/4″W x 4 1/2″D“10 1/2″H x 8 3/4″W x 4 1/2″D”
SKUROSA 387 P“SKU: ROSA 387 P”
Seller Restored StatusReported restored with a one-year warranty“bears a full restoration and a one year warranty”

Visible details

  • Eight turned brass spokes radiate outward from the bezel to form a yacht wheel.
  • A horizontal slow/fast regulation index marked 'S' and 'F' is located below 10 o'clock.
  • Two winding arbors with brass grommets sit at approximately 3:45 and 7:15 on the dial.
  • The dial reads 'CHELSEA SHIP'S BELL' in black lettering above 6 o'clock.
  • The clock mechanism and helm are supported by a shaped brass stanchion on a stepped dark wooden plinth.

Research qualifications

  • The movement and interior components are unexamined as no movement photograph is provided.
  • The source text contains an internal inconsistency regarding case material, noting 'drop forged brass' in the prose description and 'Drop Forged Steel' in the item summary bullet points.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

American Chelsea Yacht Wheel Ships Clock - Renaissance Antiques

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 153968492d

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

Other ship's bell desk clock records