Ship's Bell Key in Brass

Ship's Bell Key in Brass

$30.00
/

7 - 10 Business Days

This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

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.

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 cannot see it.

Watch Schedule

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 cannot see it.

Hear the Famous Ship's Bell Chime

 8 bells 12:00 4:00 8:00
1 bell 12:30 4:30 8:30
2 bells 1:00 5:00 9:00
3 bells 1:30 5:30 9:30
4 bells 2:00 6:00 10:00
5 bells 2:30 6:30 10:30
6 bells 3:00 7:00 11:00
7 bells 3:30 7:30 11:30

Like all mechanical clocks, the Ship's Bell requires regular winding to keep time. This brass nautical bell clock key is a direct replacement for the original key that comes with every Ship's Bell chronometer. It's handcrafted from the same solid brass as the clock case with a polished finish to help resist tarnishing. Simply insert the clock key into each keyhole and wind it fully. Our blog has more information on the winding process.

Order these Ship's Bell clock keys if your original is missing or you bought a used clock that didn't include a key. We can use our manufacturing logbook to confirm whether the timepiece you're shipping for is a genuine Ship's Bell. Since the design has not changed since it was patented in 1900, our replacement key will fit every Ship's Bell available whether it's the 4.5-inch, 6-inch or 8.5-inch size. We also offer a Ship's Bell clock winding key with a nickel finish (item #91272) if you have a nickel-plated timepiece.

Item: 01272

Like all mechanical clocks, the Ship's Bell requires regular winding to keep time. This brass nautical bell clock key is a direct replacement for the original key that comes with every Ship's Bell chronometer. It's handcrafted from the same solid brass as the clock case with a polished finish to help resist tarnishing. Simply insert the clock key into each keyhole and wind it fully. Our blog has more information on the winding process.

Order these Ship's Bell clock keys if your original is missing or you bought a used clock that didn't include a key. We can use our manufacturing logbook to confirm whether the timepiece you're shipping for is a genuine Ship's Bell. Since the design has not changed since it was patented in 1900, our replacement key will fit every Ship's Bell available whether it's the 4.5-inch, 6-inch or 8.5-inch size. We also offer a Ship's Bell clock winding key with a nickel finish (item #91272) if you have a nickel-plated timepiece.

Item: 01272
Warranty

Your Chelsea Clock is warranted against defects in material and workmanship for at least two (2) years* from the date of original purchase. Any defects or damage caused by misuse, accident, tampering or negligence of the user is not covered by this warranty. All implied warranties covering merchantability, fitness for particular purpose, or otherwise are limited in duration to two (2) years from the date of original purchase. The repair or replacement of any defect is the exclusive remedy under this warranty. In addition, the warrantor shall not, under any circumstances, be liable or responsible hereunder for consequential, incidental, indirect, or special damages. Please note that some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the foregoing limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights; you may also have other rights that vary from state to state.

In the event of any such defect, pack the instrument and return it to us via UPS, along with an explanation of the defect. We will repair or replace the instrument at our option and expense. Please take care when packing your item, we recommend that the instrument be double boxed when shipped due to the weight of the item and to ensure proper delivery.

*The Ship’s Bells Clocks and Barometers have a five (5) year warranty.

Product options

Ship's Bell Key in Nickel
$30.00

You may also like

world-renowned

Craftsmanship

The Chelsea Ship's Bell, and many other Chelsea's clocks and Barometers, are crafted from rugged forged brass cases which are then hand polished and lacquered to last generations.

Learn More >
Chelsea History

The Best Since 1896

Pair large text with an image to tell a story, explain a detail about your product, or describe a new promotion.

Learn More >

Customer Testimonials

★★★★★

"I just opened my father's brand new Chelsea boardroom clock and WOW! It is absolutely exquisite. The engraving is beautiful and the clock itself is a work of art."

Haley C.
★★★★★

"I was thrilled to discover that Chelsea Clock Company is still in business making and servicing their clocks for over 120 years. I was able to have my 1906 Ship’s Bell clock’s movement cleaned and a new coat of lacquer applied to the brass case. The craftsmanship is exemplary, suitable for something you’d expect to see on display in a museum collection."

Bill M.
★★★★★

"I recently ordered 2 clocks with engravings as leaving presents for 2 colleagues. The office was excellent in working with us in formatting the text to fit the clocks, and accommodating our short timeline. The clocks looked beautiful and loved by the recipients."

A.T.