Chelsea 12-inch Dial Marine Clock. Time only. 226055.
Chelsea's “Marine” clock was a very popular model and was used extensively by the U.S. Navy. This example features a 12-inch-diameter dial and is therefore a very difficult timepiece to find due to very low production numbers. The smaller dial diameters were made in significant quantities. This example features the plain silvered dial with painted Arabic hour numerals. It is a timepiece, a non-striking clock, and is designed to run 8 days on a full wind. The serial number 125448 is die-stamped on the movement, indicating that it was produced between 1924 and 1929. This model was listed in the 1911 catalog and was originally priced at $48.
The yellow brass case has been polished, and the finish is protected with lacquer. The color is excellent due to a patina that has developed over the last 30 years.
The Chelsea-made movement, a testament to excellent craftsmanship, is spring-wound and designed to run for eight days. This is a timepiece you can rely on. The escapement features a balance wheel, allowing the clock to be used in unstable environments. As a result, it will continue to run while being moved. The plates of this movement are rectangular in shape. The back plate is die-stamped with the company information. "Chelsea Clock Co. / Boston, U.S.A." and serial number 165448.
The 12-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. Open-moon hands display the time. Above the center arbor is a subsidiary seconds display. Here it is signed “Chelsea.” It is signed by the Reatiler, “Grogan Company / Pittsburgh” below the wing arbor. The Grogan Company (formerly Grogan Jewelry Company) was Pittsburgh’s premier jeweler and silversmith from the late 19th century through the 1930s. Known for selling high-end jewelry, luxury timepieces, and imported European silver, they operated from a historic building on the corner of Sixth Avenue and Wood Street in downtown Pittsburgh.
The large case measures approximately 14.5 inches in diameter across the back and is 3.5 inches deep.
This clock is sold fully serviced and in excellent working order. The movement has been completely disassembled and cleaned. Areas of wear are addressed during the movement rebuild. The movement is then lubricated and tested to ensure its performance.
Inventory number 226055.
For a comprehensive understanding of Chelsea Clocks and the Company, we recommend visiting Jim Dyson's website at: http://www.chelseaclockmuseum.com.
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.
