Nautical clocks, especial those made by Howard Miller, Seth Thomas or Weems and Plath are especially sought after antique nautical collectible clocks. Many are solid brass and include multiple dials. Some have separate faces mounted on one base, and the functions include barometers and thermometers mostly.

Old maritime clocks are also popular in home décor and are often featured on decorating shows. If you’re thinking of adding a nautical clock to your collection, look on eBay for the cheapest prices.

One clock making firm that has long been trusted for the manufacture of very attractive and high functioning nautical timepieces is the Chelsea Clock Company. Since 1897, Chelsea Clock has grown to be one of the oldest and biggest American clock making companies. In fact it is one of the few companies that still manufactures clocks in the United States period. Chelsea’s clocks are considered the gold standard of timepieces by many esteemed institutions including the White House and the US Navy.

The beginnings of Chelsea Clock arise from the great tradition of Northeast clock making workshops. This was a period in the history of the clock making industry that was marked with turbulence, change, exploration, and risk that mirrored those same aspects in the US itself. In 1842, an apprentice of the nephew of the famed Simon Willard, named Edward Howard formed a small clock workshop named the E. Howard Clock Company. Howard’s apprentice Joseph Eastman, in turn when on to open his own firm called the Eastman Clock Company. This shop, while it creating some inventive timepieces, went bankrupt after trying to expand into a new factory too quickly. Luckily that factory was purchased by a consortium of businessmen and became the Chelsea Clock Company.

After a period of experimentation into different product lines, the company flourished under the guidance of Charles Pearson who as one if it’s original founders. Chelsea Clock’s reputation grew to such an extent that it went on to become the clock supplier of choice for such august corporations as Rolls Royce, Packard, and Studebaker. The real coup came in the early 1900’s when the US Navy began ordering large shipments of nautical clocks for its fleets and the US Treasury ordered 100 clocks for it’s offices nationwide.

Chelsea Clock’s fame and fortune continued to grow throughout the 20th century and it garnered many major nautical and marine customers. The company has changed ownership several times in recent decades, but the quality and accuracy of these timepieces has not flagged. Chelsea clocks have been owned and loved by presidents, dignitaries, and admirals for generations, and its early models are prized precious antiques to collectors worldwide. Despite modern navigation and GPS technology, thousands of yachts and luxury ships continue to carry and rely on an onboard Chelsea clock in ports and harbors around the globe.

Nautical clocks, also known as marine or maritime clocks, are specialized timepieces designed for use on ships and in coastal environments. They are built to withstand the harsh conditions at sea and often include features that are particularly useful for navigation and maritime activities. Here’s an overview of nautical clocks:

Types of Nautical Clocks

Marine Chronometers: Highly accurate mechanical timepieces used historically for determining longitude at sea. They are housed in gimbaled boxes to remain level despite the ship's motion.
Ship’s Bell Clocks: These clocks follow a unique chiming system based on the ship's watch system, marking the passage of time in half-hour increments over a four-hour watch period.
Barometers/Weather Clocks: Often combined with barometers to measure atmospheric pressure, helping predict weather changes.
Tide Clocks: Designed to indicate the state of the tide in a particular location, useful for navigation and coastal activities.
Pilot Clocks: Similar to marine chronometers but used by marine pilots for shorter-term navigation tasks.

Antique Nautical Clock Key Features

Durability and Weather Resistance: Constructed with materials resistant to corrosion from saltwater, such as brass, stainless steel, and glass. Precision: High level of accuracy is crucial, especially for marine chronometers.
Shock Absorption: Designed to handle the vibrations and movements of a ship. Visibility: Clear, easy-to-read dials, often with luminous hands and markers for readability in low-light conditions.
Gimbaled Mounts: Allows the clock to remain level despite the rocking of the ship.

Nautical Clock Mechanisms

Mechanical: Many traditional nautical clocks are mechanical, requiring winding and periodic maintenance.
Quartz: Modern nautical clocks often use quartz movements for increased accuracy and reduced maintenance.
Battery-Operated: Some contemporary models are powered by batteries, combining reliability with ease of use.

Antique Nautical Clock Design Styles

Traditional/Antique: Often featuring brass or wood finishes, reminiscent of classic maritime instruments.
Modern/Functional: Sleek, durable designs that prioritize functionality and ease of use.
Decorative/Thematic: Styled with nautical themes, such as ship wheels, anchors, and maritime symbols, often used in coastal home decor.

Vintage Nautical Clock Applications

Navigation: Essential for determining the ship's position and maintaining course.
Timekeeping: Keeps accurate time for ship operations and crew rotations.
Weather Monitoring: Combined with barometers to help predict weather conditions at sea.
Tide Tracking: Indicates tidal changes, crucial for navigation in shallow waters and for docking operations.
Decorative Use: Popular in nautical-themed homes, offices, and establishments like seafood restaurants and yacht clubs.

Nautical Clocks Maintenance

Regular Cleaning: Keep the clock clean and free of salt buildup.
Winding: Mechanical nautical clocks require regular winding.
Battery Replacement: For quartz and battery-operated clocks, change batteries as needed.
Professional Servicing: Mechanical clocks may need periodic servicing by a professional to maintain accuracy and functionality.

Notable Nautical Clocks Brands

Chelsea Clock Company: Known for high-quality ship’s bell clocks and marine chronometers.
Weems & Plath: Offers a range of nautical instruments, including clocks and barometers.
Seth Thomas: Historic brand renowned for its ship’s bell clocks.
Hamilton: Notable for their marine chronometers during the mid-20th century.
Nautical clocks blend precision engineering with robust design, catering to the unique demands of maritime environments. They continue to be valued for both their functionality and their aesthetic appeal, capturing the timeless allure of the sea.