Pictures

Schatz "Ship's Bells" Clock, circa 1958

This is a vintage Schatz 8-day brass "ship's bells" clock. The original owner recalls getting the clock around 1958, which I believe is the period from which this clock comes. I received the clock in January 2008 from the owner. The clock sounds the "bells" using two hammers and a large brass bell, which is quite loud. The movement is typical of later twentieth century German movements and runs well. The pictures show the clock before restoration, and after partial restoration. Restoration has since been completed.. It was in pretty rough condition when received, The brass case was heavily corroded and there are some stress cracks where the brass was formed.

The clock strikes the "ship's watch" rather than the hour of the day. For those who may be unfamiliar, Onboard ship the 12-hour day is basically divided into three 4-hour watches which start and end at 12:00, 4:00, and 8:00 O'clock. The bells are sounded every half-hour, with with one bell being added until 8 bells are sounded at the end of the watch, then the process starts over again. The clock never sounds more than 8 bells, and the bells are sounded in pairs on the hours plus a half-pair (single bell) on the half-hour. 1:00 O'Clock would be 2 bells "ding-ding" marking two half-hours into the watch that began at noon. 2:30 O'Clock would be sounded, "ding-ding......ding-ding......ding", or 5 bells marking two hours plus one half-hour (or five half-hours if you like) into the watch.


Greenfield Clock Shop does not service Schatz ships bells clocks


Not for sale at this time

The information on this page is believed to the writer to be correct at the date of posting but is presented with no guarantee expressed or implied. Pictures were a true representation of this clock at the time of posting but may not be current. Please contact me if you believe that any of the above information is incorrect, or if you wish to share additional information, or discuss this clock.

Unless otherwise credited, the pictures and information on this page are the property of Robert H Croswell & Greenfield Clock shop, 4180 Main Street, Trappe, MD 21673 and may not be sold or used for commercial purposes without permission. © 2016
email:  bobby@greenfieldclockshop.com