Pictures

Schatz Royal Mariner Ships Bells clock, circa 1970

This is a vintage Schatz Royal Mariner 8-day brass "ship's bells" clock, probably from the 1970s. The Royal Mariner is essentially the same as the other Schatz ships bells clocks here on my website except that it has a jeweled platform escapement in place of the simple lever escapement found in less expensive clocks. Of course the gearing in the upper train is different to accommodate higher beat rate of the platform escapement. My customer had attempted to clean and repair the mechanical movement and was not successful and installed a quartz movement and hands which is evident in the first photograph. The movement only was sent to me for evaluation and possible repair. The platform escapement, although very over oiled was in excellent condition but the rest of the movement had considerable wear and required a number of bushings. The movement is now running like new and keeping good time and will be returned to its original case.

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.



Not for sale
(returned to owner after service)

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