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Ship clocks that brave the ocean

Ship's clocks: from a showpiece on board to an eye-catcher at home. A ship's clock is one of those objects that transforms a space. On a cabin bulkhead, it's naturally at home; above a home mantelpiece, it tells something about the occupant. We offer them in brass, chrome-plated brass, and stainless steel, materials that can withstand salty air and become more beautiful over the years instead of showing wear.

Mechanical or quartz? A mechanical movement needs winding every eight days. For many, that's precisely its charm: it's an action, not a device, and a good mechanical movement lasts for generations. Quartz runs on a battery, is more accurate, and demands nothing from you. Both are good choices; the difference lies in what you want from a clock.

What is a bell-striking clock? On board, time is traditionally indicated by bells: one strike every half hour, up to eight bells at the end of the watch. A bell-striking clock still does that. Nice if you love tradition, but remember that it also strikes at night, which is usually not a good idea for a bedroom. Some models therefore have a night mode.

What size? Ship's clocks are measured by dial diameter, usually in inches. Three to four inches is compact and fits well in a cabin. Four and a half to six inches can be read from a distance and has more presence on a wall at home. Measure your available space before choosing; a six-inch clock is larger than it appears in a photo.

Tide clocks do something different: they don't follow time but the tide, and show at a glance whether it's high or low tide. Practical if you sail in tidal areas, and a great conversation starter if you don't. From classic porthole models to sleek, modern designs, there's always one that fits.

If you can't decide, call or email us. And check parts & service for batteries, keys, and hanging rings, also for older clocks. Combine with a barometer or a complete weather station; as a set on the wall, they have more presence than individually.

Frequently asked questions

Ten tips for choosing your perfect ship's clock

Want to keep time on board in style? Follow these handy tips for finding the ideal ship's clock, suited to your needs and space.

1. Location is key.
Measure the space where the clock will go, and check if there's room for extra gadgets like a barometer or weather station.

2. Pay attention to the diameter.
Clock sizes range from 72 mm to 270 mm – choose the size that fits your space.

3. Size of the dial.
A larger dial makes the clock easier to read, so choose a size that suits you. This also depends on the available space in your cabin or living room. And consider carefully whether you want to hang a matching nautical instrument next to it.

4. Functionality.
Do you just want the time, or also extras like tides, a silent clock, or one with a ship's bell?

5. Choose your scale.
Arabic or Roman numerals, or a unique dial like the Corum flags from the Wempe Regatta series.

6. Quartz or mechanical movement?
Quartz is convenient with a battery, while mechanical clocks are hand-wound – a classic for craftsmanship!

7. Your style.
Porthole, closed clock, or a sporty limited edition? White or black dial? Case color? Choose what best complements your boat or maritime style. It's a durable choice, so it should be worth the investment.

8. Material and weight.
Brass, stainless steel, aluminum, or even carbon fiber – the material not only determines the look but also the weight.

A ship's clock is an essential timekeeping instrument on board, not only for keeping track of time but also for navigation and tides. It helps you calculate arrival times and manage watch schedules on board. Additionally, a ship's clock is a stylish part of your vessel, clearly visible from different angles. Usually made of brass, chrome-plated brass, or stainless steel, these materials are resistant to corrosion and the damp conditions at sea.

Marine clocks are specially designed for the maritime environment, making them robust and resistant to sea conditions, such as shocks. They feature a nautical design, such as a classic ship's style or a mechanical winding system. In addition, marine clocks offer functions such as tide or dual time zones, which are usually not found in ordinary clocks. Ordinary clocks are more often designed for use in the home or office and are less resistant to the harsh conditions at sea. The main differences therefore lie in the materials, design, and functionality.

Some ship clocks come with screws so that the clock can be hung directly in the pre-drilled holes. Other brands offer a convenient hanging system with a wall plate: first attach the wall mount with screws, and then simply hang the ship clock over it. This system makes adjusting the time, such as for time zones, tides, or daylight saving time, much easier.

There are different types of movements, two of which we offer at Studio Maritime. A mechanical movement, which works on a winding system. Typical for classic ship clocks and traditional clocks. Requires manual winding, usually every 7-8 days. And a quartz movement, which requires batteries, is very accurate and requires little maintenance.

A ship's bell clock is a traditional ship's clock with a ship's bell. The bells of this ship's clock follow the traditional schedule of ship's watches, which last four hours and are divided into eight
half-hour increments. Each half-hour is indicated by one additional bell, increasing from one bell
after the first half-hour to eight bells after four hours, thus ending the watch. In this way,
crew members can tell from the number of bells how far their watch has progressed
without having to look at a clock, as four bells, for example,
means two hours after the start of a watch. A ship's bell clock is available with a mechanical (with winding key) or quartz movement (battery-powered).

A tide clock follows the lunar cycle and shows the time of high or low tide. The hand at the top indicates high tide. The
hand at the bottom indicates low tide. The hand moves continuously, so you can see
whether the water is rising or falling.

The unique radio room ship's clock, with its iconic green and red silent sectors, takes you back to the era of early maritime radio and telegraphy communication. The clock has coloured sectors indicating when Morse code (red sectors) or radio telegraphy (green sectors) is active. It was used to synchronize communication times so that radio operators knew when to listen or transmit. Today, the ship's clock with silent sectors, also known as a radio room clock, is a valuable collector's item for enthusiasts of maritime history. A unique tribute to early maritime technology, earning it a valuable place in your collection.