Looking for Ships Clock suggestions

I have an empty hole to fill above the lower helm.

It's roughly a 5" diameter holes. I assume is was for either a ships clock or barometer.

I would like to fill the hole with something that looks nice.

Looking for suggestions and if anyone has a clock or barometer to sell that might fit.

I'm sort of thinking a vintage hand wind clock.

Does anyone have a nice one for sale?
I don't want to spend a fortune. (I would like to keep it under $300) Something that needs a little restoration would be o.k. and make it a fun project!

I have owned several Chelsea matching Ship Strike clocks and barometers over the years, no thanks burglars. www.chelseaclock.com They look great, come polished and lacquered for seaside durability. I like the clock striking the nautical hours. My present one has a quartz movement using a plastic works from Germany, has worked for at least 10 years, quite accurate, but not perhaps worth the money. It seems discontinued now. Earlier hand wound models were not as accurate, particularly noticeable when the chime is not precise.

In checking these out for you I was surprised to see the prices have increased astronomically from my long ago purchases. Chelsea's cases are beautiful and do qualify as an heirloom. I would look for one used. Their matching barometers are also beautiful but have not performed at all well for me. And, unlike a clock, these are not right twice a day. I was reminded of their repair services so may send mine in again for another try.

Chelsea. It's not even a close comparison, they last forever and almost never break. Everything else out there is 50% the quality for not that much less on the price.

Don’t buy Weems and Plath, cheap Chinese movement and crappy customer service when it fails.

No clock. Just build a small box behind it, frame the opening and place an engraved sign above it that says DONATIONS. It will never break and will never need to be emptied.

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Originally Posted by bostonhatteras

No clock. Just build a small box behind it, frame the opening and place an engraved sign above it that says DONATIONS. It will never break and will never need to be emptied.

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Made my day. Lol

I have a 1970's Seth Thomas. It still works great. My dad bought it in 1975 when he purchased a new 36' Gulfstar Trawler. He had it on every boat thereafter and I got it when he passed and its now on my boat.

We had Chelsea's as well. Eventually they had to be buffed out and polished but we enjoyed the ship's strike.
It could possibly be mounted through the whole from the back after pulling the front/hinge off and replacing after installation. Either that or spring for the larger one to cover the hole.

Chelsea Clock Ship's Bell Clocks and Barometers

My Seth Thomas during one of the last hurricanes here hitting the bottom of the glass

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Originally Posted by bostonhatteras

No clock. Just build a small box behind it, frame the opening and place an engraved sign above it that says DONATIONS. It will never break and will never need to be emptied.

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LOL true story!

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Originally Posted by rsmith

My Seth Thomas during one of the last hurricanes here hitting the bottom of the glass

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Wow I guess that area should be marked "If you are reading this you should not be on the boat" or just "Hurricane - Run" !

o.k. I think I found one on ebay, It wasn't a Chelsea like I had hoped but it was a nice brass heavy porthole style with a quartz movement. It will need a good polishing. For $50 I can live with it not being the best brand. I kind of wanted a wind up style just to make it more of an antique, but that's o.k. because I probably wouldn't wind it and would just get annoyed!

I will keep an eye out for a wind up one at a good price. For now her hole will be filled.

Thanks for all the help, now I know what to look for!

The Chelsea's clean up real good LOL. It took me a while and created a mess but it was worth it. I have no idea why the coating failed on ours Attachment 65428Attachment 65429

Nice Shine!

I have a couple of Chelsea shipstrike clocks that I bought a while back when (used) they were a lot less than they are now. I just had one fully serviced- it was not cheap, but it had been neglected by the prior owner. They are marvelous clocks- very accurate with a nice sound. I wound them both last week before I went to Amelia Island for a few days (5) and when I got home they were both on time, agreed, and chiming.

Mechanical Chelseas are still made, but the movements are made by Hermle in DE. They are very well made and should last you a while. I bought both of mine used off eBay.