ships bells clocks

[John Echternach]

Can anyone give me an idea of quality, dependability, repairability of the ships bells clocks offered on ebay. Such as Seth Thomas, Fulton, Airguide. I know that Chelsea is the premier but how do the others compare to the Chelsea. I have seen threads on this board but am unable to find them in a search.

I am primarily interested in learning to repair them not collect them therefore would like to buy some to work on. Also any publications, special tools, etc., that would be helpful. Any feedback is most appreciated??? Thank you. Sincerely, John #0159010

[Doug Henry]

I have both Hermel and Schatz ships bell movements. Both are of good German quality, jeweled platform escapements and are essentially a Bim-Bam movement with an extra feature for odd number of strikes on the half hour. Both have a different technique for the odd number strikes and are clever in their method.

Both are smaller geometry that typical German movements but parts are large enough to reassemble with standard tools.

I have read different opinions of the two style Schatz movements. One with a turn screw time adjustment and another with a lever. I have several of the turn screw movements and they work fine.

The 'ships bells' are unique and a great conversation piece.

[glr1109]

I've worked on both Seth Thomas and Chelsea ships bell clocks. There is really no comparison between the two. The Chelsea is similar to working on a fine french movement. Seth Thomas is typicaly american made.

No speacial tools on either, unless your going to do platform escapement work(chelsea).

greg

[shutterbug]

It should be noted though, that there are quite a few count wheel movements too. If you want to work on them for knowledge it would be good to have one of those too :)