* The clock measures approx. 6 inches in diameter across the bezel, 7 inches across the backplate.

* The dial is calibrated in roman numerals, with a fast slow adjustment at the top. 

* It is marked: AUG. SCHATZ & SOHNE

* The clock chimes every hour and half hour.

* The striking mechanism can be set to silent by a switch on the backplate.

* It is complete with its key and winds up. 

* The bells work.

* The bell winds up with ease.

* The brass case has some spotting on the lacquer, but no dings or splits

* Physically, this is in very good condition.

The History of Ship Clock Chimes

Mariners have used a unique bell code to tell time at sea for hundreds of years. The code is based on the crew’s typical workday routine while the vessel is underway. A ship at sea requires constant attention throughout the day’s 24 hours. Therefore, the day is divided into six four-hour periods that are each called a “watch.” Similarly, the crew is broken up into three divisions. Division members stand their individually assigned duties on two watches per day, with eight hours off duty between watches.

First Watch: 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.

Mid-Watch (also Black Watch): 12:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m.

Morning Watch: 4:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.

Forenoon Watch: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Afternoon Watch: 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Evening Watch: 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

To rotate each division’s watch times, the Evening Watch is periodically divided into two watches. These are called Dog Watches because they “dog” the watch schedule for all divisions ahead by one watch period.

The watch officer struck the ship’s bell every half-hour to apprise the crew of the time. A single bell denoted the end of the first half-hour, and one bell was added each half-hour. Eight bells, therefore, signaled the end of each four-hour watch.

8 bells: 12:00, 4:00, 8:00

1 bell: 12:30, 4:30, 8:30

2 bells: 1:00, 5:00, 9:00

3 bells: 1:30, 5:30, 9:30

4 bells: 2:00, 6:00, 10:00

5 bells: 2:30, 6:30, 10:30

6 bells: 3:00, 7:00, 11:00

7 bells: 3:30, 7:30, 11:30

In the “Age of Sailing”, time was kept using a 30-minute hourglass that was turned with each bell striking. Modern timepieces are now used, but the chime sequence remains the same to this day.