If I’m not mistaken, it was John Keats who said “A thing of beauty is a joy for ever.” That pretty much sums up Chelsea Clocks. This company is the oldest functioning clock company in the United States, and they make clocks at the highest levels of refinement and luxury. They still make mechanical clocks with their iconic solid brass case. The breadth of their offerings is significant, and they still run a robust repair shop to keep these beautiful timepieces running in top shape. You will find Chelsea clocks on naval and private ships, in homes around the world, and they are even a steadfast presence in the White House.

Today on the podcast we have the pleasure of talking with Tony LaChapelle, the President and COO of Chelsea Clocks. In our conversation, we discuss the history of the company, the current structure of their business and production facilities, the nature of the “ship’s bell clock”, and how Chelsea has maintained their relevance for more than a century. We even discuss their long relationship with Tiffany & Co. and the production of clocks for their business. If they are good enough for Tiffany, they are certainly good enough for anyone! While we discuss the range of Chelsea’s activities, you certainly need to hold one in your hand to appreciate them. When you first feel the literal gravity of these timepieces you will start to understand the difference.

Here are a few places to find Chelsea Clocks in person, and more can be found on Chelsea's retail locator.

Deprisco Jewelers, Boston, MA (The Dogwatch can personally vouch for this business as we have worked with them for a decade, including a very important ring...); Shreve, Crump, and Low, Boston, MA and Greenwich, CT; Tiffany and Co. , Boston, MA and New York, NY; Phillips' Clock Shop, Swampscott, MA; F.L. Woods Nautical, Marblehead, MA; Long's Jewelers, Nashua, NH; Gorman Clocks.,Tiverton, RI; Lux, Bond and Green Jewelers, West Hartford, CT; Scully & Scully, New York, NY; Hamilton Jewelers, Princeton, NJ; Maryland Clock Co., Davidsonville, MD; Skipjack Nautical Wares and Marine Gallery, Round Pond, ME and Portsmouth, VA; Henne Jewelers, Pittsburgh, PA; Bluewater Books & Charts, Fort Lauderdale, FL; Fisheries Supply Co., Seattle, WA; Captain's Nautical Supply, Seattle, WA; Land, Sea and Sky, Houston, TX.

Hello, thank you for joining us today On the Dogwatch, where we consider the natural world and the things that help us experience it. I am Michael Canfield, it is currently 10:37 on the Forenoon Watch, and this is Episode 61.

We are back from a break on the podcast and have prepared some exciting new directions and a lineup of guests and topics that we think you will enjoy. Since we gathered last, the podcast has new theme music, and the Dogwatch has a new website. 

On the website, which is at www.thedogwatchcompany.com,  you can check out our custom bandanas made by podcast guest One Feather Press, sundials from our guest Matt Kala, notebooks from our friends at Rite in the Rain, Damascus steel knives from the Japanese maker Mcusta, as well as the compact and stylish pens and pencils from the Japanese company OHTO. Not to overlook our canine companions, we also offer a full line of our own dog scarfs made right here in the Twin Cities. Check out the website, and we’d love to hear from you!

Today On the Dogwatch we have the pleasure of talking with John Hartenburg of Knot and Rope Supply. In our conversation, we learn about Knot and Rope Supply, the differences between types of ropes, and the ways that ropes are used. We also consider splicing, knots, and even John’s work in creating solutions for ejector seats and NASA.

What can happen when you combine 4,200 dogs and 39,000 people?

It turns out a lot of learning and fun. In this episode, we talk with Chuck Delaney of the Armstrong Ranch about Game Fair, a sport and outdoor show located in Ramsey, Minnesota. From Chuck’s perspective after running Game Fair for 42 years, we learn the history of the event, and how it was modeled after similar events in Britain, what happens at the fair–things like duck calling competitions, dog long jumps into a lake, shotgun and trap shooting, and dog training demonstrations. We even get a chance to talk with Chuck about what all of these experiences have taught him about people and dogs.

I spoke with Chuck in July, but am releasing this episode now because this year’s Game Fair takes place the coming two weekends, August 11-13 and 18-20. Whether you can make it I hope to see you, and if not, there is a lot to learn from Game Fair.