The "New" Chelsea Clock Company
By Mike Ratican, Business Director.
In mid 2005, the Chelsea Clock Company was purchased by J K Nicholas. Many in the industry were not familiar with Mr. Nicholas, and were worried that the Company had been purchased by an investor with no interest in the Chelsea Clock history, or heritage - simply wanting to turn out clocks by the thousands to make big money. I think may of us expected this, as the previous owner (who shall remain nameless) milked Chelsea Clock for everything he could without reinvesting in the company - a recipe for disaster with any company.
Being unfamiliar with Mr. Nicholas or his plans for the company, so I did something very unusual in today's world - I decided to CALL him...Yes, on a regular phone, no texting, no VOIP, no messenger, just a simple "old fashioned" phone call. It worked just fine! I was impressed with J K's grasp of the company history, and his positive attitude toward the numerous changes in front of him.
For anyone worried about the future of Chelsea Clock, or that J K is an investor looking only at the bottom line, I can honestly say: don't be. Like any businessman J K is certainly concerned with turning a healthy profit, but his focus is on the Company, it's heritage, and re-building both facilities and brand awareness in order to attain increased return. Most importantly, J K has no interest in "outsourcing" Chelsea's production or material to Asia, Mexico, or other cheap labor and parts markets.
He's off to a great start. Mr. Nicholas has already invested a major amount of time and money into maintenance and upgrades to the "old building" on Everett Avenue in Chelsea, MA., with some much needed attention. In addition to material upgrades, R&D and marketing are coming up to speed, with stock on the shelves, and new models rumored to be under development for release in the near future, and beyond.
I'm looking to the future with optimism, and look forward to witnessing the return of a re-vitalized Chelsea Clock, America's last great clockbuilder.
Visit us online at: http://www.bellclocks.com
a Division of Windward Instruments
posted by bellclocks.com @ 12:52 PM
1 comments
1 Comments:
To the "Anonymous" person posting a comment on 2/14/11: I can't post your remarks as some of the language is not suitable for our blog. However I did want to respond to your comments:
For the record, I happen to agree with your statements and am well aware of the issues you talk about. I would point out 2 things:
1. This post is now 4 1/2 years old - and was posted based upon a conversation had at that time.
2. Regarding the outsourcing and private labeling - you are absolutely right, but a question. You accused me of not doing my research or knowing what is contained in most ship's bell clocks being produced today. That isn't true - I'm well aware of the contents.
My question for you: What is your solution regarding ship's bell clocks, and quality production? If you are well versed, then you know that there is one domestic production operation of ship's bell movements, and like it or not it IS Chelsea Clock. If you have knowledge of a quality ship's bell movement and clock that's produced in the U. S. I'm all ears, and you have our full attention.
Windward has looked into the costs of production of ship's bell and other quality nautical clocks, and it's astronomical especially when one considers the very limited audience these clocks enjoy. There may be appreciation for them, but fewer customers - and as unfortunate as that is, it's also a fact. I have personally contacted a number of clock makers to see if there was any possibility of putting something together, but it's not happening.
So - if you have a solution, and you want to post on the blog to discuss, then include an identity and post again keeping in mind that we moderate the comments and this is "family friendly".
I would welcome a conversation such as the one you started - believe me.
Best Regards,
Mike Ratican, Business Director
Windward Instruments
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