The "Time Bowl" Lexan Cased, O-ring Sealed, 24 hour Marine Chronometer

[Wireless1]

Back in the mid to late 1970's I used to have the most wonderful marine chronometer. It was called a "Time Bowl". It was about 6 or 8 inches in diameter and was in a black Lexan case with a clear Lexan lens that snapped over the front and was o-ring sealed. It was waterproof and it even floated! The most amazing thing about it was it had a German Kienzle quartz 24 hour hand movement, (the dial was calibrated in 24 hours, not 12) and was astonishingly accurate to seconds per year. I'm not kidding. Over the course of a year it would only drift ten or so seconds. This always amazed me. Now...one would think I could locate one on the Internet, or even an article about one, or even a small reference to one---ANYTHING. But...it's as though it's completely vanished. This chronometer was advertised in the back of sailing magazines and was a mail order item. The company that made it was in Chattanooga, TN. I let mine go with the boat that I sold, and now, I'd like to find another one. I've searched the Internet over the years, but found nothing. Does anyone have a clue or remember this incredible clock? Fingers crossed....and thanks.

[GordMay]

TIME BOWL - CHATTANOOGA, INC. was dissolved on 8 December 1991.

See ➥ Time Bowl Chattanooga

And ➥ http://timebowlclock.com/time%20bowl%20brochure.pdf

[S/V Alchemy]

Skilled you are at Google-**.

[Wireless1]

Originally Posted by GordMay

TIME BOWL - CHATTANOOGA, INC. was dissolved on 8 December 1991.

See ➥ Time Bowl Chattanooga

And ➥ http://timebowlclock.com/time%20bowl%20brochure.pdf

Fantastic Gordon! Funny...If I'd have simply searched for a "clock" instead of a chronometer, then it comes right up. Google lesson for me here! Thanks.... Now...the quest to find the "clock"

[GordMay]

1981 Nautical Chronometer Ship Clock Chattanooga TN

[bluetriguy]

Around the same time I had something like this. It would answer questions if you shook it, then a small window would tell you the answer to your question. The picture of yoda made me think of it because the language was very much like his....

[Wireless1]

Originally Posted by GordMay

1981 Nautical Chronometer Ship Clock Chattanooga TN

Great to see they are still out there. Thanks for your efforts Gord.

[gjordan]

Are there any modern (available) time units that are not outrageously expensive?_____Grant.

[Wireless1]

Originally Posted by gjordan

Are there any modern (available) time units that are not outrageously expensive?_____Grant.

I'm not aware of any. There are a ton of shiny jewelry cabin clocks but none of them I've seen come close to the ruggedness and accuracy of the Time Bowl. I think as GPS became the norm in navigation the market for "affordable" marine clocks dwindled. The Time Bowl was unique for sure. Water proof, nearly unbreakable, and with the 24 hour hand it was a perfect navigation clock and I always kept it on UTC (GMT). The funny thing is that their brochure says it was accurate to +/- 20 seconds per month. That is NOT what mine was. Mine was less than 10 seconds a year. Maybe I was just lucky. I'm sure being in the Southern California area helped too. We didn't have extremely wide temperature swings on the boat which would play havoc with the quartz oscillator standard. I'm still in the hunt for one. Maybe someday...

[S/V Alchemy]

Trouble is...now I want one, too. I've seen a 24 hour clock set to UTC/GMT beside an SSB setup in a nav station, and the logic of keeping it there for CN and radio checks impressed me, along with just having a non-wrist mounted, accurate timepiece that wasn't likely to break its band and become a fish toy.

So I've been on the hunt for something like this, too!

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by gjordan

Are there any modern (available) time units that are not outrageously expensive?_____Grant.

There are a lot of Aircraft Chronometers around reasonable. Small , lightweight. Not beautiful like "ships Clocks". Anyone know how accurate the aircraft versions are?

[bazzer]

I've got one which I don't use. It is in excellent condition. If you would like to PM, or email, with a offer I'll consider it
Bazzer

[Wireless1]

Originally Posted by bazzer

I've got one which I don't use. It is in excellent condition. If you would like to PM, or email, with a offer I'll consider it
Bazzer

PM Sent

[chronometer]

The Chattanooga Time Bowl Clock is still around. I have my uncle's innovatory to make the clock. I have made a few changes but it is still the same clock that he designed back in the 70's. You can visit the website at Time Bowl Chattanooga
It is still the best unknown clock on the market, for display, accuracy, price.
12 hour or 24 hour models same price flat shipping

Lynn H.

[Tashtego]

Klockits Klockit - Quartz Movements - 24-Hour European/Military Time Clock Movement quartz 24 hour movement with 6 1/2" 24 hour face. Only ten bucks. Make your own case of buy from Klockit.