Visit the Zaanse Tijd clock museum | Help! I have a ship clock!
A clock with a ship on it? What does that actually mean?

In attics, thrift shops and sometimes even at marketplaces, it suddenly appears: the ship clock. A striking appearance, often richly decorated with a wooden case, a pendulum and a small sailing ship on top. For many, this clock raises questions. What kind of clock is it? Where does it come from? And… is it something special?

The ship clock: an icon of the Zaan region
The ship clock is more than just a utility item. It is a piece of Zaan history, shaped by craftsmanship, innovation and maritime influences. This type of clock once adorned the walls of countless Dutch homes. Not only to tell the time, but also as a status symbol; a sign of prosperity and taste.

Every clock is different. From the detailed wood carvings to the brass decorations: each part tells a story about how time was measured in the past. The technology is also remarkable: often with weights, a pendulum mechanism and a melodious bell strike.

A clock with character and history
Many people do not know exactly what they have in their hands when they find a ship’s clock. Yet it could be an heirloom, a piece of local history or even a rare specimen. At Museum Zaanse Tijd, the story behind these clocks takes centre stage.

The special page “Help! I have a ship’s clock!” explains where these clocks come from, how they were made and what to look for when recognising an authentic piece.

Time to discover the story

A visit to Museum Zaanse Tijd offers the opportunity to see, hear and, above all, understand the ship’s clock up close. Among the dozens of special timepieces, this clock has a prominent place — as a symbol of the perception of time in the past and as cultural heritage today.

Location Museum Zaanse Tijd, Kalverringdijk 3, Zaandam