The History of Eight Bells

The Navy’s tradition of “eight bells” is more than just a signal—it’s a living piece of maritime history.

In the age of sail, the ship’s bell was the primary way to keep time. A standard duty watch board was typically four hours long, divided into half-hour intervals. Each time the half-hour glass ran out, the bell was struck one additional time. One bell marked 30 minutes into the watch, two bells signaled one hour, and so on, until eight bells indicated the completion of a four-hour watch and the change of duty.

Eight bells signaled relief, rest, and the steady rhythm that kept ships running around the clock.

This tradition wasn’t limited to ships. Military aviation and ground forces also adopted precise timekeeping to coordinate missions, synchronize attacks, and ensure safety. The watch became an indispensable tool—from the bridge of a destroyer to the cockpit of a bomber or the wrist of a platoon leader.

As a veteran-owned watch dealer, I’m proud to honor that legacy of precision, reliability, and service. The watches we carry aren’t just instruments to tell time—they’re reminders of the discipline and sacrifice that keep us on mission.