Did you know that in the 19th century, sailors aboard British Royal Navy ships used to practice a peculiar form of timekeeping? Before the invention of reliable clocks, they relied on the ship's bell to mark time in half-hour increments. Starting with one bell at 12:30, they would add a bell every 30 minutes until reaching eight bells, which marked the end of a four-hour watch. This fascinating nautical tradition not only kept the crew synchronized but also cleverly navigated the challenges of early sea travel. Who knew time could be kept with the rhythmic chime of bells at sea? 🌊🔔