If you really want to be sure your watch is dead on accurate, stop by the Kitsap County Historical Society Museum in Bremerton. The museum has an atomic clock from the navy, like the ones used on missile submarines in the early 1970s.

The museum’s “Changing Times, Kitsap Clocks” exhibit features hundreds of clocks, including important and historic antique timekeeping devices from local businesses, the navy shipyard and private collections of Kitsap County residents.

Even before stepping into the museum at 280 Fourth St., the historic Jorgen Nelson street clock catches the eye.

The Bremerton landmark stood for 70 years on Pacific Street in front of Jorgen Nelson Jewelers, until street improvements meant it had to go. The Kitsap County Historical Society took possession of the clock and began restoration. The work was done by members of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, Chapter 180.

The tall clock now boasts a shiny new green and gold paint job and ornate light fixtures.

The other street clock in Bremerton, the Charleston Moeller clock, has also been restored by the Historical Society and stands at 322 N. Callow Ave., in front of the original Moeller Jewelry, now the Amy Burnett Gallery on Callow.

When the clocks were installed in 1928 jewelry stores had a monopoly on time keeping devices. There was no “time lady” to call to set your watch by.

Inside the museum the soft tick tock of all the clocks is punctuated on the hour by chiming.

Museum member Paul Middents said while all the clocks are not set to the correct time, Curator Ernie Lopez comes from the West Coast Clock and Watch Museum in Bellingham once a week to wind the clocks. In a way, these are his babies — he designed and installed the exhibit.

The navy clocks on display range from clocks rescued from storage, where they had languished for years, to prized clocks on loan. These working clocks are accentuated by more whimsical navy-themed clocks, featuring sailors and sea creatures. The theme clocks are from the 1880s to 1910s.

The clocks from private collectors show the artistry that went into the design of everything from clocks to architecture at the turn of the last century. A large group has an animal theme, with elephants, bears and birds holding time pieces. With these clocks, the telling of time seems to be a minor consideration.

The Kitsap County Historical Society Museum is also exhibiting a special Armed Forced Day Exhibit, “Music in Times of War: The Beat Goes On,” in the lower level. That exhibit features instruments, songs and uniforms from wars going back to the Civil War.

The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is $2 adults, $1 students over 18 and seniors, free for 18 and under.