Tide Clocks
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Time and Tide Clocks, UK
Coastal clocks have been used by anglers and sailors since the 1890s to gauge how high or low the tide is at any given time. They are still used today across the UK, for a wide range of purposes, from planning a day at the beach to scheduling water sports and fishing hobbies – anything that depends on the tide.
Our coastal Clocks are fitted with a special Lunar Quartz movement operating from a single AA battery, supported with a 2-year Guarantee. They are available in a selection of designs and finishes, to match your choice of décor. Tide clocks make the perfect gift for anyone who loves the seaside.
Our tidal clocks operate alongside the magnetic attraction of the Moon. This is the major controlling influence of Earth's Tides. The unique quartz movement is designed to rotate a complete cycle every 12 hours 25 minutes synchronising with the Moon's lunar cycle. It must be taken into account that tides being a force of nature affected by several other influences like Lunar and Solar activities, High and Low atmospheric pressures, local and distant disruptive weather patterns in addition to Wind Directions and Velocity all can affect daily tide times. The Lunar cycle is also dependant on its distance from Earth; this equally has an effect on the hight of the tides, i.e. Spring Tides. A Lunar period is 29.53 days. During this period a tide indicator clock may indicate errors as much as an hour or so from actual tide times, generally this is only for a few days of any Lunar period. This is not a fault; it is only one of the many factors of nature disturbing the major Lunar attraction: Do not re-adjust or alter the setting after being setup, Usually the basic tides will settle back and return to synchronise with the lunar cycle.
Setting Up Your Tidal Clocks
The optimum time for Setting-Up a time and Tide Clock is on the day of a Full or New Moon. Local Tidal information can be obtained from the local media, a Tide-Table or the internet like www.bbc.co.uk/weather/tides. Using the “adjustment wheel” at the back of the tide mechanism, turn it clockwise until the indicator hand points to the High Tide (12 o'clock position) at the published high tide time. Insert a new AA Battery ensuring it is seated correctly and firmly in the battery compartment.
Understanding Tides & Expectations from a Tide Clock. Tide clocks should not be compared with computer generated daily Tide Tables which like a Tide Clock cannot take any of the many variable factors into account. For this reason; we do not describe, promote, or sell them as an accurate tidal instrument. However, a Tide clock, if left alone, will provide a reasonably good guide to the tidal pattern for the location set; offering at a glance the approximate time and direction of the tidal pattern, which is all most people need to help plan their day at the coast.