A tide clock uses a specialized mechanism that rotates once every 12 hours and 26 minutes — the average time between high tides.

Since tides naturally vary due to the moon and weather, the clock may sometimes be slightly ahead or behind. That’s normal and expected.

Tide clocks are designed to show the overall tidal movement — rising, falling, high, or low — and provide an excellent real-world indication of what the tide is doing.

If you live near the coast, you’ll quickly find it becomes second nature to glance at your clock and know exactly what the tide is up to.

Traditional tide clocks are designed for the consistent semi-diurnal tidal cycle found along the Atlantic Coast.

The Pacific Coast and Gulf Coast have more variable tidal patterns, so standard tide clock mechanisms cannot track them with the same level of accuracy.

Because we stand behind our products, we do not offer tide clocks for those regions. However, we can create a custom time clock featuring your location.

Each clock is made from solid 3/4-inch edge glued pine — not thin plywood or particle board.

The thicker solid wood gives the clock a stronger, more durable feel and allows for deeper engraving and a higher-quality finish.

Every clock is carefully painted, engraved, and assembled by hand in our Georgetown, South Carolina shop.

We recommend displaying our clocks indoors for the longest life and best appearance.

Each clock is made from solid wood and finished with durable coatings, but prolonged exposure to outdoor humidity, moisture, and sun can affect any natural wood over time.

That said, my father-in-law has had his displayed on a covered porch in Beaufort, South Carolina for several years, and it still looks as good as the day he received it. Indoor display is still the safest option for long-term durability.

Yes. Each clock includes easy instructions for setting it.

Simply rotate the hand to match the current tide using a tide chart or app.

Once set, it will continue tracking the tide automatically. It is best to set the clock on a high tide during a full moon, but it is not required.

One standard AA battery.

The clock does not ship with a battery, but any quality AA battery will work. Most batteries last a year or more under normal use.

If you don’t see your area listed, you can order a custom tide clock.

Simply place an order using the Custom Tide Clock option and enter your desired location. I will create a design proof specifically for your area and send it to you for approval before production begins.

You can request changes, and I will work with you to make sure the design is exactly what you want.

If we’re unable to agree on a design, your order will be fully refunded. Nothing is produced until you approve the proof.