How Our Clocks Work & User Instructions
Tide Clocks
What It Shows
A tide clock indicates the state of the tide — whether it is rising, falling, high or low — based on the natural lunar cycle.
How It Works
Tides are driven primarily by the gravitational pull of the Moon.
Because a lunar day is approximately 24 hours and 50 minutes, tide clocks do not follow standard clock time.
TABIC tide clocks are calibrated to this lunar cycle and complete two rotations per lunar day, reflecting the two high and two low tides experienced in most locations.
Setting Your Tide Clock
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Check your local tide table for today’s high tide
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At high tide, set the hand pointing straight up (12 o’clock)
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Insert one AA battery
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On the next full moon, check and reset if necessary
Do not adjust for summer or winter time changes.
Accuracy
For best accuracy, the clock should be checked or adjusted only at the full moon.
Typical variation is less than 30 minutes and may increase slightly around the quarter moons. This naturally equalises over the course of each lunar month.
What Can Affect Tide Times
Local conditions such as wind, atmospheric pressure and river flow can cause tides to occur slightly earlier or later than predicted.
Important Note
Tide clocks are not intended for navigation.
Barometers
What a Barometer Measures
A barometer measures atmospheric air pressure.
Changes in air pressure help indicate short-term weather trends, rather than providing a precise forecast.
How It Works
TABIC barometers use a sensitive aneroid mechanism that responds to changes in air pressure.
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Rising pressure generally indicates improving or settled weather
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Falling pressure generally indicates unsettled or deteriorating weather
It is the direction and speed of change, rather than the absolute reading, that is most important.
Setting Your Barometer
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Set the barometer to your current local air pressure using the adjuster screw on the rear.
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Move the silver set marker on the dial to the same position as the barometer hand.
Your barometer is now correctly set.
Reading the Barometer
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Tap the glass gently once a day to help the hand respond to small pressure changes
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Observe whether the pressure is rising, falling, or steady
For forecasting:
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Increasing pressure = Improving weather
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Decreasing pressure = Deteriorating weather
Re-adjust the silver set marker as the pressure changes.
Accuracy & Expectations
Barometers do not predict exact weather conditions. Instead, they indicate weather trends over the next 12–24 hours.
Pressure may remain unchanged for several days, particularly during settled weather. This is normal.
Important Notes
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The black needle may appear loose when the barometer is tilted — this is normal and allows the mechanism to remain responsive
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Gentle tapping of the glass is standard practice for all aneroid barometers
Testing Your Barometer
To confirm correct operation:
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Place the barometer in a plastic bag
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Gently blow air into the bag and seal it
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Press down lightly and observe the hand
If the hand moves clockwise, the mechanism is functioning correctly.
Moon Phase Clocks
What a Moon Phase Clock Shows
A moon phase clock displays the current phase of the Moon as it progresses through its natural lunar cycle, from new moon to full moon and back again.
How It Works
The Moon completes a full cycle approximately every 29.53 days.
TABIC moon phase clocks are calibrated to this lunar cycle and rotate continuously to show the changing appearance of the Moon as seen from Earth.
The display represents the phase of the Moon, not its visibility, which may be affected by cloud cover or local conditions.
Setting Your Moon Phase Clock
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Turn the small adjustment wheel on the rear of the clock
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Set the display to match the current moon phase
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Insert the battery and allow the clock to run normally
For best accuracy, set the clock at or near a full moon.
Please note: The larger adjuster is not intended for regular use and can be ignored.
Accuracy & Expectations
Moon phase clocks follow a fixed lunar cycle and are typically accurate to within one day over the course of the month.
Any small variation naturally equalises as the cycle progresses.
Important Notes
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The clock shows lunar phase, not moonrise, moonset or visibility
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Cloud cover does not affect the phase shown
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Minor adjustments may be made periodically if desired
Moon Gardening Clocks
What a Moon Gardening Clock Shows
A moon gardening clock displays the current phase of the Moon throughout its natural lunar cycle.
It is traditionally used as a guide for planting, cultivation and harvesting, based on long-established lunar gardening practices.
How It Works
The Moon completes a full cycle approximately every 29.53 days.
TABIC moon gardening clocks are calibrated to this lunar cycle and rotate continuously from new moon to new moon, allowing gardeners to reference the current phase at a glance.
Using a Moon Gardening Clock
Different phases of the Moon have traditionally been associated with different gardening activities.
Common interpretations include:
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Waxing Moon – Sowing and planting crops that grow above ground
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Waning Moon – Root crops, pruning and cultivation
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Full Moon – Increased sap flow and rapid growth
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New Moon – Soil preparation and general garden tasks
These practices are based on historical observation and tradition.
Setting Your Moon Gardening Clock
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Turn the small adjustment wheel on the rear of the clock
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Set the display to match the current moon phase
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Insert the battery and allow the clock to run normally
For best alignment, set the clock at or near a full moon.
Please note: The larger adjuster is not intended for regular use and can be ignored.
Important Notes
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Moon gardening clocks provide guidance, not guarantees
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Results may vary depending on soil, climate and local conditions
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The clock reflects the lunar cycle, not weather or seasonal timing
Time Clocks
What a Time Clock Shows
A time clock displays standard time, measured in hours and minutes.
TABIC time clocks use reliable quartz movements for accurate, everyday timekeeping.
How It Works
Quartz clocks are powered by a battery and regulated by a quartz crystal, which vibrates at a precise frequency to control the movement of the hands.
The hands move clockwise, a convention that originates from the movement of shadows on sundials in the Northern Hemisphere.
Setting Your Time Clock
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Set the time using the adjustment knob on the rear of the movement
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Insert one AA battery
For reliable operation, we recommend replacing the battery once a year.
Accuracy & Expectations
Quartz clocks are highly accurate and typically require minimal adjustment.
Small variations may occur when changing batteries or after extended periods without use.
Thermometers
What a Thermometer Measures
A thermometer measures air temperature, indicating how warm or cold the surrounding environment is.
TABIC thermometers are designed for clear, reliable readings without the need for power or adjustment.
How It Works
TABIC thermometers use a bi-metal coil made from two bonded metals that expand and contract at different rates as temperature changes.
As the temperature rises or falls, this movement turns the pointer smoothly and accurately.
Setting Your Thermometer
No setting or calibration is required.
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The movement is pre-set
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No battery is required
Once mounted, the thermometer will respond automatically to changes in temperature.
Accuracy & Expectations
Thermometers respond gradually to temperature changes and may take time to stabilise, particularly when moving between environments.
For the most accurate readings:
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Avoid direct sunlight
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Keep away from heat sources or draughts