Uncommon Goods | Desktop Celestial Tide Dial | Office Decor

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Desktop Celestial Tide Dial
Desktop Celestial Tide Dial
Desktop Celestial Tide Dial
Desktop Celestial Tide Dial
customer photos

Bought a replica of a 16th century nocturnal tide computer dial (measures tides using the moon and tells the time using the stars at night) from uncommongoods, made by Hemisferium. What an intricate and intriguing piece of history and even the box it came in is beautiful! #antique #maritime #astronomy #historicalwonders #sciencehistory

Desktop Celestial Tide Dial thumbnail 1Desktop Celestial Tide Dial thumbnail 2Desktop Celestial Tide Dial thumbnail 3Desktop Celestial Tide Dial thumbnail 4
customer photos

Bought a replica of a 16th century nocturnal tide computer dial (measures tides using the moon and tells the time using the stars at night) from uncommongoods, made by Hemisferium. What an intricate and intriguing piece of history and even the box it came in is beautiful! #antique #maritime #astronomy #historicalwonders #sciencehistory

Desktop Celestial Tide Dial

A replica of the 16th-century tool that uses the moon to measure tidal cycles and tell the time.

$40.00 - $89.00

Shipping to 11220 change location

Arrives Wed, Jul 2 - Thu, Jul 3

Order within 00:00:00

Learn more

Arrival estimate is based on Standard shipping to the zip code provided. Other ship methods with different arrival dates are available in checkout.

What Makes It Uncommon

If you can believe it, there was a time when humans did all kinds of complex computations without computers. This desktop gadget is a prime example. Available in two sizes, it’s a replica of a tidal abacus from 1570 that currently resides in a museum. It uses the moon to calculate the tidal cycles, and on the large model, the back side is a nocturnal dial that uses fixed stars to tell the time.

  • Both dials are accurate, fully functional tools that don’t require an electrical outlet.
  • Each size features a handsome Sapele mahogany base—all the more reason to display one on your desk or in your beach house.
  • Comes with detailed specs about the use of the dial and its history.
  • Made in Spain.

Usually ships within 24 hours.

See all shipping options and costs

This item is not available to ship outside of the U.S. See International FAQ for more info.

Sadly, we are unable to ship to APO, FPO, or DPO addresses at this time. We are working towards a solution that will allow us to resume this type of shipping.

Made from

zamac, sapelli wood

Measurements

Large: 5" dia. face ; Petite: 5" H (including hanger), 2" dia. face

Care

Dust with a dry cloth. Avoid using abrasive sponges, as well as brass-cleaning creams. If desired, use natural wax or furniture wax to treat the wooden base only.

Item ID

56345

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    Quality was so good . Loved this gift for my grandson ! Love this comp…

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4.36
4.36 stars out of 5
based on 14 reviews
67%
of respondents would
recommend this to a friend
5 stars
10 users rating this 5 stars
4 stars
0 users rating this 4 stars
3 stars
3 users rating this 3 stars
2 stars
1 users rating this 2 stars
1 star
0 users rating this 1 star
  • 3 stars out of 5
  • rhdad42
  • Tybee Island, GA

Looks Beautiful But Not Useful - Can't Figure It Out

We love the look of the device (we have the Large) but the instructions are woefully inadequate. I think the history of the device is interesting, but one unclear paragraph about how to set and use it just doesn't cut it.

  • 5 stars out of 5
  • The girlfriend
  • verified reviewer
  • NJ

Stunning gift

The item was lovely. Perfect gift for my fisherman boyfriend. It came with history about the tidal clock and instructions on how to read it. It's sentiment was appreciated. And it makes a very masculine desk piece. #sweepstakes

  • 2 stars out of 5
  • Landscaper
  • verified reviewer
  • Tampa Fl

Tidal instrumentation

Nearly impossible to figure out how to operate this device. I thought it would be a fun item to give to someone and this many days and weeks past Christmas. I still can't figure out how to work it.

Response from merchant

Thank you for reaching out and sharing your experience. We’re sorry to hear that you’ve had difficulty figuring out how to operate the device. We completely understand how frustrating this must be, especially when it was intended as a fun gift. Our team is here to help! We’ll follow up shortly with clear instructions to guide you through operating the device. If there are any specific questions or challenges you’d like us to address, please let us know so we can provide the most helpful support. Thank you for your patience, and we’ll be in touch soon with the details you need.

  • 3 stars out of 5
  • LON
  • verified reviewer
  • Tampa Florida

Tidal dial

Cool looking but impossible to learn to work: I'm going to call customer service and ask for help

  • 5 stars out of 5
  • None
  • verified reviewer
  • Ohio

Loved gift

Quality was so good . Loved this gift for my grandson ! Love this company and its gift choices.

  • 5 stars out of 5
  • Reader1
  • verified reviewer
  • Camden, ME

Perfect gift for Math Teacher / Sailor

I appreciated the quality of this piece. I wasn't quite sure what to expect, because I'd never purchased from Uncommon Goods, but this celestial tide dial was just lovely!

  • 5 stars out of 5
  • FortunateSon
  • verified reviewer
  • Appleton, WI

An Amazing Gift for Any Nautical Enthusiast

Got the large version as a gift for my dad, who is a Navy veteran and loves all things nautical. He was ecstatic when he received it and immediately started researching how to use it. The details are superb, the weight is substantial, and the quality is top notch. I can tell this is something he will appreciate for many years to come, and now I want one of my own!

  • 5 stars out of 5
  • Haley
  • verified reviewer
  • Los Angeles

Absolutely beautiful and fantastic quality!

Larger than I expected, and the construction is phenomenal. Nice, heavy solid metal. The instructions made it easy to figure out the basics on how to use it, and I love showing it off to guests!

  • 5 stars out of 5
  • M
  • verified reviewer
  • Vancouver

Makes for a wonderful, unique gift!

I gifted the large tide dial to my fiance for Christmas and I couldn't be happier with the purchase. This thing is legit and while I hope we'll never be in a situation where we need to use it versus modern-day tech, I know we could in a pinch! If you like sailing and/or history, you won't be disappointed!

  • 5 stars out of 5
  • Tomato Cultivator
  • verified reviewer
  • Newton, MA

Wonderful present for anyone who enjoys the sea

I bought this for my husband as a Father's Day present. He has recently started driving power boats as a hobby and so this will be a functional way to encourage his new hobby. He also likes history, so the historic nature of this tide clock adds appeal. #sweepstakes

customer photos

Desktop Celestial Tide Dial from Uncommon Goods. Customer submitted image.Desktop Celestial Tide Dial from Uncommon Goods. Customer submitted image.

photos from reviews

  • Desktop Celestial Tide Dial from Uncommon Goods. Customer submitted image.
  • Desktop Celestial Tide Dial from Uncommon Goods. Customer submitted image.

  • undisclosed

Does the celestial tide dial actually say, "Made in Spain" anywhere on it?

Verified reply from Maxienne

No, it only has the brand name "Hemisferium" and the name of the original maker "H. Cole" on it.

  • Yachats OR

Will this work on the west coast of the US for the Pacific Ocean?

Verified reply from Jen

Yes it does!

  • Westbrook, ME

Does it work?

Verified reply from Michelle

Yes! They are fully functional!

  • undisclosed

Does the Celestial Tide Dial come with the base? On description it says it does but on cart description it says dial only.

Verified reply from Allison

Yes! It arrives on the base in the photo.

This gift is great for ...

  • Couples Who Appreciate Unique Decor

  • Friends Who Love Quirky Gadgets

  • Office Workers Who Enjoy Nautical Themes

  • History Buffs Who Collect Functional Art

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