Click Here for Instructions

It is the time of year when gifts are unpacked and unwrapped in a frenzy. We are very proud that our clocks are opened with such gleeful satisfaction and don't mind a bit when instructions are lost in the mix.

Instructions are very important for these fine clocks though. It is very important that no guesswork should be involved when setting up one of our timepieces.

Therefore we offer the following examples of instructions and articles of care. Please take the time to download and print out the literature that corresponds to your clock. If what you need is not listed here feel free to contact us at clocks@NorthCoastImports.com

New Haven Steeple Clock from Sternreiter
(models MM 808 381 08 and QM 028 381 08)

New Haven Steeple Clock from Sternreiter - care of mechanical chimes
(model #MM 808 381 08)

Brahms, Ellington, Schuman, and Lincoln Mechanical Tambours from Sternreiter
(models MM 808 116, MM 808 118, MM 808 119, and MM 808 146)

Emily, Handel, and Bauhaus Mechanical Wall Clocks from Sternreiter
(models SW 808 630 07, SW 808 793, and SW 818 160)

Cuckoo Clocks

Care of cuckoo clock chains

Hohenzollern, "All Are Mine," and Freiburg from Rombach und Haas
(models 7640, 7641, and 7642)

Rottenburg with glass bells from Rombach und Haas
(model #7304 G)

Care of cuckoo clock chains

Every so often we want to hang a cuckoo clock (or any clock that is powered by weights) in a place where there might not be room for the weights to fall. This is an old problem. In fact, visitors can see where, in Thomas Jefferson's home at Monticello, Jefferson cut holes in the floor to allow his clock to run longer. The weights fell through the floor into the room below and added a longer running time for the clock.

New clock owners frequently ask if they have to allow the weights to fall freely to the floor for the full 5-6 ft. distance. "Will it harm the clock if I hang it over a table or sideboard?"

The answer is no, you will not harm the clock, but obstructing the fall of the weights will stop it from running the full 1 or 8 days. It simply means that you will have to wind the clock more frequently.

If the owner of the clock does wish to hang it over something he or she may want to secure the chains somehow so that they don't interfere. The best way to do this is to simply hang the ring end of the chain onto the hook end.

In this picture you can see the difference between the two ends. Here the weight is hung on the end of the chain with the hook. As the clock runs the weight will gradually drop while the ring end gradually rises to the clock.



In the following picture you can see how to hang the chain with the ring onto the extra bit of hook. This will prevent the chain with the ring from touching the floor and it prevents the chain from getting in the way of whatever is below the clock. Naturally you could also use up more of the extra chain by hanging it further up - on one of the links of the chain - rather than on the ring.

Again, obstructing the fall of the weights will cause the clock to need more frequent windings. Cutting the chains will void the clock's warranty.

Stock Update 1200, 8200

Unfortunately we have run out of our special 1200 and 8200 models. More are on their way but we won't be able to deliver before the holidays.

Consider the following alternatives:
1200T - lovely two-tone finish with deeper carving and wooden hands and bird
1202 - slightly larger with finer finish and carving, also with wooden hands, bird and shut-off lever
8200P - hand-painted accents with Edelweiss flowers
8240 - Finer finish with deeper carving and wooden hands and bird, shut-off lever

Stock Update

If you are a retailer it is important that you have our best sellers in stock. Make sure you order them now so that you are sure to be able to supply your customers. We are running low on the 1200 and 8200 models and although more are on the way, they won't be here by the end of this year.

In addition, just for clarification, the following is a list of discontinued or changed cuckoo clocks:

1100 Discontinued
1101 Discontinued (click here for an alternative)
1202B Discontinued
1236 Discontinued
1253 Discontinued
1254 Discontinued
1279 Discontinued
1312 Discontinued
1336 Discontinued
1353 Discontinued
1382 Discontinued
1386 Replaced by a NEW DESIGN
1392 Discontinued
8202 Discontinued
8212 Discontinued
8213 Discontinued
8227 Discontinued
8231 Discontinued
8232 Discontinued
8345 Discontinued
8355 Discontinued
8382 Discontinued
8392 Replaced by a NEW DESIGN

Most of these models have been replaced by NEW better-looking clocks like the 111th Anniversary Collection from Romba and more. Make sure you have our Orange cuckoo catalog as well as the 4-page 4-color new models brochure.

Automata

For those of you who are interested in mechanical automata like our whistling birds, birds in the box, whistlers (as well as the more simple automata on our cuckoo clocks for example) I would highly recommend a book by Tom Standage entitled The Turk. In it he runs through a dizzying history of one of the most famous automata and its association with people like Benjamin Franklin, Napoleon, Beethoven, Edgar Allen Poe, and Charles Babbage.

"Automata are the forgotten ancestors of almost all modern technology. From computers to compact-disc players, railway engines to robots, the origins of today's machines can be traced back to the elaborate mechanical toys that flourished in the 18th century. As the first complex machines produced by man, automata represented a proving ground for technology that would later be harnessed in the industrial revolution. But their original uses were rather less utilitarian. Automata were the playthings of royalty, both as a form of entertainment in palaces and courts across Europe and as gifts sent from one ruling family to another. As well as being a source of amusement, automata provided a showcase for each nation's scientific prowess, since they embodied what was, a the time, the absolute cutting edge of new technology. As a result, automata had a far greater social and cultural importance than their outward appearance as mere toys might suggest."

-From The Turk, by Tom Standage, New York: Berkley Books 2002

"The passion for automatic exhibition which characterized the eighteenth century gave rise to the most ingenious mechanical devices, and introduced among the higher order of artists habits of nice and neat execution in the formation of the most delicate pieces of machinery. Those wheels and pinions, which almost eluded our senses by their minuteness, reappeared in the stupendous mechanism of our spinning-machines and our steam-engines. Those mechanical wonders which in one century enriched only the conjurer who used them, contributed in another to augment the wealth of the nation; and those automatic toys which once amused the vulgar, are now employed in extending the power and promoting the civilization of our species."

-From Letters on Natural Magic, by David Brewster, London: John Murray 1832

Research

Sternreiter has a new poll on its website. We thought we would put it here too. We can learn a lot about our industry if we find out a little more about what consumers want when it comes to fine clocks.
Please take a few seconds to answer the following two questions. If you have a website or a store which specializes in selling fine clocks please encourage your customers to fill this out too.

Do you have a fireplace with a mantel in your home?
	Yes
	No
	I have a fireplace but need a mantel.
	I don't want either.
Free polls from Pollhost.com

Which type of clock could you see purchasing for your home this year? (check all that apply)
	Grandfather clock (large, floor standing clock)
	Mission-Style clock (rustic, oak shelf clock)
	American "Banjo" clock (figure-eight wall clock)
	Tavern clock (elegant clock, typical for English and American pubs)
	Cuckoo clock (Black Forest specialty)
Free polls from Pollhost.com

Going Fast

Please refer to your black and white specials flyer which you should have received several weeks ago. The following cuckoo clocks are sold out:

1253, 1236, 1279, 1254, 1312, 1382, 1353, 1392, 1336, 8227, 8382, 8345

These clocks are no longer available. As you can see that is most of the clocks on the closeout special. In addition the following models are thinning out. I would highly suggest stocking up on these models so that you are covered for this holiday season.

1300 (only 13 left!), 1100 (only 3 left!), 8252 (only 8 left!), 8228 (only 2 left!), 8366 (only 4 left!), 8255 (only 3 left!), 8357 (only 2 left!)

The 8343 is out of stock at the moment but should be in next week. The 1200 and 8200 always go very fast this time of year so be sure you have some in stock.

Special on anniversary clocks

Unfortunately the our two Sternreiter chiming anniversary clocks won't be available until after Christmas. To make it up to you we are offering blockbuster specials on the two anniversary clocks pictured above. Contact us to find out the details.

Four Time Winner!

The VDS is the organization of Black Forest Clockmakers which meets regularly to vote (upon secret ballot) for the best Black Forest Clock of the Year award.

Rombach und Haas has won this competition 4 out of the 5 times the competition was held. Pictured above you can see the fine clocks which have won: the 8364 (pictured here as the non-musical version), the 8295, 7304G, and this year the 45-111.

The 45-111 is a limited edition model. Only 111 were made and each is numbered and comes with a certificate. Read more about the 111th Anniversary Limited Edition clocks here.

The 12-111 is better, don't you think?

I've decided to drop the 1217 and go with the 12-111 instead. Both are charming 1-day chalets with animation but the 12-111 has far more detail and a little more care in the production. It features laser-cut windows and gingerbread which allows for incredible detail. The 12-111 is also a limited edition.

The 12-111 is a little more expensive, but consider how much more you get with this charming clock.

New Models

A redesigned 8392 Clock Peddler.

THE ONLY quartz cuckoo available in the U.S.A with MOVING DANCERS.

Quartz SHELF CUCKOO with mechanical music box.

The brand-new Handel wall clock.


There are some great introductory prices on these new clocks!

Frisian

The Frisian #1301 (on page 7 of our 2003-2004) catalog is a beautiful and unique piece of which only a few are made every year.

At the moment we are out of stock on this piece. We would be happy to special order it for the descerning customer. These clocks are individually hand made, each one is a little different from the rest.

As an alternative I might suggest the Jeweler's Regulator, the Prinz Eugen, or the Biedermeier. All of which are weight-driven regulators of the highest caliber. In addition the Zaandam or the Wilhelmina are both finely crafted timepieces from the same manufacturer as the Frisian.

Good bye to the 8371

Alas, the beautiful 8371 (pictured on page 14 of our catalog number 50) is no longer being produced. A very limited number (around 10) of these clocks were hand made thereby making the few that exist extremely collectible.

As an alternative, consider one of the Rombach und Haas "Eleventy First Anniversary Clocks" (pictured above). Or, the same carver who created the 8371 also beautifully decorated the 8295 (pictured on page 15 of our catalog number 50).

An outstanding success

The New Haven Steeple Clock by Sternreiter is already an outstanding success. The proof can easily be seen in the copy-cats already on the market. One big name in particular has shown their sincerest form of flattery to Sternreiter Clocks in producing a very similar steeple clock.

We at Sternreiter will try not to be too proud when we see these "also-rans" but we know too well that you and your customers will see the prize for the finest quality and craftsmanship lies with Sternreiter Clocks!

Contact North Coast Imports today to find where you can purchase a Sternreiter New Haven Steeple Clock, assembled and designed in the U.S.A. by dedicated clock people.

Best Sellers in Soon!

Our best-selling models 1200, 8200, and 8200P will be in soon - probably one or two weeks after Labor-Day 2005.

Be sure and order some today so you have them in stock!

NEW MODELS for 2005

Click here to download and print out a brochure on all our new models for 2005!

The many clocks featured include cuckoo clocks, wall clocks, and mantel clocks.

Sternreiter Brochure

Included in this new brochure are pictures and descriptions of the entire line of current Sternreiter clocks.

Print one out for yourself: Sternreiter Brochure

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For those of you who know what a feed is, this page now has one.

plug the following address into your newsreader:

http://www.northcoastimports.com/atom.xml

Romba featured in WCR

Watch and Clock Review has published an article on musical clocks. Romba is featured many times in the article.

This is a must read for anyone interested in musical clocks!

Care of the chiming mechanism in our steeple clock

NCI is proud to announce the newest member of it's AMERICAN COLLECTION. We have had several requests for a large mantel clock at a good price and have commissioned STERNREITER to build us the NEW HAVEN STEEPLE CLOCK.

Due to the vast majority of new clocks sold with Westminster chime verses time-and-strike we knew we had to go with a Westminster chiming movement. As you know most manufacturers don’t even bother with time-and-strike anymore unless cabinet space doesn’t allow for Westminster.

So, in order to have a chiming movement we had to use the smallest mechanism possible. In the interest of space we used short chime rods instead of the large, deep-sounding rods used in our Bauhaus model.

In order to get the biggest sound possible out of these little rods I had to use my knowledge of acoustics.

There is no access door in the back of the clock for this very reason. A small door with wing-nut latches is handy for adjustments to the movement, but it seriously deadens the sound. Whenever you have a backboard on a clock which isn’t one solid piece it will not resonate like a drum. Instead we used one thick piece of solid wood which is able to vibrate the entire length of the clock.

I did consider using the wing-nut latches for the entire one-piece backboard. We tried making a few to test this approach. The trouble was that when the backboard wasn’t firmly attached to the body of the clock vibrations were loose and not as resonant. When the backboard is firmly attached to the body with several screws it allows the entire clock to act as a resonating chamber. Just as the body of any string instrument is firmly attached to the fretboard to allow the vibrations of the string to resonate fully.

To adjust the hammers it is possible to remove the dial after taking off the hands. Another option would be to VERY SLIGHTLY move the rods themselves. To do this you can just reach in without any disassembly to the clock. I’ve noticed that sometimes the chimes get slightly out of adjustment just by taking the packing material out of the rods. That can be fixed simply by moving the rods one way or the other with just your index finger (no bending required).

Good Bye to the 8202

After a long and hard deliberation we have decided to retire the 8202 cuckoo clock from our regular line. It is very similar to the 8200, 8200T, and 8240. You might consider these models to replace the 8202.

We can still special order the 8202 with a minimum quantity of five.

Eleventy-First Birthday

The clockmakers of Rombach und Haas celebrates its 111th anniversary this year in the best way they know how. They are making four limited-edition cuckoo clocks.

These beautiful Black Forest clocks are a charming and beautiful way to celebrate the long and distinguished heritage of Romba clocks. There will be only 111 of each of the four models and each will be inscribed with a number of production.

These clocks are now available!

NEW Sternreiter Mantel Clocks

NCI is proud to announce the newest member of it's AMERICAN COLLECTION. We have had several requests for a large mantel clock at a good price and have commissioned STERNREITER to build us the NEW HAVEN STEEPLE CLOCK.

Elias Ingraham (1805-85), a cabinet maker, was commissioned by George Mitchell to design and build a new style of clock case. Ingraham came to work for Mitchell in May of 1828 and eventually designed the sharp gothic clock case in about 1845. This “steeple clock” style has ever since been one of the most popular designs in American cabinetry. It has been copied and redesigned countless times over the last two centuries.
The New Haven steeple clock from Sternreiter is named for the town in Connecticut which holds some of America’s most beautiful examples of gothic architecture. Available with either mechanical or quartz Westminster chimes, the New Haven features a reverse-painted glass which harkens the beauty and complexity of a gothic cathedral’s rose window.

The NEW HAVEN is now available!


NCI is proud to announce the immanent arrival of the LINCOLN TAMBOUR CLOCK. This clock will be a great addition to our AMERICAN COLLECTION. Finally we have added another fine design to our line of tambour clocks. For too long has our great-selling BRAHMS stood alone.
STERNREITER is set to release the LINCOLN in the summer of 2005. The LINCOLN will feature a large readable dial and warm Westminster chimes on rods.

Difficult Exchange Rate

The Associated press has done an interesting article on the plight of the German clock industry in recent years. The article cites the recent weakness in the value of the dollar as contributing to clockmakers' deficits. Although there are two obvious inaccuracies (Rombach u. Haas does not have annual revenues in the hundreds of millions - the entire industry does) it is an article worth reading.

Click Here for a PDF of the article.

NCI is featured in WCR magazine

Celebrating its fifty years, North Coast Imports is featured in this month's issue of WCR (Watch and Clock Review) and next month in Chronos Magazine.

Click Here for a PDF of the article.

Advertising Material

Most store owners don't have the time to create layouts for their advertising needs. North Coast Imports is proud to supply professionally created ad layouts in PDF format. No longer will you have the expensive burden of supplying your local newspapers and circulars with the proper material. Just download any of the following ads and have them drop in your store name and phone number. Or, you can download the following ads and use the individual images to create your own ads.

Full page ad on our AMERLING and ITHACA wall clocks

Full page ad on our astronomical clocks

Full page ad on our BAUHAUS wall clock

Full page ad on our Black Forest clocks

Full page ad on our HAPSBURG and AMERLING wall clocks

Full page ad on our ITHACA wall clock

Full page ad on our floor clocks

Full page ad on our NEW HAVEN and STRELA

Half page ad on our NEW HAVEN steeple clock