North Coast Imports, Inc.

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130107742009-06-30T17:09:19.174-04:00North Coast Imports, Inc.Watch this space for current and upcoming news of North Coast Imports, as well as helpful support information for all your fine clocks. NCI is your source for the finest timepieces since 1953.dolfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07451364526769649378noreply@blogger.comBlogger102125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13010774.post-75596011120894702242009-06-30T13:40:00.009-04:002009-06-30T17:09:19.365-04:00Beha Shelf Cuckoo Clock with Inlays and Calendar

In the late 19th century, an argument can be made that the most prominent clock makers were located in the U.K. (for example, J. J. Elliott of London). It can also be stated with relative certainty that these prominent U.K. clock makers manufactured the most expensive clocks produced during this period placing the clocks beyond the financial reach of all but the most affluent.This focus of the

Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13682868068438405571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13010774.post-82915895734362162252009-06-25T10:03:00.006-04:002009-06-25T13:15:09.189-04:00USA USA USA

"(CNN) -- In one of the biggest upsets in international football in recent times the USA beat European champions Spain 2-0 in the first semifinal of the 2009 Confederations Cup in Bloemfontein, South Africa."Celebrate with our Soccer Clock! (Only a few left available.)

dolfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07451364526769649378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13010774.post-92140310541642808582009-06-25T08:40:00.001-04:002009-06-25T13:16:07.770-04:00The Bunny Project

This is even cuter, if not a little dangerous."Performance commissioned by Kalmar Museum of Art, Sweden. During the inauguration of the new art museum in Kalmar a suspicious individual sneaked around the premises mounting sculptures made of carrots, alarm clocks, red and blue cables, metal wire and tape. On direct orders from the Swedish secret police the performance was stopped since the Culture

dolfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07451364526769649378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13010774.post-70817347901906327312009-06-24T20:34:00.001-04:002009-06-24T20:35:36.029-04:00This is cute

dolfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07451364526769649378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13010774.post-91037803672329356242009-06-24T08:37:00.000-04:002009-06-23T23:15:32.096-04:00Homemade Celestial Clock

New subscribers to the North Coast Imports blog may notice that we post a lot on our blog about pieces that we find interesting... and not available commercially. Here's a great project by Sean Gallagher that we found on the web and had to tell you about. We've had a few clocks available in the past with astronomical features. For example, we've had a few hand-made Orrery's made in England.

dolfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07451364526769649378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13010774.post-81236488818881037272009-06-23T11:18:00.003-04:002009-06-23T11:42:33.754-04:00Inverted Pendulum

We know what a pendulum is. It's a great device for producing regular periods, which is especially useful in mechanical clocks, when you want to break down fast power into smaller intervals (like seconds).Galileo Galilei discovered it around 1602 and Christiaan Huygens was the first to use it in a clock for accurate escapement in 1656.But what if you turned it upside down? It's easy to do by

dolfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07451364526769649378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13010774.post-68010408851624814192009-05-27T01:04:00.002-04:002009-05-27T01:08:34.906-04:00Clock Clock is a Clock from Clocks

Here's an interesting concept. Several analog clocks make up a reading of one large digital timekeeper.It's from Humans Since 1982. You can download a free font from their site.

dolfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07451364526769649378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13010774.post-6687609700544325422009-05-26T11:45:00.006-04:002009-05-27T10:13:12.569-04:00Memorial Day Clock

Happy belated Memorial Day. As usual, we at North Coast Imports spent a good part of our holiday thinking up ideas for new kinds of clocks... it's what we do!This is a special variation on our "ClassicSpace" series (found at www.northcoastimports.com/design) with American Stars and Stripes. The "ClassicSpace" series already has a heavy American influence. The natural elements mixed with the

dolfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07451364526769649378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13010774.post-84431993623209428132009-05-23T14:29:00.009-04:002009-05-23T15:18:32.393-04:00The New /design Line!

We are very pleased to announce an entirely NEW line of quality timepieces to the North Coast Imports lineup. Visit www.NorthCoastImports.com/design today to browse many new clocks, designed specifically for the high-style/high-design modern tastes.Long associated with a very traditional decor, the Black Forest cuckoo clock is undergoing a transformation. Simple and clean lines combine with

dolfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07451364526769649378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13010774.post-69772805009728748272009-05-18T17:20:00.004-04:002009-05-18T17:43:00.457-04:00The Cuckoo Bird and Door

Sometimes, excessive jostling can cause a cuckoo bird to become disengaged from its door. The remedy to this problem is a simple fix, though it requires a steady hand and maybe some needle nose pliers or tweezers.If you are unsure about completing this repair, please stop immediately and seek out a clock professional. If your clock is new and still under warranty, it is best if you find a clock

dolfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07451364526769649378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13010774.post-36326674788397171922009-04-21T18:26:00.003-04:002009-04-21T18:31:17.801-04:00It Was Only a Matter of Time...

...before you would be able to follow the tweets of our cuckoos and quails and other mechanical birds.Follow us via Twitter and stay up on up-to-the-minute deals and news offered by North Coast Imports. (you won't be disappointed)Subscribe anytime by going to http://twitter.com/ncimports or via the link on the side bar.

dolfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07451364526769649378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13010774.post-58321045685864645512009-04-15T15:08:00.006-04:002009-06-23T11:50:12.871-04:00Changing the suspension spring on an "Americana" anniversary clock

This short tutorial will give you some help changing the suspension spring on our popular "Americana" Anniversary clock. If your suspension spring is broken, replacing it is a relatively simple fix. The first step is to make sure you have the parts and tools you need. You'll need the clock, a pair of pliers, and the replacement suspension spring. The suspension spring actually looks like a

dolfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07451364526769649378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13010774.post-82436350419483084482009-03-23T23:18:00.002-04:002009-03-23T23:22:04.668-04:00"Put a Penny in the slot" Em. Wehrle & Cie

This muscial clock is one of the rarest in my collection. First I will describe the clock and its functions, then speak of its history. This special order Musical Flute Clock was made by Emilian Wehrle during the last quarter of the 19th C. The architectural case is a style # 28 in the 1898 Em. Wehrle and Co. Catalog. This case was available in both Oak or Walnut. This example was made in Walnut.

Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18132850179025357193madeinfurtwangen@yahoo.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13010774.post-91698429141239507362009-03-20T11:54:00.003-04:002009-03-20T12:02:54.119-04:00A Rare Beha model #119

The case style of this Beha is done in a very traditional “Postman’s Alarm” style. But clearly it is not your normal Black Forest Clock. A life size 12” cuckoo bird is perched on top of a oak branch that extends out of the top of the dial. This cuckoo is fully automated on the Full and ½ hours.This cuckoo strikes on a large grapefruit size bronze bell with a silvered hammer, a very unique touch

Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18132850179025357193madeinfurtwangen@yahoo.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13010774.post-21308791205718274292009-03-10T21:51:00.017-04:002009-03-11T01:14:46.441-04:00The Virtue of Random Error and Its Exploitation by Early Black Forest Clockmakers

In a previous post, I summarized the initial results of an analysis being conducted in cooperation with Dr. Martin Wolk regarding the placement of pins and small indentations on the the outer diameter of Angelus count wheels of Beha cuckoo and monk clocks. As the purpose of the pinned positions are well understood to trigger the Angelus ringing automation in the clock, our analysis focused

Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13682868068438405571noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13010774.post-13174785538826703722009-03-10T20:51:00.003-04:002009-03-10T20:58:17.968-04:00Another Early Black Forest Automa

This early Black Forest soldier Automaton is another one of our favorite shield clocks in our collection. This clock shows a more primitive style of Black Forest Clock making…and was made in a time before the mass production of the large factories. It was made by the hand of a clock maker, in the Black Forest that took pride in his work. The soldier automaton was a favorite done by the Black

Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18132850179025357193madeinfurtwangen@yahoo.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13010774.post-29838985597604720622009-03-05T19:55:00.003-05:002009-03-05T20:00:27.863-05:00A Beha Shelf Cuckoo and a Carl Heine Painting

This Beha cuckoo was made C. 1870 in Eisenbach, Schwarzwald. The typical wood plate 8 day double fusee movement is housed in a beautiful round top elongated walnut case.The case is intricately done with fruit wood inlays of oak leaves and acorns both on the base and well at the top. The cuckoo door is also inlaid with flowers and leaves. What makes this Beha special is the full oil painting on

Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18132850179025357193madeinfurtwangen@yahoo.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13010774.post-56463312653420748232009-03-04T13:29:00.010-05:002009-03-07T15:18:19.811-05:00A Wehrle Timepiece: "Rare As Rooster's Teeth"

This next clock in the collection is a Emilian Wehrle Rooster clock. Also known as a "Hahnen-Uhr".The Wehrle Rooster awakes on the hour, or on demand...with three loud distinct calls.Cock-A-Doodle-Doo!!!While Emilian Wehrle was not the inventor of the Rooster clock... he was the first to perfect it. He invented an apparatus that mimics the call of the Rooster without the use of air or horns.

Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18132850179025357193madeinfurtwangen@yahoo.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13010774.post-28969226943359480642009-03-04T13:29:00.008-05:002009-03-04T13:43:52.772-05:00A Early Black Forest Miniature, by Joseph Sorg

Measuring in at only 3.25 inches from the bottom of the movement to the top of the bell, this clock is the smallest clock in our collection.This miniature, that can easily fit into the palm of your hand... is called a “Sorguhr”. This term refers to miniature clocks patterned after those made by their inventor Joseph Sorg of Neustadt (1807-1872).Joseph Sorg was not only a important clock maker

Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18132850179025357193madeinfurtwangen@yahoo.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13010774.post-58053960378596401672009-02-28T10:30:00.008-05:002009-02-28T16:32:49.517-05:00What's a Fusee Anyway??

Let's take a quick look at some of the terms that have been mentioned in recent posts. To do that, we'll start at the basics of how mechanical clocks are usually powered.The clocks featured in recent posts are built before the general use of electricity. Steam engines would normally be too large and inefficient to power such small devices, plus you would have continually stoke it to keep the

dolfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07451364526769649378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13010774.post-22402888806998283682009-02-27T12:46:00.017-05:002009-02-27T21:27:53.534-05:00"Another Beha" Cuckoo Clock

The conventional reading of a title "Another Beha Cuckoo Clock" would be that the adjective "Another" would modify the phrase "Beha Cuckoo Clock" with the implication that the topic of the post would be discussion of a Beha cuckoo clock created either personally by Johann Baptist Beha or, in later years, in collaboration with his sons Lorenz and Engelbert. In the case of this particular post,

Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13682868068438405571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13010774.post-54447650047756682082009-02-26T10:51:00.006-05:002009-02-28T16:43:05.625-05:00A Rare Look: An Early Experimental Beha Automaton

In a previous post we spoke about curious innovations made by Johann Baptist Beha, which never made it "main stream"...resulting in unique and unusual clocks left for us today.This next post I would like to share a clock, and an innovation that did make it main stream.This piece is a very early, and special shelf clock with automation made by Johann Baptist Beha in 1849. First off we would like

Justinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18132850179025357193madeinfurtwangen@yahoo.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13010774.post-89844462130334027212009-02-24T19:16:00.029-05:002009-02-25T17:20:10.782-05:00Was Peter Columbo a Clockmaker?

Probably not, but he would have probably been pretty good at clock restoration because oftentimes, restoring an antique clock in a historically correct manner not only requires a mandatory high level of technical skills and knowledge but also the intellectual curiosity, deductive reasoning and persistent "detective" work to understand, and faithfully recreate, the original clockmaker's design

Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13682868068438405571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13010774.post-43606334327105156622009-02-24T10:43:00.004-05:002009-02-24T11:07:35.117-05:00The Modern Machine

My good friend is an industrial scientist - he just sent me an email with the following quote:The clock, not the steam engine, is the key-machine of the modern industrial age.Lewis Mumford (1895-1990)He wanted a horologist's view on the statement.I immediately thought of how modern industry is so inextricably geared towards efficiency. The quote brought to mind Fritz Lang's movie Metropolis... I

dolfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07451364526769649378noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13010774.post-3934514022529617072009-02-18T10:54:00.003-05:002009-02-18T11:22:12.713-05:00The finest carvings

Hand carving is a craft enjoyed by many. You can go to any craft show or Boy Scout Jamboree and find some kind of whittled piece - it's one of the oldest forms of sculpture.Like any craft, there are certain parts of the world and certain examples which raise the practice of wood carving from a Craft to an Art. Black Forest carvers have consistently shown some of the world's most excellent wood

dolfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07451364526769649378noreply@blogger.com0