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Windward
Instruments News and Information
News and information
is updated frequently, so please visit this area often. Newest
information at the top of the page.
10/27/07:
WINDWARD
INSTRUMENTS LAUNCHES DINGHY COLLECTION WEATHER INSTRUMENTS: Windward Instruments has launched it's own brand of weather instruments, including a brass barometer and brass thermometer hygrometer. The instruments have been named the Dinghy collection and are an entry level, inexpensive set of weather instruments.
Featuring 3 3/4" dials, and 4 1/4" base, matching lacquered brass
cases, and heavy shatter resistant plastic lenses for safety, the
instruments are available at WindwardStore.com priced under $50.00.
10/8/07: NEW PRODUCTS - KESTREL POCKET WEATHER METERS NOW AVAILABLE AT
WindwardStore.com: Kestrel Pocket Weather Meters are now available at windwardstore.com just in time for the holidays. Visit windwardstore.com.
10/8/07: WINDWARD INSTRUMENTS WELCOMES BRUNTON BINOCULARS AT
WindwardStore.com & BellClocks.com: Windward Instruments welcomes Brunton Binoculars to it's line up,
starting at around $100. Purchases at WindwardStore.com feature Free U S shipping is included with every purchase.
Models currently available include the popular Brunton Echo Binocular family -
waterproof and fogproof, with lightweight frames, and ergonomic body armor,
these are tough binoculars. Including echo compact binoculars, echo midsize
binoculars, and echo full size binoculars. The echo is available in 8 power
(such as 8x25 binos), or 10 power (such as 10x42 binos). Visit BellClocks.com or WindwardStore.com.
10/8/07: NEW CHELSEA EXECUTIVE BOARDROOM CLOCK AT
WindwardStore.com: NEW for Fall 2007 at WindwardStore.com. The Chelsea Executive
Boardroom Box Clock makes a perfect gift. The clock features a solid brass case
on a gimbal style display frame, with accurate quartz movement. Enclosed in a
mahogany stained hardwood box with brass corner accents for a true nautical
look. The Chelsea Executive Boardroom Box Clock includes the engravable brass
plate and screws for inside the lid to make a unique presentation piece.
Introductory price includes Free Shipping to U S locations. Visit
windwardstore.com to order.
10/8/07: NEW CHELSEA MAYFAIR CLOCK AT
WindwardStore.com: NEW for Fall 2007 at WindwardStore.com. The Chelsea Mayfair Clock
is a reproduction of a popular Chelsea Art Deco clock circa 1932. The Chelsea
Mayfair is constructed from solid brass, with heavy nickel plate and brass
finish. Updated with an accurate quartz movement, the Chelsea Mayfair makes a
perfect gift idea. Introductory pricing includes Free Shipping to U S locations.
Visit windwardstore.com to order.
10/8/07: CHELSEA PRESIDENTIAL CLOCK AT
WindwardStore.com: WindwardStore.com is featuring the Presidential by Chelsea Clock
at only $339.00, with Free Shipping to U S locations. The Chelsea Presidential
Clock features a forged brass case with screw on bezel. Mahogany Base (mantle
mount) is included. An excellent gift idea at a great price. The contrast of
polished brass and mahogany lend a touch the sea to this important piece. Quartz
movement, battery included. Visit WindwardStore.com today to order
8/8/07: ABBEON C 300 DIGITAL HANDHELD BAROMETER ON SALE AT
WindwardStore.com: The Abbeon C300 Digital Handheld Barometer is on sale at
WindwardStore.com. Our lowest price of the year includes free U S shipping. Made
by Lufft, this digital barometer provides quality and accuracy at an affordable
price. A large illuminated display, values are indicated by four .5” digits –
hPA, Pa, mbar, bar, inHg, psi. Unique thumb wheel operation allows full
selection of features. Automatic shut off, and integrated real time clock
(date/time). Visit windwardstore.com
8/3/07: NEW PRODUCT - ashortwalk 3 INSTRUMENT INDOOR WEATHER STATION AT
WindwardStore.com: NEW Product - the 3 instrument indoor weather station by
ashortwalk, available now at The Windward Store for only $89.99 with Free
Standard U S Shipping. Product details: The ashortwalk Indoor Weather Station,
Black, combines a Tide Clock, Barometer and Conventional clock to form a most
unique set of indoor weather instruments for UNDER $100.00. Displays High Tide,
Low Tide, Atmospheric Pressure, and the Time of Day which are all essential for
coastal living. Construction and appearance of the indoor weather station are
also unique. Mounted on a solid aluminium base, the instruments are protected
with a tough clear polycarbonate shroud. The result is a low profile
contemporary appearance matching any decor. Available in aluminum or black.
FEATURES: Dimensions: 11.8" H x 5.9" W - Accurate Quartz Movements in Clock and
Tide Clock - Barometer Range 970 - 1050 Mb, in 2Mb increments - Outer Red Dot
"guide" for barometer to track pressure changes. NOTE: BAROMETER DISPLAYS IN hPa
(Millibar) ONLY.
7/30/07: CHELSEA CONSTITUTION CLOCK ON SALE AT
WindwardStore.com: Priced at only $282.75 with Free U S Shipping, the Chelsea
Constitution Clock features a heavy solid forged brass case with brass ball
feet, and is a very popular gift item. The Chelsea Constitution Clock is fitted
with a screw on bezel, and contains an accurate quartz movement for years of
reliable service. The Constitution is a true nautical clock, carved from a solid
block of forged brass. Battery included. Two Year Warranty. Visit
www.windwardstore.coM
7/30/07: Abbeon 3005.22 Certified Thermometer on sale at
WindwardStore.com: The Certified Abbeon 3005.22 C/F Thermometer is on sale at
WindwardStore.com for only $120.00. Pricing includes free standard shipping, and
Certificate. Visit www.windwardstore.com or call 800-210-0492 to order today.
About the 3005.22: The Abbeon 3005.22 Thermometer by Lufft is a Certified
accurate thermometer, Fahrenheit and Celsius temperature indicator, indicating
the temperature in a range of -30 to 130° Fahrenheit, and -35 to 55° Celsius.
This precision Thermometer will provide years of trouble free service. FEATURES:
6" Polished Brass Case - 5" Color Differentiated Dial - Measuring Range -30° to
130°F, -35° to 55°C - Dial Graduation: 5° F, 2° C. TEST CERTIFICATE INCLUDED.
Tested and Certified by Abbeon Cal Inc. under ISO 9001 controls to NIST
Standards. 1 Year Limited Warranty. Normally ships in 1-3 business days. MSRP:
$136.00.
7/10/07:
WINDWARD
INSTRUMENTS OPENs STOREFRONT: Windward Instruments opened the Windward Instruments Store on 7/5/07. Please read our PRESS RELEASE.
6/23/07:
WINDWARD
INSTRUMENTS TO OPEN STOREFRONT: Windward Instruments is launching a storefront, allowing customers to buy Chelsea Clock, Abbeon, and Ocean Clocks products directly from the company website.
The store will be accessible from the main page of Windward Instruments
via the main menu, as well as several links throughout
windwardinstruments.com.
The storefront will feature secure check for credit card, Pay Pal, and direct mail (check and money order) customers.
6/18/07:
WINDWARD
INSTRUMENTS SPONSORS THE OPEN INTERNET COALITION: Windward Instruments is sponsoring the Open Internet Coalition.
Read the full Press Release HERE.
About the Coalition:
The Internet has been the most successful platform for economic growth,
innovation and discovery in our nation’s history. The Open Internet Coalition
represents consumers, grassroots organizations, and businesses working in
pursuit of a shared goal: keeping the Internet fast, open and accessible to all
Americans.
Our coalition speaks for tens of millions of Americans and spans the entire
political spectrum. We stand together for protecting an open Internet where
everyone can access what they want when they want. In Washington and state
capitals across the country we’re working for policies like network neutrality
and universal access to high-speed Internet connections that will benefit all of
us, not just the large phone and cable companies who sell connections to the
Internet.
6/15/07:
WINDWARD
INSTRUMENTS JOINS THE ORA: Windward Instruments is now a supporting member of the Online Retailing Alliance
(ORA). The ORA is part of the Electronic Retailers Association (ERA)
which is focused on legislative issues facing merchants who market
directly via TV, Radio, and the Internet. All Windward Instruments
properties, including BellClocks.com, and OceanClocks.com support the ORA.
Windward Instruments agrees with the core belief of the ORA,
which is the belief that customers who use the internet to make
purchases of products maintain free and open access to ALL merchants.
Further, the ORA fully supports the open internet project, to protect
internet users from the so-called "email tax" or fee, which would see
charges for every email sent.
ORA activities are aimed at protecting online and direct
merchants from government and telecommunications company
interests. These interests seek to limit customer access to only
companies willing to pay for customers, thus eliminating smaller
businesses without the financial means to compete. This would see a
handful of companies dictating pricing on nearly every product
currently available online, doing away with customer choice, or best
pricing.
Government interests, specifically the Governors Association, has
pressured Congress for years to force online retailers to collect sales
tax for every individual tax district in the U S. This would mean that
every customer purchase online would be subject to that customer's
sales tax, be it state or local. Obviously this would increase pricing
to customers who currently enjoy savings by purchasing online, if their
local municipality requires tax.
Please follow the link above for more information on the ORA's activities.
6/6/07:
WINDWARD
INSTRUMENTS ANNOUNCES WEEMS & PLATH PRICE REDUCTION: Windward
Instruments retail division, BellClocks.com, is reducing prices on most
Weems and Plath instruments, effective this week. In addition,
customers will receive free shipping on most reduced instruments.
Atlantis Ships Bell Clocks, Quartz Clocks, Barometers, and all Atlantis Brass and Chrome instruments will be reduced.
Martinique Instruments including Ships Bell Clocks, Barometers, Quartz Clocks, and Flag Clocks will also be reduced.
The popular civilian M24 binoculars, model BN29 will also see a major
price reduction, along with navigational sextants, and the Tamaya
navigation computer system.
Den Haan Lamps will also be reduced.
Please visit bellclocks.com to order, or contact us at 800-210-0492 for details.
5/10/07:
WINDWARD
INSTRUMENTS ANNOUNCES CHANGES TO WEEMS & PLATH: In
compliance with our customer service policy, Windward Instruments is
announcing a forthcoming price adjustment which will impact our Weems
and Plath customers.
Effective
May 15, 2007 Weems and Plath, manufacturer of a popular instrument
line, will establish a MAP (minimum advertised price) policy. All
factory authorized dealers will be required to adjust pricing of all
Weems and Plath instruments to be in compliance with this policy.
BellClocks.com, the retail division of Windward Instruments, will
change pricing effective May 15, 2007 to be in compliance with MAP
policy.
The pricing adjustment will affect all Weems and Plath products,
including Ship's Bell Clocks, Quartz Clocks, Barometers, and Navigation
instruments.
In addition to the price adjustment, several Weems and Plath products
will be discontinued by BellClocks.com, as we simply can not justify
the higher price to our customers, based upon quality and comparables
readily available in the market.
Some of the products being discontinued include the entire Eastport and
Westport collections, all chart weights, and the 4000 electronic marine
barometer.
BellClocks.com will also discontinue sales of Weems and Plath Orion
Ship's Bell, and Ship's Wheel Bell clock models due to serious quality
issues with those models.
Windward
Instruments, and BellClocks.com will continue to provide service to all
customers who have purchased any of the discontinued items.
We apologize for any inconvenience to our customers. These changes are
beyond our control, and are needed to provide the best possible service
to our customers.
We are happy to answer any questions regarding these changes. Please
visit bellclocks.com, or call 800-210-0492 for more information.
2/5/07:
WINDWARD
INSTRUMENTS DISCONTINUES CLOCK REPAIR SERVICE: Windward
Instruments has discontinued clock repair and restorative services
effective immediately. We apologize for any inconvenience.
2/2/07: WINDWARD
INSTRUMENTS TO INTRODUCE ABBEON AND LUFFT WEATHER INSTRUMENTS: Windward
Instruments will introduce Lufft and Abbeon weather instruments to
customers in late February, 2007. The company will offer the products
for sale at its online retail store, bellclocks.com.
The Lufft instruments line will include analog barometers, hygrometers,
certified hygrometers, and thermometers. Hygrometer/Thermometers.
In addition to analog instruments, Windward will offer specialized
weather instruments, such as the recording Thermohygrograph, and
portable certified absolute barometers.
Lufft digital weather instruments will also be available.
Numerous case designs and dial colors compliment the analog instrument
line, with styles from contemporary to traditional brass.
Pricing for the Lufft analog instruments will typically range from
around $100.00 to around $180.00, with free or low fixed shipping
included.
Please contact us for more information.
12/26/06: BELLCLOCKS.COM
AFTER CHRISTMAS SALE: We
have extended special pricing through 12/31/06 at our BellClocks After
Christmas Sale.
BellClocks.com will also provide free expedited shipment on our best
selling imported products including all Ocean Clocks and Shapel
instruments, and Tidemaster UK Tide and Navigational Chronographs.
12/21/06: WINDWARD INSTRUMENTS &
BELLCLOCKS.COM HOLIDAY SCHEDULE: Windward
Instruments and BellClocks.com business office will be closed from
6:00PM CST Friday, 12/22/06 - 9:00AM CST Tuesday, 1/2/07 in celebration
of Christmas and New Years holidays. We
will continue to receive orders during this period - however,
shipping
and servicing of orders placed during this period will not commence
until 1/2/07.
We would like to Thank all of our customers for making 2006 a wonderful
year, and wish you all a Merry Christmas, and prosperous and healthy
2007.
12/2/06: BELLCLOCKS.COM
PROVIDES FREE SHIPPING ON OCEAN CLOCKS AND SHAPEL ORDERS: BellClocks.com
is providing customers free upgraded shipping on all Ocean Clocks and
Shapel orders through 12/31/06. The shipping upgrade will reduce the
delivery time by 50%, providing more reliable service for those
customers requiring delivery by Christmas.
The free shipping upgrade applies to all Ocean Clocks Tide Time, and 24
Hour Clock orders, and Shapel Moonphase Tide Time, Tide Time, and Tide
clock orders.
11/28/06: BELLCLOCKS.COM
LAUNCHES NEW SHAPEL TIDE TIME, AND TIDE CLOCKS: BellClocks.com
has launched two new clocks from Shapel,
maker of the popular Moonphase Tide Time clocks. Introductory sale
pricing accompanies the launch.
The new models include a tide time model, and a tide
only model, for those customers who prefer no moon display. Both
feature the same large size dial (8.5") as the moonphase tide time, and
come ready for wall mounting with a selection of New Zealand Pine, or
Blue MDF Wood plaques.
11/22/06: MAXIMUM
WEATHER INSTRUMENTS SALE: Weather
Instruments by Maximum Weather
are on sale now at BellClocks.com.
Christmas
sale pricing is applied to selected wireless weather stations,
barometers, wind speed and direction anemometers, and combination
weather instruments.
Please visit BellClocks.com and save on these high quality weather
instruments while supplies last.
11/20/06: OCEAN
CLOCKS DISCOUNT: BellClocks.com
has deepened the discount on Ocean Clocks for
the remainder of 2006, to serve customers purchasing as Christmas
gifts.
The
pricing applies to all tide time clocks and 24 hour clocks, which are
offered in several sizes, and in 2 latch brass porthole and single
latch brass porthole cases. The chrome porthole clock models are also
included.
11/17/06: D&D
BAROMETER SALE - ECO CELLI, TENDENCY: We
are announcing a D&D Barometer
Sale,
underway now at bellclocks.com. The sale features special pricing on
D&D instruments while supplies last. Past sales have produced quick
sell-outs, so please shop early and don't miss one of the most unique
gift items of the year.
D&D produces some of the highest
quality instruments available, at an attractive price, and in unique
combinations. From the eco celli,
torricelli style, mercury free glass barometers - to their tendency
barometers, and unique weather stations and instruments, including
the ship's hull
weather station.
Some combinations include barometer/thermometer/hygrometer, and one
model features a barometer/thermometer/hygrometer AND stormglass
combination all in one presentation quality instruments.
We have
received numerous comments from customers, all positive, about the
quality and packaging of the D&D instruments. We received one
customer comments in which we were challenged at selling them "so
cheap".
Please contact us with any comments or
questions.
We
have included the comments of a Ross Tendency Barometer by D&D
below - this is typical of the comments we receive from customers:
(email courtesy Jack R - MA.)
The Ross Tendency
Barometer arrived this past Tuesday, and it's splendid.
It's
everything I hoped it would be, and then some. The wooden case is on a
par with the best cabinetry, and finished perfectly in a deep, warm,
glossy mahogany. The curved glass window is flawless; the red and blue
tubes are masterpieces of the glassblower's art; and the back panel is
beautifully lithographed in a way that looks old without looking fake
or "cheap."
The
workmanship, in all respects, couldn't be better, and, amazingly for
something so fragile, it arrived in perfect condition, with no damage;
it was packed very carefully. It's unusual for a product to look as
good as its picture in a catalog or on a web site, but this one
actually looks better.
This is a piece that I'll
be proud to hang on my wall, as anyone would. I couldn't be more
pleased.
Thanks for offering this
marvelous, and unique, instrument, and at such a remarkable price. It's
beautiful, and a great value.
I couldn't be more
pleased.
10/31/06: CHRISTMAS
SHOPPING ONLINE VOLUME 3: Welcome
to Volume 3, our last installment of BellClocks Christmas Shopping
Online. This volume will focus on "too good to be true" and online
security.
Please review the first 2 Volumes, as they work hand in hand with the
information we'll present today to help keep you safer while shopping
online.
Every year the number of online shoppers increases, and the money spent
increases exponentially. The vast majority of shoppers use credit or
debit cards to make purchases, over 90%, and the majority of merchants
don't accept checks or mailed payments. Most credit card companies
offer some form of protection against fraudlent charges, so our
suggestions will focus on common sense ways to protect yourself even
more.
1. "Too good to be true" deals are usually just that. Chances are not
likely that you will find a $1,000 item for $9.95 with free shipping -
but you'll see "deals" like this advertised all over the web. Simply
put, we recommend ignoring these "offers". These cons are normally
designed to collect information via an order form or similar
instrument, many times including credit card information, and the
result is never good.
2. Phishing/fake websites: These are websites that are designed to
collect personal information through a number of scams. Many are
designed to appear like an online store. We suggest that you look for
business information as described in Volume 1. Unless you are
comfortable with the site, don't fill out any forms at the site.
3. You can take an additional step in verification by verifying
business information with the State they are located in. Nearly every
State requires retail merchants to complete a licensing procedure, and
many States now provide that information via a State website. This is
an invaluable resource to shoppers that is not utilized often enough.
4. Many online shoppers are beginning to use the new Internet Explorer
7 browser which features a "phishing" filter built in. There are
several problems being reported with this filter, genuine sites are
being identified as "phishing" sites - while phishing sites are not
always being identified as a threat. The best way to know, is to verify
information yourself - and with the tools we've mentioned, this can be
done with little effort.
5. Looking for "secure" areas where you input your credit card
information.
Most browsers has some indication of a secure connection. Most have a
picture of some kind
(a padlock, safe, etc.) and/or the colors yellow or red (the address
bar on your browser will feature a
color to indicate a secure connection). When you have done your
shopping, and are checking out with the perfect Christmas present, you
should see some indication of secure connection when you get to the
credit card input area.
In simple terms, a secure connection encrypts (scrambles) any
information you give - much like "codes"
used by the military. It's done electronically, is then "decoded" by
software. Encryption makes collection of your information very
difficult, as the "scrambling" effect would make information appear as
random text until properly decoded.
We hope hope the information we've provided is helpful in giving ideas
on ways to be more secure while shopping online. We invite you to check
out our retail site, bellclocks.com, for examples of some of the items
we've mentioned.
10/27/06: CHRISTMAS
SHOPPING ONLINE VOLUME 2: Welcome
to Volume 2 of BellClocks Christmas shopping online. This volume will
focus on policy and service issues. These are especially important if
you are shopping online for Christmas gifts and need delivery prior to
the big day.
Remember to arm yourself with the information discussed in Volume 1
first, then move into this information.
Customer Service
As you shop online you will notice that nearly every business website
boasts of excellent customer service. Since the only meaningful
judgement of excellent service is the individual customer, we have some
suggestions of easy ways to test these service statements.
1. Send an email or customer service request through the site. This may
give you an idea of what to expect. No business is perfect, so be
patient but expect a reply. If you're wondering what to say or ask in
this message, honestly tell them you are testing their service.
2. Another test could be to contact them by phone. Again, be patient
but expect a reply. Many businesses (including BellClocks) utilize
voicemail to offer a call back service if you leave your
information.
Again, we stress some patience this time of year. Nearly every business
gets busy during the holiday shopping season. Patience means allowing a
little extra time - not weeks. As you receive replies, you can
accurately judge for yourself if the service is acceptable. If not,
shop elsewhere.
Business Policies
A business policy is any policy under which a business operates. These
include terms of sale, return policies, refunds and exchanges,
guarantees, price match, and others. Policy statements are very
important to shoppers, as they may obligate a customer to certain
conditions, much like a contract.
Like contact information we discussed in volume 1, this information
should be located in an easy to find location on any online shopping
website, and we strongly recommend a thorough review of posted policies
prior to making any purchase. A couple of tips:
1. We would advise shoppers to beware of any shopping site with no
published policies.
2. Business policies should be specific to the company you are going to
do business with.
To explain policies "specific to the company" - if you are shopping at
a site any policy statement should be specific to that site, not a
statement that says customers are covered under the policy of a third
party or the website host.
As an example, BellClocks.com has policies posted here:
http://bellclocks.com/policies.html and they are accessible from
various areas of our site. These policies apply directly to
BellClocks.com.
In closing Volume 2 of our Christmas online shopping tips, we would
like to again point out that most businesses of which we are aware are
honest in their dealings with shoppers and customers, and are committed
to customer service.
We invite you to our last installment, Volume 3 which will be published
on Monday 10/30/06, which will deal with "too good to be true" and
secure webpages.
10/26/06: CHRISTMAS
SHOPPING ONLINE VOLUME 1: As
the Christmas shopping season begins, and shoppers search the web for
Christmas and holiday presents, questions of online shopping security
become important. It is estimated that online shoppers will spend a
record amount in online purchases this year, in the Billions of
dollars.
With this in mind, BellClocks.com is going to post some tips over the
next few days, to help make online shopping safer for everyone. These
tips are not specific to Christmas shopping online, they apply to
online shopping throughout the year.
Our first tip will focus on basic credibility of online businesses, and
some simple ways shoppers can help protect themselves.
Online shopping online tip Number 1:
Before shopping online at any website, always ask yourself: "Is this a
real business?". You can usually answer the question easily and quickly
by following these simple tips:
1. Look for the business information, including an address, and phone
number. This information is usually
located on the main page (at the very least), normally at the top or
bottom of the page. Also check for any "contact us" or "about us" or
similar pages, which may contain contact information. These areas of a
website are normally accessible via tabs, buttons, or text links
located on the main or welcome page.
Most businesses want to be sure their customers are able to contact
them in the event of any issues with the product or service, as this is
the basic foundation of customer service. This allows the businesses to
respond to any issue, and fosters communication with shoppers. It also
helps protect businesses and customers from fraud and scams.
We strongly recommend shoppers beware of any site which offers contact
by "email only", or does not publish contact information including
address and phone number.
As one example of acceptable disclosure of business contact
information, BellClocks.com maintains contact information in easy to
find locations throughout our site, including our welcome (main) page.
Have a look at: http://bellclocks.com
One other thing which bears mentioning - U. S. shoppers should be
careful when shopping at any site owned by a foreign company. We do not
suggest that foreign companies are dishonest. We merely point out that
most online purchases are bound by the laws at the "point of sale",
normally that means the country in which the business is located. While
credit cards provide some measure of protection, serious disputes
requiring legal action could be under the jurisdiction of a foreign
court.
In closing Volume 1 of our Christmas online shopping tips, we would
like to point out that most businesses of which we are aware are honest
in their dealings with shoppers and customers, and are committed to
customer service. We also state that none of this is to be considered
legal advise in any way.
Watch for Volume 2 tomorrow, which will discuss policies and service
issues.
10/25/06: SYSTEM
MAINTENANCE NOTICE: Windward
Instruments
will conduct server maintenance maintenance on Saturday, 10/28/06
between 11:00 P.M. to 1:00 A.M. Saturday, 10/29/06 CST. During this
time,
windwardinstruments.com and bellclocks.com will be inaccessible for
a brief periods not expected to exceed 20
minutes. We apologize for any inconvenience, and appreciate your
patience.
10/21/06: ANNOUNCING
THE BELLCLOCKS.COM "AT HOME, AT SEA, AND ON TIME" HOLIDAY
SALE:
BellClocks.com
will conduct it's 3rd Annual At Home, At Sea, and On Time holiday sale
beginning November 1, 2006 and continuing through December 31, 2006.
This
year's sale has been extended 2 weeks longer than the 2005 sale,
allowing early
holiday shoppers to enjoy additional savings.
Featured
products for this year include the Maritime
24 - 24 Hour Clock by Ocean Clocks,
maker of our best selling Tide
Time clocks and barometers. BellClocks will also
offer gift sets of popular ship's bell clocks complete with matching
mantle
mounts at special pricing. These sets were very popular Christmas gifts
last
year, and have continued to be popular throughout the year.
The
featured gift set this year includes a 45 Series Ocean Clocks Tide Time
Clock
in a set with the new Windward Instruments 450
mahogany mantle mount. Availability will be limited on this set, as the
mantle mounts are hand made.
Other
brands included in the sale include D&D's
Eco Celli and tendency
barometers, and the popular Weems
and Plath instruments.
For
more information contact
bellclocks.com at http://bellclocks.com,
or by phone at 800-210-0492.
10/15/06: OCEAN
CLOCKS SPRING SHUT DOWN: Ocean Clocks, our
most popular make of tide time and 24 hour clock, will conduct an
inventory and holiday shut down beginning on 10/20/06. Production and
shipping will be suspended until their return to a working schedule on
11/10/06.
During the shut
down, BellClocks
will continue to process orders, however, orders received during this
period will not ship until sometime shortly after 11/10/06.
We apologize for any inconvenience this causes.
Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions.
10/01/06: WINDWARD
INSTRUMENTS INTRODUCES
HAND CRAFTED OCEAN CLOCKS MANTLE MOUNTS: In
response to customer requests, after several months of development,
Windward Instruments has started production of hand built mantle
mounts for Ocean
Clocks Tide Time Clocks, Barometers, and the Maritime
24, 24 Hour Clock.
The mounts will be available at BellClocks.com, and other Ocean Clocks
dealers.
The Windward Instruments mantle mounts for the 45 series Ocean Clocks
instruments will be available starting in mid-October, followed by
matching mantle mounts for the remainder of the Ocean Clocks line. The
mounts will be available solid mahogany, or oak.
Windward Instruments developed the design to compliment Ocean Clocks
instruments in appearance and quality. Each mount will be hand built,
assembled, finished, pre-drilled, and inspected by a commissioned
craftsman, using the highest quality materials available.
Windward Instruments mantle mounts will accomodate nearly every other
make of instrument available. Customers desiring a high quality display
other instrument makes may order the mounts without pre-drilled pilot
holes for Ocean Clocks instruments.
While Windward will not offer brass plaques or engraving services, the
mounts are of sufficient size to allow for further personalization by
the customer, on both sides, and below the mounted instrument.
The 45 series mantle mount measures 20 1/8" L x 11" H x 6 1/4" D, and
weighs around 2 1/2 LBS. Exact dimensions of the 40 and 30 series
mounts was not available at the time of the press release.
The exact release date and pricing is forthcoming from Windward
Instruments. Availability of the mounts is estimated at 2-3 weeks for
delivery dependent upon volume.
9/25/06: DEALER
SOLICITATION NOTICE: Windward
Instruments
has announced dealer solicitation in an effort to expand it's Ocean
Clocks retail network.
In a statement, Mike Ratican, Business Director for Windward
Instruments, said "With the launch of the Maritime 24, and recent
articles in major publications, customer interest in the Ocean Clocks
line is increasing." "Our goal is to expand our retail network to
provide the best possible selection and service for our customers".
Windward Instruments will make dealership applications accessible
online in the coming weeks, and has added a text link for dealer
inquiries by email. Interested retailers may also contact Windward
Instruments directly at: 800-210-0492.
Qualified retailers must be properly licensed, and include traditional
brick and mortar, and ecommerce companies.
9/25/06: SYSTEM
MAINTENANCE NOTICE: Windward
Instruments
will conduct server maintenance maintenance on Friday, 9/29/06
between 11:00 P.M. to 1:00 A.M. Saturday, 9/30/06 CST. During this
time,
windwardinstruments.com and bellclocks.com will be inaccessible for
brief periods of time, with total downtime not expected to exceed 10
minutes. We appreciate your patience.s
9/8/06:
WINDWARD
TO LAUNCH "MARITIME 24" 9/15/06: Windward Instruments
will launch the “Maritime 24” 24 Hour Nautical Clock on
September 15, 2006, making it available to customers through BellClocks.com.
Customers desiring to place direct credit card
orders may do so toll-free at: 1-800-210-0492.
Manufactured by Ocean Clocks,
the
“Maritime 24” is a high quality 24 hour clock, which
combines unique
design, and maritime tradition, to create a timepiece that is both
colorful, and useful.
The
“Maritime 24” dial incorporates full color signal flags,
enlarged and
circled Arabic numerals, and “diamond” register indicators,
to denote
traditional “Relieve the Watch” at 00, 04, 08, 12, 16, and
20.
Hours,
minutes, seconds, and 5 second/minute increments are also registered.
Traditional “peach” hour and minute hands, and a
“stepping” red second
hand complete the dial, which is housed behind a thick beveled glass
crystal.
The
“Maritime 24” features casework of uncommon quality, and is
available
in a selection of traditional heavy, highly polished and lacquered
brass cases. A chrome plated brass case is also available. All cases
utilize traditional marine fittings, with machined back.
The
quartz 24 hour movement is accurate to approximately (+/-) 15 seconds
per month, and is powered by a “AA” battery, with an
average battery
life of 18-24 months.
Backed
by one of the best warranties available (Full 5 Year Limited Warranty),
the “Maritime 24” 24 Hour Nautical Clock will be available
through
BellClocks.com (http://www.bellclocks.com) toll-free 800-210-0492.
9/7/06: SYSTEM
MAINTENANCE NOTICE: Windward
Instruments
will conduct server maintenance maintenance on Friday, 9/15/06
between 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. CST. During this time,
windwardinstruments.com and bellclocks.com will be inaccessible for
brief periods of time, with total downtime not expected to exceed 15
minutes. We appreciate your patience.s
8/21/06: OCEAN
CLOCKS SUMMER SALE EXTENDED: Windward
Instruments has extended the Ocean Clocks Summer Sale at our online retail site
BellClocks.com
through September 15th.
These unique localized tide time clocks display local high tide in
local ports, including the U. S. East Coast, the Bahamas, and the Puget
Sound, WA.
A high level of dial personalization is available at nominal cost,
including names, dates, sailing pennants, and customer images.
The sale includes all Brass and Chrome Tide Time clock models. To
order, visit BellClocks.com, or call toll-free at:
1-800-210-0492.n
8/9/06: SYSTEM
MAINTENANCE NOTICE: Windward
Instruments
will conduct server maintenance and security upgrades on
windwardinstruments.com resulting in approx. 30 minutes of downtime
beginning at 9:00 PM (CST) on Wednesday, 8/16/06. We
apologize
for any inconvenience.
7/24/06: MATERIAL
COSTS WILL FORCE PRICE
INCREASES SOON: By
Mike Ratican, Business Director.
While
most customers aren't surprised by annual price increases to adjust for
increasing costs of production, the next round of price increases may
leave some customers with a serious case of "sticker shock".
They won't be alone. Manufacturers ordering new stock for the holidays
may be shocked as well.
The
most recent updates in pricing to manufacturers from material sources
in the U. S., Asia, and Europe, included huge price hikes in finish
metals, especially brass, with typical increases of 40 - 60%.
The
cost of base metals needed to produce brass has skyrocketed in recent
months. Copper, for example, has more than doubled in price in the past
year. According to industry analysts, the chief cause is demand, mainly
from China, and India, 2 leading producers of brass for many
applications.
It's a bit ironic that many U.S. manufacturers
have turned to China, India, and other international sources to obtain
less expensive brass - only to be charged more due to the increase in
demand placed on these sources by the U. S. market.
In recent
years many manufacturers have reduced the amount of stock on the
shelves through the Summer months, choosing to restock in late Summer
for the holidays. This "short stock" condition may make the situation
more immediate, as prices for holiday restock will likely be subject to
these increased prices.
Many smaller recent increases have been
absorbed, mainly by retailers, to maintain competitive pricing.
Unfortunately, with increases of this magnitude, retailers will be
forced to pass these increases on in the form of higher prices to
customers.
Our advise to shoppers is to buy now - and avoid what will likely be a
more expensive "Christmas Rush"
7/17/06: WINDWARD
INSTRUMENTS ANNOUNCES
OCEAN CLOCKS "MARITIME 24" RELEASE:
Windward Instruments will launch the new Ocean Clocks "Maritime 24"
Clock sometime during August - September, 2006, and will be offered for
sale at the company retail site bellclocks.com.
This hand assembled 24 Hour
Clock incorporates
the superior dial design Ocean Clocks is known
for,
featuring colorful nautical signal flags on a 4"
Dial.
"Relieve the Watch" indications (at 00, 04, 08, 12, 16, 20), a
"stepping" second hand, and casework of uncommon quality, make the
Maritime 24 a true nautical instrument, suitable for
use in a
pilot house, or nautical room.
Crafted from solid lacquered brass, the Maritime 24 is powered
by an accurate quartz movement, and is backed with a full (5)
Five
Year Warranty. Heavy chrome plated brass case also available.
The Maritime 24 will be available in late Summer, August - September
2006. Pricing will be announced at that time. Pictures in advance of
release will be available, and posted soon.
For more information, please contact us.
7/13/06: WINDWARD
INSTRUMENTS OPINION -
The "New" Chelsea Clock Company: By
Mike Ratican, Business Director.
In mid 2005, the Chelsea Clock Company was purchased by J K Nicholas.
Many in the industry were not familiar with Mr. Nicholas, and were
worried that the Company had been purchased by an investor with no
interest in the Chelsea Clock history, or heritage - simply wanting to
turn out clocks by the thousands to make big money. I think may of us
expected this, as the previous owner (who shall remain nameless) milked
Chelsea Clock for everything he could without reinvesting in the
company - a recipe for disaster with any company.
Being unfamiliar with Mr. Nicholas or his plans for the company, so I
did something very unusual in today's world - I decided to CALL
him...Yes, on a regular phone, no texting, no VOIP, no messenger, just
a simple "old fashioned" phone call. It worked just fine! I was
impressed with J K's grasp of the company history, and his positive
attitude toward the numerous changes in front of him.
For anyone worried about the future of Chelsea Clock, or that J K is an
investor looking only at the bottom line, I can honestly say: don't be.
Like any businessman J K is certainly concerned with turning a healthy
profit, but his focus is on the Company, it's heritage, and re-building
both facilities and brand awareness in order to attain increased
return. Most importantly, J K has no interest in "outsourcing"
Chelsea's production or material to Asia, Mexico, or other cheap labor
and parts markets.
He's off to a great start. Mr. Nicholas has already invested a major
amount of time and money into maintenance and upgrades to the "old
building" on Everett Avenue in Chelsea, MA., with some much needed
attention. In addition to material upgrades, R&D and marketing
are
coming up to speed, with stock on the shelves, and new models rumored
to be under development for release in the near future, and beyond.
I'm looking to the future with optimism, and look forward to witnessing
the return of a re-vitalized Chelsea Clock, America's last great
clockbuilder.
7/5/06: WINDWARD
INSTRUMENTS REJECTS USE
OF GOOGLE CHEKCKOUT: On
July 3 Windward Instruments announced it was considering Google
Checkout as an additional payment method for it's retail customers at
BellClocks.com.
Today Windward Instruments announced it has rejected the Google
Checkout system in it's current form, apologizing for any inconvenience.
In a statement, Windward Instruments who owns and operates
BellClocks.com, said that Google Checkout was unfit for use by
merchants or customers.
Citing several issues, Mike Ratican, Business Director for Windward
Instruments, balked at the numerous blogs and reviewers who have
labelled Google Checkout as a "PayPal killer".
"It's anything but a PayPal killer" said Ratican. "Google's inability
to process international payments, purchase limits placed on some
customers, and a "payout" limit Google has imposed on most merchants,
are truly ridiculous". He continued: "It is entirely possible that
Google Checkout will cause many more problems for shoppers than it will
solve".
In addition to service issues, Windward Instruments was concerned at
Google's inability to answer some basic security questions in regards
to it's service, |
