Nocturnal Celestial Stardial with Brass Finish (Available Feb. 5, 2010)

Perhaps the most accurate of all our dials, "star" dials were first used in the 15th century by navigators who told time by the position of the stars. They work so well because they are based on the North Star, which is almost directly on the axis of the earth's tilt and always appears in the same position in the sky. All the other stars seem to revolve around it.

Set the middle wheel to the month, hold the dial upside down, and sight the North Star through the center hole. Move the top of the dial's arm to align with the uppermost stars of the Big Dipper, and read the time on the inner dial where the arm crosses the hour mark! On the reverse side are outlines of the major constellations. Available in several designs as well as in Pewter, Sterling Silver, mixed Silver and Gold, and Gold in 10, 14, or 18 karats, and by special order, 22 karat. All Shepherds Watch dials come with instructions.