Because tidal clocks at based of of lunar days which are 24 hours 50 minutes and 28 seconds. Aka a tidal cycle every 12 hours 25 minutes and 14 seconds.
I’m not familiar with this exact clock, but the clockwork is probably designed to extend the period of time the needle is on tide until it’s ready to start aligning with the countdown hours. So 4 hours 12 minutes and 37 seconds on tide.
Since this is a tidal clock for a specific town, the times are likely important to the Digby harbour.
Because tidal clocks at based of of lunar days which are 24 hours 50 minutes and 28 seconds. Aka a tidal cycle every 12 hours 25 minutes and 14 seconds.
I’m not familiar with this exact clock, but the clockwork is probably designed to extend the period of time the needle is on tide until it’s ready to start aligning with the countdown hours. So 4 hours 12 minutes and 37 seconds on tide.
Since this is a tidal clock for a specific town, the times are likely important to the Digby harbour.
They could just have it display the water level