Thought this might be an interesting topic, "Time and tide wait for no man" goes the proverbial phrase (1395).
Having spent a night grounded and dryed out on a croc infested mud bank..went in search of a tide clock, but it's a very rare and often expensive instrument up here.(found a nice time+tide one in Cairns, $350,for big keelers)
Another alternative for instant tide knowlege is the electronic "Tide watch". These were for sale in many jewellers and camp stores. Thousands of surfers, kite boarders and sailers wear them (online sales too)
Now have a Casio G-shock 7900 tide watch, last years model promo sale from Tentworld, $129. The tide function is self contained, just set 3 parameters for your area. So it's not super-accurate but gives an instant overview of the tidal state. The moon phase on it indicates whether "neap or spring" tides are happening. It can predict future tide patterns too. https://www.casio.com/intl/watches/gsho ... .G-7900-1/
The tide watch is lightweight and designed for almost everyone affected by inter-tidal zones or tidal currents (surfers , fishers, sea kayakers, beach goers). Tide watches usually go for about A$160 to $500ish..the more exy ones have bluetooth to load exact tidal data from smart phone to watch.
Not simple good like the tide clock though.