13 best desktop atomic clocks
Desktop atomic clocks are specialized timekeeping devices designed to provide highly accurate and reliable time information. They are typically used in homes, offices, and other settings where precise timekeeping is essential. Here's what you should know about desktop atomic clocks:
Atomic Clock Technology: Desktop atomic clocks are equipped with atomic clock technology, which relies on the vibrations of atoms (usually cesium or rubidium) to measure time with exceptional accuracy. Atomic clocks are considered some of the most precise timekeeping devices in the world.
Accuracy: These clocks are renowned for their precision and are capable of maintaining accuracy to within a few billionths of a second per day. They automatically adjust for variations in time caused by factors like Earth's rotation, making them incredibly reliable.
Radio-Controlled or Atomic Sync: Most desktop atomic clocks are radio-controlled, meaning they receive time signals from atomic clocks maintained by national timekeeping organizations (e.g., NIST in the United States or NPL in the UK). These signals synchronize the clock's time with Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).
Digital Display: Desktop atomic clocks typically feature a digital display that shows the time, date, and often additional information such as temperature and humidity.The display is easy to read and can be configured in various formats.
Automatic Adjustments: One of the primary advantages of atomic clocks is their ability to automatically adjust for Daylight Saving Time (DST) changes and leap seconds, ensuring that they always display the correct time.
Battery or Electric-Powered: Desktop atomic clocks can be powered by batteries or plugged into an electrical outlet. Battery-powered models are convenient for placement anywhere in the home or office.
Additional Features: Some desktop atomic clocks may include additional features like alarms, countdown timers, and world time zones, making them versatile timekeeping tools.
Aesthetic Design: These clocks come in a variety of styles and designs to suit different home decor preferences. They can range from sleek and modern to classic and traditional.
Placement: Desktop atomic clocks are designed to sit on flat surfaces such as desks, shelves, or mantels. They are portable and do not require wall mounting.
Maintenance: Atomic clocks are generally low-maintenance, requiring periodic battery replacement if they are not electric-powered. They should be placed away from electronic devices that may interfere with the radio signal reception.
Desktop atomic clocks are an excellent choice for individuals who require precise timekeeping for personal or professional reasons. They ensure that you always have access to accurate time information, making them valuable additions to any home or office environment.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best desktop atomic clocks on the market
Sharp Atomic Desktop Clock – Auto Set Digital Alarm Clock - Atomic Accuracy - Easy to Read Screen with Time/Date/Temperature Display- Perfect for Nightstand or Desk
Sharp
- Atomic Alarm Clock - The Atomic Clock has a built in receiver that automatically synchronizes itself with the WWVB radio broadcast by the US Government’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Fort Collins, Colorado. The Atomic Clock will always be accurate to within on second as it receives daily WWVB updates.
- Wall Mountable and Table Top Use - The clock may be hung on the wall using the hang hole at the back of the clock or displayed on your nightstand by pulling out the backstand. 3 x AAA batteries Needed (not included)
- Calendar and Day of Week Display - Always know what day of the week it is with a quick glance. The clock displays the calendar and the day of the week.
- Indoor Temperature Display - Get the real time indoor temperature of your room displayed on your clock.
- Backlight on Demand - Press the snooze button on top of the clock to illuminate the whole display for 5 seconds. The backlight will also illuminate when the alarm sounds.
User questions & answers
| Question: | Is it DST |
| Answer: | This clock has DST |
| Question: | Is the clock able to display seconds |
| Answer: | I bought this clock for my Mother in a Nursing Home. She said there is no place for seconds or a timer. But it is a great clock for her...time + day of the week, am, pm, temperature. |
| Question: | can beep be turned off after pressing bar for backlight and time during night |
| Answer: | If you're asking "can the snooze/backlight bar turn off the alarm", the answer is no. If you're asking if there is a way to turn off the beep noise it makes when you hit the backlight bar at 3 AM and don't want to wake up your partner with the noise, the answer is also no. |
| Question: | how do you set the day? already set est, date and time. does day set itself automatically after certain time element |
| Answer: | You can manually set the clock or only set the time zone and DST and wait for the clock to sync with the atomic clock and set itself. |
Product features
Easy to Read - Easy to Use - Atomic Accuracy
The Sharp Atomic Desktop & Wall Clock has a built in receiver that automatically synchronizes itself with the WWVB radio broadcast by the US Government ‘s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Fort Collins, Colorado. The Sharp Atomic Clock will always be accurate to within one second as it receives daily WWVB updates.
Never Needs Setting - Indoor Temperature Readings & Calander
- The Sharp Atomic Wall Clock has a built in receiver that automatically synchronizes itself with the WWVB radio broadcast by the US Government ‘s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Fort Collins, Colorado. The Sharp Atomic Clock will always be accurate to within one second as it receives daily WWVB updates.
- Indoor Temperature sensor is located in the Atomic clock unit itself, and gives the ambiant temperature of the room.
- · Calendar and Day of Week Display - Always know what day of the week it is with a quick glance. The clock displays the calendar and the day of the week.
Easy to Read - Desktop or Wall Mount - Battery Operated
- Month, Date and Day are clearly shown and are updated automatically by the WWVB radio broadcast by the US Government ‘s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Fort Collins, Colorado.
- The Sharp Atomic Clock (Model - SPC963) can be easily mounted to the wall or can be used on table top or desk with the built in stand.
- No cords! The clock runs off of battery power and can be used almost anywhere. The Main Display unit uses 3 x AA batteries(not included)
Sharp (SPC963) - East to Read Blue Backlit on Demand
Backlight on Demand - Press the snooze button on top of the clock to illuminate the whole display for 5 seconds. The backlight will also illuminate when the alarm sounds.
Use as Alarm Clock or Desk Clock
The easy to read clock can be used on a table or desk and can be seen from across the room. The indoor temperature is shown below the time, along with the Day, Month, and Date - and NEVER NEEDS SETTING for easy use.
Smaller Size Wall mount Clock for Smaller Spaces
The clock measures 5" x 6.45" and is the prefect size for when wall space is at a minimum. Battery operated, so it will fit anywhere!
SHARP - A Name You Can Trust.
Sharp has been making quality alarm clocks for over 25 years and is the largest suppler of Retail Alarm Clocks in the United States with over 61,000,000 sold. Millions trust us with helping them start their day and staying on track.
La Crosse Technology 513-1417CH-INT Atomic Digital Clock with Temperature and Moon Phase
Alkaline battery dated at least 7 years in advance (super, ultra, max, heavy duty and rechargeable types should be avoided). Place them back into the remote sensor; making sure they are installed according to the diagrams in the battery compartment.
Next, taking care not to press any buttons, reinstall the batteries in the display according to the diagram in the battery compartment.
Do not press any buttons for at least 15 minutes after installing the batteries. (Let them establish a good connection.)
The temperature should be showing on your display. You can now put your sensor back outside.
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Following is a basic restart procedure for clocks and weather stations that do not have wind or rain:
Bring both units inside and have the units 3-5 feet apart with nothing between them.
Remove all power from both units.
Press one of the buttons on the display at least 20 times to clear all memory. Verify that the display is blank before proceeding.
Let all the units sit with batteries out for 10 minutes.
Be sure to use a new, Brand Name Alkaline battery dated at least 7 years in advance (super, ultra, max, heavy duty and rechargeable types should be avoided). Place them back into the remote sensor; making sure they are installed according to the diagrams in the battery compartment.
Next, taking care not to press any buttons, reinstall the batteries in the display according to the diagram in the battery compartment.
Do not press any buttons for at least 15 minutes after installing the batteries. (Let them establish a good connection.)
The temperature should be showing on your display. You can now put your sensor back outside.
By Theresa L. Brezden on December 15, 2020
