Modern atomic wall clocks typically receive NIST's WWVB radio signal, use GPS, or sync over Wi-Fi to maintain accurate time and handle daylight saving changes. Reception quality depends on antenna design and placement. Brands such as La Crosse Technology and Weems & Plath offer current models; some older model names still appear in listings but should be verified for current specs.

Why choose an atomic wall clock?

Atomic wall clocks remove the chore of manual setting. They routinely synchronize to national time standards so they keep correct time, adjust for daylight saving when configured, and show hours, minutes - and sometimes seconds - without user input.

How they get the time

Most consumer "atomic" wall clocks receive the low-frequency radio time signal WWVB, broadcast by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). WWVB is a 60 kHz longwave signal transmitted from a site near Fort Collins, Colorado; NIST maintains primary timekeeping facilities in Boulder. Some modern clocks instead use GPS/GNSS receivers or sync over Wi-Fi to network time servers (NTP).

Typical features and reception

Clocks that use WWVB usually let you choose a time zone and will attempt automatic updates overnight. Reception depends on antenna design and local interference. Models with an internal antenna work well in many homes; some designs include or allow an extendable external antenna to improve reception in difficult locations.

Materials and styles vary. You can find budget plastic or resin cases with wood-grain finishes, classic brass or metal cases aimed at nautical decor, and simple office/school designs with easy-read numerals. Most run on AA batteries and will resume synchronization after a power interruption.

Brands and model types

Several well-known manufacturers still sell radio-synchronized wall clocks. La Crosse Technology is a common source for office and home models with radio reception and selectable time zones. Weems & Plath offers brass and marine-style clocks with radio or GPS time options. Other historical model names (e.g., Eurochron or "Atomic Time" branded faces) appear in older product lines and third-party listings; availability and exact specifications vary by model and retailer.

Marketing claims about theoretical long-term accuracy often refer to the atomic frequency standards behind WWVB or GPS, not the clock mechanism itself. Real-world accuracy depends on reception, crystal stability, and whether the unit uses the radio signal directly or merely corrects a local oscillator during periodic updates. 1

Choosing and using one

If you need automatic DST changes and low-maintenance timekeeping, pick a radio or network-synchronized clock. For best WWVB reception, place the clock away from dense metal, large electronics, or reinforced concrete, and orient it per the manufacturer's antenna guidance. If you have poor radio reception, prefer a Wi-Fi/NTP or GPS-synchronized model.

  1. Confirm current availability and model names for Eurochron and any "Atomic Time" branded wall clocks.
  2. Verify any specific marketing accuracy claims (for example, "1 second in 1.8 million years") and attribute them correctly to the atomic standard versus the consumer clock.
  3. Confirm warranty claims and included accessories (batteries, mounting hardware) for specific Weems & Plath or other branded models if citing them in detail.

FAQs about Atomic Wall Clocks

How do atomic wall clocks get the correct time?
Many receive the WWVB longwave radio signal from NIST, while others use GPS/GNSS receivers or Wi-Fi to sync with internet time servers (NTP).
Do they automatically adjust for daylight saving time?
Yes - if you set the correct time zone and the clock is receiving its reference signal (radio, GPS, or network), it will adjust automatically when DST rules apply.
What if my radio‑synchronized clock won't update?
Poor reception is the usual cause. Move the clock away from metal, large electronics, or concrete, try an extended antenna if available, or choose a Wi-Fi/GPS model.
Are they more accurate than regular quartz clocks?
They can be, because they periodically correct their time against atomic standards. But practical accuracy depends on reception and the clock's internal oscillator quality.
Which brands make reliable atomic wall clocks?
La Crosse Technology and Weems & Plath are current reputable makers. Other brand names appear in older product listings; always confirm current availability and specs with the seller.