La Crosse Technology WT-3161BK 16-Inch Stainless Steel Atomic Clock

 (68 customer reviews)

I got this clock two days before the DST switch. The manual claims that DST is controlled by a bit in the data stream it receives to set the time. Maybe so but the clock didn't make the switch. After several emails between me and LaCrosse they said to return the clock (at my expense) and they'd repair it.

There are four buttons on the back of the clock to match the different U.S. Time Zones. I'm in the Pacific zone so rather than go to the trouble and expense of sending the clock back I've decided to control DST by switching between Pacific and Mountain time zones. To "Spring forward" I just press the MT button and to "Fall back" the PT. No big deal (this technique wouldn't work for Eastern Time). However, I own five other Atomic clocks from three other manufacturers (Sangean, SkyScan and Oregon Scientific) and all five clocks made the DST transition flawlessly.

Another annoying problem with the unit I received is that the minute hand is off by two...Read more

The clock is not made of the most durable construction. After all, it's a clock you put on the wall. The most you'll ever do with this is change the battery every year or so. So, I don't really expect it to be made out of 16ga steel or anything.

But, anyway... The black face with white letters makes it VERY easy to read from a distance. I have three of these in an Emergency Operations Center where we require extremely accurate clocks.

It is important that you understand how the atomic clock system works. Originally, I had tried to put one of these in my regular office building. But, the signal couldn't penetrate the building. It works great in a standard wood constructed building.

I'll be getting more...

I have one of these in my office. It picked up the WWV signal within several minutes, and has made the DST transition without effort. The face of the clock is easily readable and clear, and the hands give good contrast and visibility from quite a distance away.