I have a good idea for an automatic-setting home clock.

[HorologyBuff]

How about a chiming clock that's charming like this Bulova that could always keep itself at the correct time via a Bluetooth connection and your home PC with an Internet connection? The clock in theory could keep in sync with your Windows clock. Yes, it's true they have these atomic clocks on the market but positioning them in a place for good reception is not always possible.

 

[Willie X]

WiFi clocks are out there. There was a thread on these about 18 months back? Maybe you can find that thread. 18 months may be close, but maybe not ... . If you are looking for a retro movement that works with WiFi, I don't remember any mention about anything like that. Willie X

 

[Tim Orr]

Good evening, Buff!

Try: Synchronized Clock Systems - Replacement Clocks | American Time
They make a full line of WiFi-synced clocks.

Meanwhile, I've tried lots of WWVB-synchronized clocks over the years. I can't recall, in Ohio, Tennessee, Kansas, Missouri, or Colorado, having difficulty getting them to sync. I know this difficulty is possible, but I suspect it's pretty rare.

Best regards!

Tim Orr

 

[zedric]

A number of watches synchronise to a radio signal, so you could use something like that

 

[Raymond101]

You could use a Hall effect transistor under the pendulum center. & a small electric magnet.
If the beat is out of sync the magnet pulsed to increase or decrease the swing.
But if you forget to wind it @ the same time every week. It won't sync.
If your going to sync why use windows.. arduino would be better.
Personally you are going to spoil a beautiful clock . That can be set to within a few seconds a week before winding.
I have built a calibration meter that I used in a lab years back that's within ns per 100 years .
But of no benefits to a mechanical clocks.

 

[HorologyBuff]

I was thinking of just a battery quartz clock synced by wi-fi or Bluetooth that is commercially manufactured and marketed to the public. I don't build my own clocks as a hobby.

 

[HorologyBuff]

A number of watches synchronise to a radio signal, so you could use something like that

I want a true set-it-and-forget-it battery-operated wall clock that tolls.

 

[HorologyBuff]

You could use a Hall effect transistor under the pendulum center. & a small electric magnet.
If the beat is out of sync the magnet pulsed to increase or decrease the swing.
But if you forget to wind it @ the same time every week. It won't sync.
If your going to sync why use windows.. arduino would be better.
Personally you are going to spoil a beautiful clock . That can be set to within a few seconds a week before winding.
I have built a calibration meter that I used in a lab years back that's within ns per 100 years .
But of no benefits to a mechanical clocks.

I had battery quartz analog chiming clocks in mind with auto-magic setting.

 

[HorologyBuff]

Good evening, Buff!

Try: Synchronized Clock Systems - Replacement Clocks | American Time
They make a full line of WiFi-synced clocks.

Meanwhile, I've tried lots of WWVB-synchronized clocks over the years. I can't recall, in Ohio, Tennessee, Kansas, Missouri, or Colorado, having difficulty getting them to sync. I know this difficulty is possible, but I suspect it's pretty rare.

Best regards!

Tim Orr

Those are expensive business clocks with no chiming capabilty. What I have in mind is a battery chiming home clock for the consumer market, and priced likewise, with the styling of a wooden case and the convenience of automatic setting via some sort of wireless connectivity. It should not cost over $100 also. It should work easily if you have an active wi-fi router in the home or an active PC with a USB dongle to communicate with the clock via Bluetooth. The computer may need a special app/driver installed to work with the wall clock.

 

[HorologyBuff]

A number of watches synchronise to a radio signal, so you could use something like that

I don't want a watch. I want a chiming self-syncking home clock.

 

[HorologyBuff]

WiFi clocks are out there. There was a thread on these about 18 months back? Maybe you can find that thread. 18 months may be close, but maybe not ... . If you are looking for a retro movement that works with WiFi, I don't remember any mention about anything like that. Willie X

As far as I know, nothing I have in mind is available on the consumer market yet. People are still setting these old-fashioned-looking home quartz clocks the old-fashioned way ... by hand periodically. Every timepiece I own requires manual setting and has no built-in auto-syncking technology.

 

[Raymond101]

I don't want a watch. I want a chiming self-syncking home clock.

Ali express $3 ..
This is not horology . You want .
If you buy it . Out the box ready to go
This is non creative.
Build it ,design it , there is a self satisfaction. . Buying already built google.com. credit card . Done .
..
Or arduino connected to the sync terminals of a quartz clock processor. Done .

Edit .. there is a very simple solution to this . Just remove the xtal from all the quartz movement and replace it with a wifi sync. And you will need only one master. For as many clocks you want within the master transmission range. Depending on country the limits are different.
Apx 200mtr .
I forgot you said in the title it's Your idea . .
Have fun it's really simple to do .

 

[HorologyBuff]

Never mind. I'll just continue to set my clocks the old-fashioned way until the "smart" clocks I seek are finally marketed and shelved. I won't hold my breath waiting. I have other hobbies I enjoy better.

What is not horology? I thought horology was timekeeping science. You mean no scientific thought went into building my Casio LCD watch?

You might think information technology only means computers. No, it goes way back to painting drawings on cave walls, the invention of the printing press, the Pony Express, tin-can telephones, using quill pens or sending smoke signals.

 

[zedric]

If I understand correctly you basically want a chiming slave clock, where the synchronising signal is delivered wirelessly rather than via a wire?

You could make a prototype using a slave clock and a raspberry pi, using it to both run a speaker for the chime / strike (or actuate a hammer to strike a gong or bell) as well as receiving a timing signal via radio or if needed wifi or via the web.

it should be a relatively easy project.

more complex would be to emulate one of Breguet’s sympathique clocks. I’ll let you look those up

 

[Willie X]

It might be better to just hang a laptop on the wall with a full screen display and the cord hanging down to the charger and a nearby receptacle? That would do it and you could do a lot with that, just keep your cable bill payed up. I don't know how long a laptop will last in continuous use though.

Or, you could learn to live with the + or - one minute in 6 months of a common quartz clock ...

"Does anybody really know what time it is"? Willie X

 

[Raymond Rice]

It might be better to just hang a laptop on the wall with a full screen display and the cord hanging down to the charger and a nearby receptacle? That would do it and you could do a lot with that, just keep your cable bill payed up. I don't know how long a laptop will last in continuous use though.

Or, you could learn to live with the + or - one minute in 6 months of a common quartz clock ...

"Does anybody really know what time it is"? Willie X

Willie, your commentary is always worth the price of admission!
Ray Rice

 

[HorologyBuff]

If I understand correctly you basically want a chiming slave clock, where the synchronising signal is delivered wirelessly rather than via a wire?

You could make a prototype using a slave clock and a raspberry pi, using it to both run a speaker for the chime / strike (or actuate a hammer to strike a gong or bell) as well as receiving a timing signal via radio or if needed wifi or via the web.

it should be a relatively easy project.

more complex would be to emulate one of Breguet’s sympathique clocks. I’ll let you look those up

No. The two battery quartz clocks I already have have a solid-state audio device on board to make simulated bell sounds. My idea is for commerical clock manufacturers to simply add a means of auto-syncking by Bluetooth to the likes of the clock designs I already have.

Perhaps consumer clock manufacturers like Seiko and Bulova haven't yet thought about what I'm proposing or they might not see a profitable market for it.

I have contacted the manufacturers of my Seiko and Bulova brand wall clocks and suggest making a model with auto-sync via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi by email with the following message with my product idea.


"How about offering a line of battery-operated chiming wall and table clocks for homes that have an auto-sync feature to ensure they constantly keep the correct time without having to manually reset them?

What I have in mind is to use a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection from a home PC, router and/or phone to send a syncking signal to the clock to keep it at the correct time of day. A sort of "set-and-forget" solution.

There are some "atomic" clock models on the market but it is not always possible for them to be located in the home to get a reliable signal. Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity should be a more reliable technology for auto-sync no matter where in the home the clock is located.

Please let me know what you think. Thank you."

 

[Willie X]

Well, that's easily doable but will add cost, make the clock more complicated and more difficult to use. More cost, more complications, more difficulties with set up, are not things that clock companies are looking for ...

Willie X

 

[HorologyBuff]

Well, that's easily doable but will add cost, make the clock more complicated and more difficult to use. More cost, more complications, more difficulties with set up, are not things that clock companies are looking for ...

Willie X

In this age of cheap mass-produced electronics, what I propose should not be hard to do for any major electronics-goods manufacturer. Think of all the cheap Bluetooth USB devices on the market already. What might the addition of Bluetooth time syncking electronics and firmware for mass-produced electronic home clocks on an assembly line add to the production cost a copy? $5? $10?

It's just a matter of time. More and more consumer interior-decorating clocks in the future as well as alarm clocks and clock radios will have auto-syncking technology of some sort built in. We already have refrigerators and other home appliances connected.

The auto-syncking technology could also auto-adjust for DLST.

Bulova already offers this technology in ordinary office clocks that don't chime. They are about $100 more or less. The next logical step would to offer this same syncking technology in a charming wooden home clock with electronic chime sounds and perhaps a fake swinging pendulum* on some models.

Come to think of it, the Wi-Fi method sync seems simpler and more logical than any Bluetooth method. No extra devices to plug in and set up. Wi-Fi routers already emit wireless time signals. Everybody has a Wi-Fi router at home these days.

Atomic Clocks and Radio Controlled Atomic Clocks - The Clock Depot

www.theclockdepot.com

Meet the next generation of intelligent timekeeping as only Bulova can do: Accurate time anywhere where there is a WIFI signal! There is a special code transmitted to every WIFI system in your home if you have in-home wireless internet. This code includes the exact time which might show up on your cable or TV box. Bulova now has a way for a clock to grab that signal in your home and display that time on a traditional clock with hands. This new technology will make the new "Bulova Connect" series clocks the most accurate and dependable ever. The exact time for everyone with accuracy to within 1 second every 24 hours which is auto-corrected within that 24 period.

• LCD digital panel on the back of the clock confirms internet connection to International time servers.

• Password Protected, no need for any additional Phone App.

• These WIFI clocks automatically re-calibrate every day between 3 AM–5 AM to ensure accuracy.

• Automatically adjusts for twice-yearly time changes, so you'll never be late (or early) again!

• NEW 2022 SOFTWARE with Auto-Update so Your clock will NEVER be out of date as Bulova Connect is able to receive software updates automatically so that the software will never be out of date!



* A fake swinging pendulum on electronic clocks is only for visual effect and not timekeeping.

 

[michael isaacs]

To be honest, that type of product could actually take off, and if it did, it might in time revive the mechanical clock. The recent retro styled cars really drove up the market for the old classics.

 

[Willie X]

Could be but I don't think so.

I'm trying to think of a "retro" styled car?

Willie X

 

[zedric]

Could be but I don't think so.

I'm trying to think of a "retro" styled car?

Willie X

VW Beetle, Mini, PT Cruiser....

 

[Willie X]

There ya go. Mini a so-so BMW product. Beetle and PT Cruiser defunct. Not exactly trend setters ...

I think the most desirable feature of any clock is the ability to run and keep time independently of any outside forces or controls.

Willie X

 

[HorologyBuff]

There ya go. Mini a so-so BMW product. Beetle and PT Cruiser defunct. Not exactly trend setters ...

I think the most desirable feature of any clock is the ability to run and keep time independently of any outside forces or controls.

Willie X

There is Mother Nature's clock, the heavenly bodies, the sun, the planets, the moon and the stars, but Father Time is in control.

 

[HorologyBuff]

To be honest, that type of product could actually take off, and if it did, it might in time revive the mechanical clock. The recent retro styled cars really drove up the market for the old classics.

The charm of an old-fashioned mechanical tolling clock coupled with digitally-connected-world-technological convenience. Best of both worlds in the cosmos of timekeeping. CLOCK is a cognate with German "Glocke" meaning BELL. The original mechanical clocks not only TOLD time with hands and numbers but they TOLLED it with hourly bells to boot.

 

[Molson3003]

Amazon Alexa or better yet Echo Show with the LcD display. Comes with analog clock app and chime skill available. Always accurate due to NTP, and you can ask it to google ‘what is the meaning of time,” or anything else you may be curious about.

If you have bad eye sight you can simply ask “what time is it?.”

 

[Willie X]

Nothing much "new" in this old world we live in. Willie X

 

[Raymond101]

If you use all digital clocks connected to an ac power source.
Put a time clock on your master switch to turn off at 12:00 pm . All the clocks will reset to 12:00 .
Every clock will be reset .
No wifi , no wires , .
You can also ask your Neighbours
They maybe interested and buy in..
Shutting down the grid .
My sun dial keeps perfect time
Just outside my cave entrance.

 

[HorologyBuff]

Bulova has just responded to my product suggestion as follows:

Sylvia F. (Bulova Consumer Support)
Dec 27, 2022, 5:10 PM PST

Thank you for contacting us John.
I will be sure to pass along your suggestion to the design and production teams.
Should they be interested, they would be sure to contact you.
Best Regards,
Sylvia F.
Digital Support"

Note: Even if Bulova, Seiko or somebody else were to put the self-syncking clock I want on the market tomorrow, I would still not run out and buy one just yet. I would probably consider buying one to replace the clock I already have should it ever need replacing to begin with.

 

[Tim Orr]

Good afternoon, Buff!

One thing that occurred to me that I should have thought of earlier is simply to seek out an older synchronous electric clock with a mechanical chime unit incorporated in it. Revere Telechron is one of the names that comes to mind. These had motors whose speed was controlled by the cycle rate of the AC current supplied to them and chimes that were mechanical and driven by motors. These offer not as good accuracy nowadays, but still very good, probably better than most quartz or mechanical.

I think you will find that however good, synthesized or digitally recorded chimes never have the richness and appeal of actual hammers striking actual rods, gongs, or bells. That's what these older clocks used to generate the chime sounds.

Best regards!

Tim

 

[Tom McIntyre]

Apart from your target price, this looks like a no brainer to me. Bulova already make it wifi sync movement and the battery operated chime. In the round case wall model they even meet your price.They just need to swap the wifi movement for the one currently in the chime clock.

I agree that the older synchronous motor chimes would sound better, but if you do not care, you should get a positive response from their engineers.

 

[HorologyBuff]

The Bulova quartz clock I have now with a solid-state electronic chime has a bell tone that sounds like deep (tenor) bells as from a clock tower. Mechanical chimes will not produce those deep, dark church bell sounds.

 

[TQ60]

We have a Revere by herschede, about 1934.

BTDT...

The motor is controlled by ac power frequency.

So it keeps perfect time as long as power is present and 9 real tunes sound wonderful.

Products are consumer driven, having something like this that also was in a well made cabinet may not have suitable demand.

Accurate automatic clocks are all over the place, classy clocks not so much.

 

[zedric]

So it keeps perfect time as long as power is present

For all practical purposes that is true, but the frequency of the power network is permitted, and expected, to vary across the day, due to mismatch between demand and supply. So if you are looking at fractions of a second within a day, it may not be as accurate as a quartz clock..

Frequency Control in a Power System - Technical Articles

Learn about the primary, secondary and tertiary frequency control in a power system.

eepower.com

 

[TQ60]

Quartz clocks are not accurate.

At least the common ones.

The common atomic clocks are stand alone quartz that sync at night.

Quartz is not temperature stable, the frequency can vary.

Also vary by age.

Radio transmitters are all crystal controlled, current ones have a synthetic clock based on a crystal.

Cell towers same thing but controlled by GPS.

Bak in the day before high accuracy counters the power generation was monitored by just a standard ac clock like a telechron.

Time was compared to a regulator, if the telechron was running fast they would slow the generator down.

Currently the ac power frequency is likely very stable due to interconnection of multiple sources.

Voltage level not so much but voltage does not effect speed.

Regarding the op, Bluetooth would require user interaction to setup.

GPS however would require no action other than connecting to power source.

If it was ac powered with battery, the glockenspiel could be stand alone Quartz with GPS sync via the 1 pulse per second signal.

Time of day and time zone easy as GPS would know where it is and could be auto set.

It still requires a market.

 

[Willie X]

And, if you have a cell phone, you already have all that ... Willie X