Hi all,

I was very excited about an analog clock I found on ebay, but that enthusiasm was quickly bridled by an accuracy check I did when I first got it. The clock was the classic German Jerger "Olympia" version that was one of the fancier clocks prevalent decades ago. The cover box claims "reliable-accurate-silent"; How did they define accuracy? Anyway, after letting it go for 2 hours, it was approx. off by one to two minutes slow. I ran it for 2 hours because here in the US, time controls are usually 40/2 meaning 40 moves in 2 hours. I've never seen a time control greater than 2 hours so I thought that was a good test criteria. I am disappointed but I'm not sure if I'm being too anal about the 1 minute inaccuracy. I like to get people's opinion on this. What should be the accuracy tolerance level for (analog) check clocks? Of course, digital clocks don't have this issue by it's very nature. Interestingly enough, this aspect of chess is never (I don't think) addressed. When we chess players play an OTB game, we assume and hope that the clock that is being utilized is accurate, etc. I'm not sure if this sort of thing can be addressed on a practical level. How would you know (without actually giving it some sort of test) that the clock is functioning properly? Of course, the clock won't be a factor if either competitors are in no way in danger of time, but this is very relevant in blitz games and situations where you're down to the wire. I got this clock because I liked the look of the wood clocks and it was a throw back to yesteryear. But I thought it would also make a good backup to my digital clock I have. Note: The analog clock is preferred and only outranked by the digital clock with a delay feature (to do away the issue of "insufficient losing chances". Shouldn't a digital clock always outrank an analog clock for obvious reasons?

You say it is relevant in blitz games...but of course that would be 1sec/min and isn't the problem about the same? It is the same inaccuracy we're dealing with after all - to be perfectly honest, I'm more bothered by some chess players' arrogance and bad attitudes during games of chess, some can be very badly behaved! that always spoils the game for me, though fortunately, most players are well mannered, this is after all a gentleman's game.

most analog clocks are adjustable. that little slot on the back, which you don't know quite what it does? That's used to adjust the speed of the clock.

in blitz, as big a problem with analog clocks is the inability to set it precisely. Can you really set it perfectly equally for both players?

Digital clocks are just better.

Oh great now I can cheat! I always wondered how I managed to run out of time despite playing faster! the b*gger had been adjusting the speed of the clocks! ack! Now it's time for revenge..

I saw oddest situation with the clocks in one of my local tournaments. One guy brought his analog chess clock. After the game started and approximatly 2 hours went by the clock STOPPED!
The judge was trying to calm disappointed oppoenent because opponent thought he has a lot of time left, which was not true accroding stopped clock.
That was amazing to watch

I owned an original Jerger. Purchased in Berlin when I was in the Army in 1965-68. I also had a German winder alarm clock which I used overseas.
The accuracy was astounding.
I am not into Physics or clocks. But I was told overseas that gravity affects
winders. I have no idea if the statement is true or false.
But I am aware from friends who wear those $300 to $1000 watches that they need to bring them in to a watch maker once a year for calibration.
To make Chess clocks perfect, possibly they should have Casio make Chess clocks. I wear a Solar Atomic Casio, an $89 item, which needs no calibration, no winding, no battery, and is adjusted by a signal from Fort Collins. The only thing I do is leave the watch by a window when not in use to recharge the solar battery. Note that there are battery operated atomic clocks, I own three and they never lose time. The same for digital cable box. Are chess clocks behind the times?

Not all of them. There are digital series called "Chrono". The price is about 100 US dollars. They contain really decent electronics inside. Huge amount of time modes! Once you try you will love it. There are different models though. I love one with non-sensor buttons like this one:

Also I preffer black buttons.

I really like the "look" of analog clocks. But they are outdated. Even if the timing is perfect, you cannot set them perfecly right, as they are set manually.

So to play, I of course prefer digital clocks. I really don't care much for which kind though.

I have the scalibur's one (black one), and it is a nice clock and it doesn't look too bad, but I hate that it's all plastic and the buttons are noisy.

I would like to find one that is more quiet and yet has all the functions that the one I have has.

Hard to find the perfect clock I guess.

Demon

Not hard to find the perfect clock. Buy a Chronos!

In the perfect clock i also look for aesthetics... something the chronos is clearly lacking in.


ooh, and move numbers.

Demon