Why Is My Atomic Clock Wrong? – Possible Causes

Atomic clocks are known for incredible accuracy of time. If you have bought a new atomic clock that is not showing the correct time, you don’t have to worry. In this article, we’ll cover all the causes behind this issue.

We have listed them in a specific order starting with the most common.

Synchronization Delay

The first reason behind the incorrect time showing on your atomic clock may be the synchronization delay. This is more likely in the case of a new clock.

Atomic clocks don’t operate like conventional watches that have to correct the time continuously. They need some time to adjust to the radio frequencies of a particular location.

Thus, you have to be patient. It may take a week before your atomic watch synchronizes with the radio frequency and displays the perfect time.

Time Zone Conflicts

This is one of the most common reasons behind the display of incorrect time on an atomic clock. Not all atomic watches have the feature to display multiple time zones.

Your atomic watch may be manufactured or suited to a particular time zone that you are currently not located in. Also, you may have traveled out of a timezone, and your atomic clock might not have synchronized with the local radiofrequency.

You can quickly verify if there is a time zone conflict that is causing the incorrect display of time on your atomic watch. You can do this by verifying that the time displayed is with one hour ahead or behind.

If this is the case, you’ll usually have to wait a while as the clock will automatically synchronize itself to the exact time of your location.

Daylight Saving Time Issue

The daylight saving time feature (DST) can alter the original time on an atomic clock. There can be two situations that you might encounter in this case:

• Not all time zones practice daylight-saving times. The atomic watch you own might have the feature enabled in such a time zone. This will result in the display of an incorrect time. You’ll have to disable the DST feature of your watch. You’ll then have to wait for it to synchronize with the local timezone
• You are in a timezone that supports DST, but your clock does not have the feature to adjust to it automatically. In this case, you’ll have to select another time zone manually

Battery Failure

Atomic clocks operate by receiving electromagnetic frequencies and generating a charge in atomic particles. If the battery of an atomic clock is weak, it will not be able to function appropriately.

The effectiveness and efficiency of the watch will be lost as neither the receptor nor the interpreter will function at the optimum level.

In such a case, your atomic clock will slowly drift away from the exact time. You may not spot the difference at first, but it will gradually increase to the point that it will be highly noticeable. The only solution to this problem is to simply replace the battery.

Electromagnetic Interference

If you live in an area with an intense presence of electromagnetic waves, your atomic clock might not operate at its highest efficiency.

The time it shows will not be as accurate as it should be on an average atomic clock. This is because of the electromagnetic interference that will make it difficult for the receptor to receive radio waves.

This, unfortunately, can be a persistent problem as we are surrounded by loads of devices that send and receive electromagnetic waves.

However, you can solve this issue if you place your watch near an open window. You have to keep your watch away from other devices such as WIFI routers, laptops, or TVs. You can also choose to invest in an atomic clock that has a better receptor.

Loss Of Radio Synchronization

You have probably realized the importance of the receptor inside an atomic watch. High-quality receptors will result in displaying a highly accurate time.

Also, if the receptor is completely worn out, there will be a loss of radio synchronization. In this case, your atomic watch will drift away from the correct time.

Mechanical Failure

Just like all other mechanical and electrical devices, these clocks also have a useful life. Their mechanical parts gradually depreciate over time and increase the chances of a malfunction.

Therefore, you may have to invest in a new watch if your old one has drifted away from accurate time displays.

Final Takeaway

The reasons mentioned above are not a complete list. There still may be a more technical reason behind the inaccuracy of time on your atomic clock. If you still couldn’t figure out the issue, we suggest that you contact the manufacturer to identify and resolve the issue.

Also, you should not open up and look for the issue inside the watch. This will not only result in the loss of any claimable warranty, but you may also end up producing a new problem altogether.