Atomic Watch FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do atomic watches work?
The U.S. government operates an “Atomic Clock” in Boulder, CO. This Atomic Clock will not gain or lose a second in 60 million years. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) delivers this time to the International Bureau of Weights and Measures in Paris. The Bureau receives time scales from other nations, averages the time scales, and distributes this average. The NIST uses this average and distributes it via radio signals (including WWVB) to your atomic watch which is programmed to receive. This radio signal allows your watch to match the Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) exactly and adjust for your time zone. (Information from the NIST)
2. Can I pick up the signal where I live?
The radio signals (WWVB) are transmitted from Fort Collins, Co. The signal covers about a 2000 mile radius. East cost and west cost areas may take longer to pick up the signal. Also, buildings with a lot of steel and few windows may make it difficult for your watch to pick up the signal. If you find that your signal has been lost, many times placing it by a window will help locate the signal.
3. Will my watch work even if it does not pick up the signal?
Yes. Our watches run on quartz movements. If you are in an area where you are not picking up the NIST signal, your watch will still run normally. However, it won’t match the U.S Atomic Clock and may not be precise down to the second.
4. Will my watch pick up the NIST signal outside of the U.S.?
No. However, some of our watches pick up different country atomic time radio signals. These watches are multi-functional. Please see individual watch for more details.
5. Do I have to adjust my watch for daylight saving time?
No. As long as you are receiving the synchronization signal from the U.S. Atomic Clock, your watch will adjust automatically.
6.Do I have to adjust the date?
No, your watch should adjust automatically. Please see individual watch instructions for manual setting, if necessary.
7. Will my watch adjust times zones when I travel from one to another?
No. You will have to adjust manually when you travel. Please see the individual watch instructions.
8. Do your watches run on batteries? If so, how long will they last?
While some of our watches run on batteries, we also have some that run on solar power. As for type and how long they last, this varies. Please look at individual watch for details.
9. Can I return my watch for a refund?
10. Who do I contact for technical questions?
You may call 1-800-556-2548 to get answers to questions for most of our watches. Casio watches have a phone number in the instruction manual that you can call to get answers to questions regarding the Casio watches.
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