How does a radio controlled watch work?

A radio-controlled watch contains a small antenna that receives radio signals from a time transmitter linked to an extremely accurate atomic clock. This makes this type of watch very accurate, with only 1 second deviation in 100,000 years!

Advantages of a radio-controlled watch

With a radio-controlled watch, you own one of the most secure timepieces in existence. The watch synchronizes with the nearest atomic clock every night, making sure you always have the correct time and calendar available. No more adjusting the time when daylight saving time starts, or the date in a leap year.

In addition, these watches usually look very nice, with advanced chronographs, aviation functionalities or for outdoor sports.

Some radio-controlled watches also include a GPS function, which in addition enables exact location determination via satellite. 

How does a radio controlled watch work?

Time, date, daylight saving time and year on a radio controlled watch are synchronized by means of low frequency radio signals, on the basis of which the watch automatically adjusts itself. Usually the watch contacts a atomic time station at night to ensure that the watch does not interfere with other home appliances using radio waves.

The watch picks up the signal from the nearest transmitter within approximately 500-1500 kilometers. For the Netherlands, this is the DCF77 station in Mainflingen, Germany.

There are five other channels around the world: in Great Britain, the US, China and two in Japan.

When purchasing a radio controlled watch, pay attention to which transmitter locations the watch is suitable for

Not all radio-controlled watches can connect to all time transmitters. So, if you want to purchase a radio controlled watch, pay attention to which part of the world you will be using the watch in. For example, there is no transmitter or range in Australia and New Zealand.

If the connection to the transmitter is lost, the watch will not stop. It then continues to run like a normal quartz watch and synchronizes automatically when the correct transmitter is within range again.

Multi-band 6 radio-controlled watches can tune to all six available stations.

Transmitter locations/frequencies

Why is the atomic clock so accurate?

In 1967, the International System of Units determined the exact duration of one second as the time between two transitions in energy levels of the Caesium-133 atom. Because this atom is very stable, the time measurement is always the same. Time measurement according to this definition is therefore also called the Caesium standard.

Are radio controlled watches safe to use?

Radio controlled watches receive a low frequency radio signal that has no effect on the human body or medical equipment such as a pacemaker. Because this type of watch only receives radio signals and does not transmit, it can be used anywhere, including in a hospital or on an airplane.

Setting a radio controlled watch

The reason to purchase a radio controlled watch is that this watch sets itself to the correct time and date for the time zone where the wearer is located in. However, it sometimes happens that the watch is not set to the correct time, or the daylight saving time is not set correctly. For example, if the watch has been out of range of the transmitter for a longer period of time or the battery is (almost) empty. It is then necessary for the watch to be resynchronized with the atomic clock. 

- Make sure the watch has a new battery or is fully charged. Synchronizing with the transmitter takes a lot of energy

- Check that you are within range of the transmitter your watch is suitable for. 

- Reception may be poor in concrete buildings or in areas with a lot of metal. Stand near an open window or go outside. 

4- Refer to your watch's manual and follow all the steps carefully. 

If you have completed the steps above and the watch still does not sync, there may be a fault with the movement. Then visit a watchmaker to have the watch checked. Always take the instructions for use with you. Each radio controlled watch is different, and the watchmaker does not have the manual at hand for every different movement or brand.

Radio controlled watches at Watch.co.uk

We have radio controlled watches available from 60 pounds. From simple digital watches to classic dress watches and advanced pilot watches. Whether you choose a simple model or a luxury watch for special occasions, you are always exactly on time with a radio-controlled watch.