They are Large and often take the place of where you might otherwise hang a piece of art.

It is a common mistake to display large digital wall clocks or contemporary wall clocks (such as atomic wall clocks) in a room that is furnished in classic hardwood or wrought iron. A large wall clock, be it digital or other, should enhance the décor, blend with the furnishings, and not distract or become the focal point (unless it is an antique masterpiece or a replica such as the classic Howard Miller large wall clocks that are reproductions of master works).

So, if you have a modern apartment, loft or office and you prefer the clarity of digital numbers over the hands on a clock face, then you have a multitude of options, not only regarding style but also internal mechanisms.

• Quartz Clocks: These Wall Clocks are powered by a quartz crystal that generates a signal to control the speed of the clock. Quartz clocks are not the most accurate as they can be off by a second per day and are altered by changes in room temperature.
• Auto Setting Quartz Clocks: As the name implies they are also powered by a quartz crystal, however this more recent technology offers an additional integrated smart circuit that compensated for the inaccuracy of the quartz. It automatically adjusts the loss or gain and remembers little things like when to switch to daylight savings.
• Atomic, or Radio Controlled Clocks: Atomic clocks use vibrating molecules which are not radioactive as their power source. Because the end result is a regular pulse of exactly one second intervals it is considered the most accurate type of clock available. In the united states the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Colorado transmits accurate time signals which your atomic, or radio controlled clocks receive and calibrate themselves daily. Since the transmission is by radio, weather and building construction may interfere with the signals. It is reported that the calibrations occur mostly at night. In general, weather permitting, atomic or radio controlled clocks automatically update themselves without any input from you.

One of the largest manufactures all three types of digital wall clocks is La Crosse Technology.

Atomic wall clocks use oscillating atoms or molecules called an “atomic resonance frequency” similar to what facilitates television broadcasts and GPS signals. They are not radioactive. The most common devices use a beam of cesium atoms. Inside the typical atomic clock is a hollow space with cesium at its center.

When heated, atoms release an electrical charge which then passes into a tube and onto a magnetic field. The magnetic field detects the atoms which have the adequate energy. Only these chosen atoms continue their journey through microwave fields produced by a transmitter, an oscillating quartz crystal, set to vibrate in a cyclical frequency. The final step is the device that adapts these regular vibrations into one second pulses.

Here are some suggested Atomic Wall Clocks and their respective Prices:

• Black Atomic Wall Clock is a modern, sleek wall clock with an easy to read white dial, large black Arabic numbers and black hands. This clock uses the same technology as NASA and is coordinated with Boulder Colorado’s atomic clock at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. It checks the time daily, adjusts daylight savings time and requires no wires or plugs to connect, just one double- battery and you’re set for two years. All this for $36.99 to $44.99. (The Silver Atomic Wall Clock is a similar model for only $35.99).
• Atomic Digital Wall Clock with Date and temperature – $59.99 Contemporary wall clocks from this line feature automatic updates for time, date, daylight savings, moon phases and time zone settings. Languages: English, French, German, and Spanish. It is a Large Wall Clock but may also stand alone.





Walnut Atomic Wall Clock- $45



Atomic Electric Wall Clock - $39.99