What Factors Should I Take Into Account When Buying A Chess Clock?

Make sure the model you select includes a carrying case. Some chess clocks come with a custom-designed case that provides maximum impact protection. Alternatively, a universal carrying case will do the job just as well.

The choice of chess clock distils to traditional precision-engineered chess clocks with familiar clock faces, or digital.

Taking the traditional type first, they're dependable and not much ever goes wrong with them. These pros, though, have to be weighed against a major con: traditional chess clock only do one thing – keep time.


Digital clocks, on the other hand, are much smarter. They have a wide repertoire, with dozens of modes including those for timing five minute chess, chess andante, chess byo-yomi, chess hour glass, chess progressive, GO Japanese byo-yomi, GO adante byo-yomi, GO progressive byo-yomi, GO Canadian byo-yomi, GO Ing byo-yomi, FIDE, count down, count up, Adagio, sudden death, Adante, Fischer, sudden death and delay, delay with move counter, count down and delay, Shogi, and shuffle chess.

All this extra functionality comes with a price tag. And not at the checkout. Expect a user manual runs to 70 pages or more!