First Radio-Controlled Watch
One of my other hobbies is amateur radio (often nicknamed "ham radio"). I recently took on a project to upgrade the wall clock I had at my radio station at my house, which in turn led me down a rabbit hole of timekeeping, accuracy, clock types, NIST radio broadcast information, etc. What I thought would be a quick Amazon search for a new clock turned into a two week learning experience on the ins and outs of highly scientific timekeeping authorities. I'll spare you the nerdy details and just say that the end result was me getting that clock upgrade I set out to get.
But of course, one does not simply spend 2 weeks learning and researching without it spilling into other parts of one's life. Being a watch enthusiast it occurred to me that I did not have in my collection a timepiece that could set itself from the WWVB radio signal in North America. This had to change! Pronto!
I settled on this JDM Wave Ceptor model (ref. WVA-M630D-7AJF) with a white dial face, black arabics, and hybrid analogue-digital display. So far, I'm absolutely smitten with it. I was considering going for one of the more expensive titanium models, but decided to go for this cheaper $80 model in steel. The digital display is quite versatile and can be configured to show many different pieces of information. In normal timekeeping mode I have it set to show a day-date. In World Time mode I have it set to show 24hr UTC, which is for my ham radio hobby. Also pictured above are the views telling me the last time the watch heard the radio signal and adjusted itself, which was last night just after midnight.
As a radio enthusiast, I can't believe it took me this long to realize I should have one of these pieces in my collection. This may be the beginning of a sub-collection!
Just an average desk-dwelling code monkey with an EDC obsession and a fledgling collection of basic, affordable watches. I'm a sucker for silver-tone dials. Catch me on the Best Damn EDC Discord serve...
You didn't ask, but for others who may be interested: I found this link helpful in setting up my clock, as it shows the signal distribution based on time of day:
https://www.nist.gov/pml/time-and-frequency-division/time-distribution/radio-station-wwvb/help-wwvb-radio-controlled
I have yet to get an atomic watch, always wanted one, but I do have an atomic clock and set my watches to it.
I like your watch, I was looking at the black version of that one. 👍
For decades the CBC has done a 12 noon time tone on their radio broadcast and i think the BBC does it too. That's the old school way.
For decades the CBC has done a 12 noon time tone on their radio broadcast and i think the BBC does it too. That's the old school way.
Your right about the BBC, we call them the "pips" and try out Radio 4 desert island discs !
I have a few atomic/waveceptor watches (3) and love them all, set and forget with the solar ones.
Fellow Ham Here! Great post! 73 De HI8ESF
Fellow Ham Here! Great post! 73 De HI8ESF
Thanks! 73 de KE8PJQ
Great choice - not surprised at your reaction. Once you have one accuracy becomes so easy.
Ben's Watch Club did a thorough review on a Casio Lineage model very similar to yours. These are great watches overall.