In what environment does my radio-controlled watch/clock receive standard electric wave?

Does my radio-controlled watch/clock keep receiving standard electric wave all day?

Your radio-controlled watch/clock does not keep receiving the radio wave all day but passively receives the radio wave at fixed times in a day.

Will my radio-controlled watch/clock stop when it fails to receive standard electric wave?

Your radio-controlled watch/clock will not stop because it does not run via radio waves but is battery-operated or solar-powered. In a poor reception area or outside the service area, such as overseas, it can be used with accuracy of a regular quartz watch/clock.

What are good reception environments and poor reception environments?

Good reception environments

  • From midnight to morning
  • Wooden house
  • Near a window
  • Antenna aimed at standard radio wave transmitting station(*)
    * Since the antenna position varies with products, check the instruction manual, etc.
  • Place with a fine view where there is no tall building in the neighborhood
  • Fine day

Poor reception environments (reference)

The followings are places where the radio wave cannot be received easily.
Select a good reception environment to use your radio-controlled watch/clock.
Even at the same place, the radio wave may not be able to be received in bad weather, like a thunderstorm, or depending on the time, season, etc.

home electrical appliances, OA equipments
1) Near home electrical appliances or
OA equipments (TV, speaker, fax, PC, etc.)
construction site or airport, heavy traffic area
2) Near a construction site or airport, heavy traffic area, etc.
In a vehicle
3) In a vehicle(car, train, airplane, etc.)
In and around a ferroconcrete or steel-frame building, such as a condominium
4) In and around a ferroconcrete or steel-frame building, such as a condominium
* However, it becomes easier to receive the radio wave when your radio-controlled watch/clock is placed near a window.
Near high-voltage cables or overhead wires
5) Near high-voltage cables or overhead wires
On a metal plate, behind a mountain, etc.
6) On a metal plate, behind a mountain, etc.

Avoid the above places for reception. If the reception is still poor, change the direction or place.

A radio-controlled watch may experience poor reception while it is being worn. In such a case, take it off, and allow it to receive the radio wave without moving it in a good reception environment.

(Note): The above information applies to the members of
the Japan Clock & Watch Association and their products.