Why Do the Hands on My Atomic Clock Spin?

There are several reasons the hands on your atomic analog clock might spin.

Option 1:  Initial Set-Up

Upon initial setup or resetting of the clock the hands will move to the 12:00 position and search for the radio signal.  If the clock does not receive the radio signal in the first 10 minutes, the clock will start running from the 12:00 position and will continue to run.  Do not attempt to reset the hands manually even though the time is incorrect.  The clock is synchronizing to the WWVB signal and once the radio signal is detected, the hands will automatically adjust to the correct time.  This can take up to five nights depending on atmospheric conditions.

Option 2:  Time Auto-Correction

When the hands of an analog atomic clock spin about the same time every day the clock is auto-correcting the time.  The hour hand should not spin more than twice around the clock.

Option 3:  Battery Issues

The hands may also spin if the battery is under or over powered.  Use only alkaline batteries in the clock.