Chronos vs the rest of the crouwd

I hate to ask this, but google has only told me that the sole reason for buying Chronos vs other clocks is durability. 

Is it really true that in 2015 we (the planet) still can't manufacture anything more durable than they were able to do in 1950?

$60 more for those clocks vs the others. Are the others just so dim they aren't very programable? I'm an IT worker and I know 1st hand how simple it is to code a clock application for these things.  Its NOT hard.  But that's the 2 things I seem to find:

1. Chronos can program any time control, including factoring for playing a game across a wormhole with the Alpha Centaurians that takes into account Mr. Einstein's work.

2. Chronos has the nifty touch to change the time on the chronos-2.

3. Tank factor.  Chronos is sturdy.

But are these features worth $60?  I mean, how many games are really played inthe ACCF?

My old lady and I play using an app on the phone (it sucks).  But she refuses to play me w/o a clock b/c I will sit for 15 minutes on one move in many positions.

Any clock may be fine for your needs. I bought a Chronos after my DGT was destroyed when it crashed onto the floor in a blitz session. The Chronos is heavier and has a lower profile, but you probably don't need that.

Chronos have had their issues as well. Hopefully they are back at things full time and will be able to look after repairs etc better than has been the case all the time.

Having said that, I already own a Chronos but ordered a DGT 3000. I returned it immediately after opening, I mean I almost chased down the UPS man and threw it back on the truck. I am sure they are fine clocks but it just did not feel like half the clock that the Chronos is.

Well if it's so easy then why don't you make one yourself? lol

unless there's a specific time control not supported by any other clock, there is no fucntional reason that would require you to buy a Chronos.

are they worth the extra money? if the difference in price matters to you, the answer is probably "No". However, many people like/enjoy the Chronos for mostly aesthetic reasons (handles nice/looks good/feels solid) and don't mind spending extra for that.

if you're not using the clock for tournament play, and aren't using any time controls w/ increments or delays, why even get a digital clock? You can get a low tech analog clock for maybe $25 and you don't even need batteries...

most people buy a clock because they dont want to damage their phone. if u play blizt with stranger u will know they like to bang things when time is almost out.. so a clock can take a beating.. i have a zmf 2.. paid 50 bucks for it.. will not buy the dgt clock their reset option blows.. i play blitz 5 min.. 

Well, that's not true.  Very few people that play chess ever consider using their phone with a clock app.

Most people buy a chess clock because they want to time chess games.

There is nothing wrong with the DGT Clocks.  Sure the power and reset button on all of them except the Easy and Easy Plus is on the bottom of the clock.  But that really isn't that much of a problem.

I picked up an Easy Plus at a sale awhile back.  The reset button is right on the top of the clock for easy access.  It doesn't handle multiple time controls, but for blitz it is great.

For slower time controls it really doesn't matter where the reset button is.

The problem with the ZMF clocks is that it is too easy to reset the clock accidentally.

Eyechess, the new ZMF clocks don't have that problem anymore.

That's true, but he is talking about the older and less expensive model which still does have that problem.

And the problem with the new clock is the display is incredibly large.  I have a friend that was at a large, national scholastic event recently and the kids have named that new one the handicap clock.  They say this because it looks as if it is designed for people that are visually impaired or handicapped.

He talked with the fellow running the book and equipment sales there.  The guy told him that the clock is not selling well at all, even at the recent US Open with adults.  The comments are twofold.  The first is that this clock has the exact same software as the other one at twice the cost.  Having the aluminum case does not make it worth 2 times the cost of the plastic version. 

Secondly, the display is too large.  I said to my friend in a query sort of way that a cless clock could have too big a display.  His response was that it certainly could and in this case, no pun intended, does.

I actually like the large display. I agree with you that this clock might be better suited for older people instead of kids.

Yeah the old zmf model switch is on top caused accidentail power off reset.. So i jus move the button to the back.. Problem solve..

The new zmf vs the chronos gx.. I wonder which is smaller and which is better they both cost 100

The new ZMF has the exact same software as the old one that you already own.

The GX is one inch smaller in width than the Zmart Pro.  The GX is 6.5" while the Zmart Pro is 7.5".

Eyechess, somebody in my club bought one of the large LCD zmf clocks and it has a different programming than my zmf-ii. It has more features than my clock. I don't know why you are badmouthing these fine clocks. On the other hand, you seem to defend a lot the new Shelby's clock that in my opinion is a very expensive piece of ****.

I do not mean to bad mouth any clock.

From what a friend of mine that talked with the owner of Zmart told me was that it is indeed the same program with a couple of slight differences.  There now are 3 different ways the countdown can be displayed.  They both still have the same program and setting options and styles.  The displays are now LCD and the body aluminum.. It is true that people have said the displays are too big.  

I have not said one thing about that new clock of Shelby in this thread.  And I could have.  I also have not defended that clock.. In fact one thing I have said, in other places, is that the price on it is high.

That clock does look good in the videos I have seen.  The Zmart Pro also looks good in the pictures I have seen.  I have been told what others have said about it.

When that new clock comes out, we all will have a chance to review and critique it.

I did not mention that clock in this thread because the OP wants to compare the Chronos to others, and I feel that the price is too high to suggest it to a new guy.

I own 3 Chronos clocks and feel they currently are a best buy.  I used to own a GX and sold it cheap to a friend.  These Chronos clocks are durable and well programmed.  I feel that a GX is a better buy than the Zmart Pro.

The new clock from Shelby looks to be quite a tech update to the Chronos.  It has the bigger display and easier setting.  It maintains the aluminum body and even uses the same type of buttons.  it also has more setting options as the DGT 3000 does.

The DGT.3000 is also a good clock and, in my opinion, a better buy at that price than the Zmart Pro.  I own one, but still think the Chronos GX is the best buy at that price point.

As i said that new clock is a lot more expensive than any of the others mentioned here.  At that price it darned well should be better than the others.

The main purpose of a chess clock is to keep track of both player's time during a chess game. Even though Chronos is my favorite clock, it has so many options and settings that it tends to confuse people. Shelby's clock with an external usb connection, different light colors for the indicators, and so on for a price of $150 it's just too much. It probably won't be in the market for too long.

Well on some site the gx is sold for 99 bucks.. And the zmf pro is also 100. I lile the gx compact smaller footprint. Too bad i have a zmf ii plastic already or else i would buy the gx... The zmf ii will fall apart after a yrs and will required glue to make it work..

From what I heard they decided to not use the usb port on that new clock.  They were only going to use it to transfer time settings from one clock to another.

I agree with what the function of a clock should be.  That is why I like the chronos the best so far.  It sits on the table very stable.  The action of the buttons is very good not being too long on the push like the Excalibur or the Saitek Silver and Blue.  The display on the Chronos is large and not cluttered, so when you look for the time it is easy to spot without having to search for it.  It is also of a good contrast and darker or bolder than the DGT 3000. 

It looks as if they have kept those good qualities in that new clock.  They just modernized the displays, LED lights,  programming of time controls.  It should be easier to set.  I do not care about the different colored lights.  And at $35 - $50 more than the Chronos I think it better be a lot easier and better.

I personally do not care for the touch sensors,  I have one Chronos like that.  I will not buy any other clock with them, and probably will sell the Chronos if this new clock is decent.  I sold my ZMF-II clock because of the flashing lights and that touch sensor.  I just do not like the lack of tactile feedback when I "push" the button.

Guardian, I do not see that ZMF-II clock breaking and needing to be glued as long as you do not throw it against a brick wall or drop it on concrete or something.

One thing I just remembered that I like about the Chronos II is that it is longer and an easier reach to hit the button.  The other clocks are smaller and that is fine in a tight situation on the table.  I know it is not a big point but in blitz it is just a bit easier.

well after buying the zmf ii.. the plastic one for 60 bucks.. and seeing the chronos gx is only 100.. if chronos was making the gx during my chess clock shopping time i would def buy the chronos.. but unfortunately when i was chess clock shoping the chronos was out of bussiness and no gx on the market.. if u havent experience the zmf ii power switch falling off.. then i guess you havent use your clock enought time for it to show that sign..

8) Because I'm not investing $10k in production facilities or with a manufacturer to make them.  I expect some compadre of companies in China or even maybe the EU or US to produce good, cheap, programmable clocks with cheap programmable chips on their boards.  Its DOABLE but I've got other ambitions in life.  And honestly, how many do you think a private individual can really sell?  This is something that a plastic electronic junk factory should be able to crank out without costing them much to spin up and maybe netting a few thousand dollars every 2-3 years.  There's just not much of a market for these clocks.

But... *I* am in the market for a good, durable (can survive falling off the table or in the case of the Misses being thrown at me).

This thread has been a great eye opener. 8)

A clock is in the future.