Stylish, Mechanical "Feel Good" Chess Clock

Hello all,

I was looking to get into timed chess, and wanted to start with a nice, good-looking (ideally, wood) mechanical clock. My research led me to Garde brand, but a few reviews here said that it didn't take too well to blitzing.

This may seem petty to some, but I'd really like one that has a good feel and a good sound to it when you press the (ideally, large) button. You know, an audible click that is definite and deliberate. This is a very important aspect for me.

Any suggestions on where I can look, or on particular brands? The local clock store has an Aradora Classic, but I prefer having two separate clock faces.

Thanks

If you are set on getting a mechanical chess clock I would go with a BHB clock myself. They are very reliable & have been a tournament standard clock for years until the electronic clocks hit the market. I have a Torpedo mechanical made by Bohemia in Germany that still works great after 20 years. Germans build thinks to last.

I think the USCF Quartz one is reasonable too.

Just make sure to play enterprising chess moves in all your games with a clock.

If you want a Garde, get a vintage one (they sell really cheap on ebay.de) rather than the current model, as the old ones (pre German reunification) had much better mechanics. You can tell the difference by looking at the clockface.

That being said, the Garde is indeed not ideal for Blitz. The buttons require too much force, and they tend to start locking up after prolonged Blitz abuse. I'd second 9kick9's recommendation and go with a BHB.

However, you should really consider a digital clock instead.

I used Garde a lot, they were very popular in Poland. After a long use the buttons get harder and harder to push but it can be fixed with the use of a few drops of oil. Besides this, I find them good for blitz because their faces are readable and it is easy to determine how much time left.

The main problem with Garde is they are pretty fragile. When you drop it from the table (which is not so uncommon in crazy bullets) the wooden parts break or disassemble.

The most solid chess clock I have ever used was the Soviet (then Russian) Yantar (Янтар). You may throw it (not simply drop) on the floor or wall and it still works! However, it is a plastic clock which may not satisfy your requirements.

I really like Yantars for blitz games, I can tell with an accuracy of nearly a single second how much time left by glancing at the flag.

Consider getting a Roland or Jerger used chess clock on Ebay.  Made in the 70's or 80's in Germany.  They are quality clocks.  Not cheap though, you might pay 150.  I have an old roland.  Love it.

got a black ZMF-II touch sensor clock with vader-red display. 😎

Not cheap anymore but just love the look of them for design

I have a (post-German-reunification) Garde clock. To push the button is extremely satisfying--quite a long travel with a decent push-back. But I guess not ideal for Blitz.

While a disadvantage of a mechanical clock is the lack of increment, the feel and sound are awesome and bring me right back to my middle-school time when I played in a children's chess tournament and club. Very nostalgic.

I second the 2nd gen Garde clock for blitz. That's the clock that was used as de facto standard for club, tournament / speed chess tournaments in the 80's here.

very stylish mister Light!

The most common problem with old mechanical chess clocks is that the hammers don't stay down after years of use and the springs have to be tightened or something.  I am bringing my Rolland to a Clock Repair store.  I don't trust myself to do it!

Has anyone else brought their mechanical chess clocks to a clock repair store with good results?  I live in Norther NJ.  Looking for a recommendation.

Thanks,

When I say hammers I mean the buttons pressed at the top of the clock after the completion of a move.  I am not sure what the actual name of that part is.  Plungers maybe?

Thanks TheGiuocoPianio  here's some more photos !