“Why don’t you have the Chronos clocks in stock?” We have been asked that question several times a day for the past couple of months. We are as eager as all of you are to get the Chronos clocks back in stock. Here is the latest from DCI Game Clocks, the manufacturer of the Chronos timers.
DCI Game Clocks recently relocated their production facility and are in the process of setting up the new location. They have all the components to make both the original Chronos model and the GX model and hope to be back in production soon. In the mean time they are checking to see if they have any inventory they can send to us. We are keeping our fingers crossed.
As soon as they are available we will have both models back in stock. Perhaps you have been trying to decide which model is best for you? Here is a brief summary of both the original and the GX models.
Original Chronos Chess Clock (full size model)
The original Chronos Chess Clock and comes in both the button and touch options. You can read more about touch sensor versus buttons below. This timer includes 12 user-configured modes that are easily accessed by pressing just one or two buttons. In addition there are more than 70 pre-programmed timing modes. These 70 pre-programmed timing modes include pretty much anything you want for chess plus a variety of other games like Go and Shogi. You have complete control over the beep options including at end of game, at end of time control and even the pitch of the beep.
Chronos GX
The Chronos GX is the latest model from DCI Game Clocks. Like the original Chronos the GX has two display screens but it is smaller than the original Chronos Clock which makes it easier to transport in your chess bag. The GX model also includes 12 user-preset modes in addition to 8 tournament chess modes, 4 blitz chess modes and 2 tournament Go modes. Overall you have fewer modes to choose from than the original Chronos but do you really need 70 pre-programmed modes anyway? All modes and menus on the GX model are accessed from the same three buttons as the original Chronos model.
Button versus Touch
The original Chronos and the GX models come with both the touch and the button option. Based on recent sales the touch model seems to be the most popular. The touch sensors are about the size of a quarter and must be touched with your skin. Normally that is not a problem but if you have picked up the habit of hitting the button with the base of a captured piece, especially in a blitz game, it may take some getting used to. The other potential disadvantage of the touch sensor is the lack of “feed-back” when you don’t feel the button depress. If you have the beep turned on this may not be an issue. However, if you have the sound turned off you might initially find yourself looking over to the clock to make sure it did sense your touch.
Both the original Chronos and the GX models take some getting used to if you have not used them before. However, once you are familiar with the controls it is very easy to move between timing modes. Take the time to read through the manual when you get your clock and you will be rewarded.
Click here to see a brief video explaining how to use and set the Chronos clock.
If you have any questions about the original or GX models please send an email to ProductSupport@Wholesalechess.com and we will be glad to help.
Visit WholesaleChess.com to see our wide selection of both analog and digital chess clocks.