Top Chess Clock Brands for Precision Play

In the world of competitive chess, ensuring that each move is made in a timely fashion is crucial, making the quality of your chess clock vital. With advancing technology and varied preferences, there's an array of brands vying for a spot as the best in the market. Whether you prioritize precision, durability, or ease of use, selecting the right brand can significantly enhance your chess-playing experience. From traditional button-based clocks to modern digital displays, explore below to discover the top brands that cater to both professional players and enthusiastic amateurs alike.

Illustration of chess clock

Best brands of chess clock in 2025

DGT

DGT (Digital Game Technology) is a renowned brand in the chess world, celebrated for revolutionizing the game with its innovative products. Founded in 1992 by Albert Vasse and Ben Bulsink, DGT introduced digital chess clocks in 1994, which have since become the world's bestselling chess clocks, endorsed by the World Chess Federation (FIDE). Their products, including the DGT3000 and DGT1001, are calibrated according to FIDE regulations, ensuring accurate and reliable game timing. DGT's electronic chess boards have also enabled millions of chess enthusiasts to follow tournaments live online and play against chess computers. With over 300 agents worldwide, DGT's presence is felt in nearly all major chess tournaments globally. For more information, visit DGT's official website.

Chronos

The Chronos brand is highly regarded as one of the best producers of chess clocks, known for their high-quality aluminum bodies, crisp LCD displays, and excellent button feedback. Chronos clocks, such as the Chronos II and Chronos GX, are favored for their robust build, ease of use, and comprehensive time settings, including Delay, Bronstein, and Increment options. These clocks are often used in major chess events due to their reliability and user-friendly interface. Despite being on the higher end of the price spectrum, Chronos clocks are praised for their durability and performance. They are considered a top choice among chess players, although their availability can be limited due to high demand.

ZMart Fun

ZMart Fun is recognized for producing high-quality digital chess clocks, appealing to chess enthusiasts with their colorful and durable designs. These clocks, such as the ZMF-II model, feature touch sensors, a glowing display, and the ability to use four C batteries for extended use. Despite being made of plastic, they are praised for their solid feel and intuitive operation. The ZMF-II, in particular, has been noted for its Fischer Bonus option and robust construction, making it a favorite among chess players. The clocks are available in various colors, adding a modern touch to traditional chess gameplay.

LEAP

The LEAP brand is renowned for producing high-quality chess clocks, offering a range of advanced features such as countdown, bonus, delay, move counting, and byo-yomi functions, making them suitable for both professional and casual players. The LEAP PQ9921, for instance, supports up to 37 programs and is designed with a simple and user-friendly interface, making it a popular choice in tournaments. This clock is made from durable electronic components and an ABS shell, ensuring it is lightweight and portable. With its environmentally friendly design and competitive pricing, LEAP clocks are a favorite among chess enthusiasts. The LEAP PQ9921 is particularly praised for its special byo-yomi function and its ability to adjust remaining time for both players.

Saitek

Saitek was renowned as one of the top producers of chess clocks, highly regarded for their quality and affordability. Although they are no longer in the business, their clocks were often considered among the best on the market, with some users praising them as the second best available. Saitek clocks were popular for their reliability and user-friendly design, making them a favorite among chess players. However, as of 2016, Saitek had discontinued their chess clock products and removed any mention of them from their website. Despite this, their legacy in the chess community remains strong. For more details about their discontinuation, you can visit this discussion on chess clocks discontinuation.

VTEK 300

The VTEK 300 Ultimate Chess Clock is a highly regarded and popular choice among chess players, known for its durability, ease of use, and comprehensive features. It boasts a metal frame, ensuring it can withstand significant wear and tear, and its large, bright display makes it easy to read. The clock runs on 3 AA batteries, providing approximately 850 hours of active gameplay or 2 years in idle mode. It features a user-friendly menu system, supporting various time controls including Fischer, Bronstein, and US Delay modes. With a high rating of 4.5 out of 5, it is a top recommendation for both players and tournament directors. For more details, check out this comprehensive review of digital chess clocks.

Excalibur

Excalibur is renowned as one of the best producers of chess clocks, particularly with their GameTime II model, which was introduced in late February 2002 and has been in full production since mid-2002. This clock supports all current chess time controls, including delay and accumulate features, making it highly versatile for various chess formats. The GameTime II boasts a large, clear display that can be read from 20 feet away, and it is priced competitively at $49.95. Excalibur's commitment to quality and functionality has made their clocks a favorite among chess players, especially in environments where precision and durability are crucial. With over 18 years of experience in selling chess timers, Excalibur continues to set a high standard in the market.

BHB

BHB is one of the most respected brands in the chess community, known for producing high-quality mechanical analogue chess clocks since its origins in 1950 in Hamburg, Germany. The brand, now associated with Texma and manufactured by Mera-Poltik in Lodz, Poland, is renowned for its reliable mechanisms made from corrosion-resistant brass and steel, ensuring superior accuracy. BHB clocks are appreciated by keen chess players for their historical significance and precision, even as digital clocks have become the norm for tournament play. Despite the rise of digital clocks, BHB mechanical clocks remain a favorite among those who value tradition and the unique sounds associated with them. The brand's enduring popularity is a testament to its commitment to quality and timekeeping excellence.

ACE

ACE is not a brand known for producing chess clocks; instead, Digital Game Technology (DGT) is a leading manufacturer in this field. DGT has revolutionized the chess world by introducing digital clocks, with their products endorsed by the World Chess Federation. The DGT3000, released in 2014, is a highly advanced chess clock used in major tournaments, including the World Championship match between Magnus Carlsen and Viswanathan Anand. DGT clocks are the world's bestselling chess clocks and have been in production for over 30 years. They offer a range of models, including the DGT2000 and the more affordable DGT1001.

Robolife

Robolife is renowned as one of the best producers of chess clocks, offering high-quality and feature-rich products. The Robolife Professional Leap PQ 9907S digital chess clock, for example, comes with both bonus and delay time functions, a pre-settable countdown and count-up timer, and a battery life of up to 10 hours, making it convenient for tournament play. This clock also restores the last game settings when switched on and includes an alarm function. Its portability and lightweight design add to its appeal. With such innovative features, Robolife's products are highly regarded in the chess community.