# How many clocks are in your house? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 3, 2013, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-clocks-are-in-your-house/657439 "2013-05-03T18:43:02Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![InternetLegend](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/internetlegend/32/13154_2.png) [@InternetLegend](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/InternetLegend)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2013, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-clocks-are-in-your-house/657439/21 "2013-05-04T03:20:14Z")
I should have read the whole thread before answering the poll. I originally had 23, but I didn’t think of quite a few of them: 5 wall clocks 1 microwave 1 coffeepot 1 DVR, 2 VCR/DVD combos, 1 DVD, 1 Blu-Ray player 2 game systems hell, even the TV itself can tell the time if just the antenna is hooked up 4 bedroom alarm clocks 2 desktop computers 4 laptops…wait, 5…no, 6 if you include the one that’s obsolete but still works 4 cellphones 1 Kindle 4 wristwatches So that’s 36 total. However, the ones we actually use are the wall clocks, the DVR clock, the microwave clock, and the alarm clocks. Well, and the clock on whichever computer each of us is using at any given moment. And our cellphones. Also, I’m in a household of 4, so my clock count is inflated. Our per capita clock count would only be 9. There really _is_ no excuse for me always losing track of time, is there? ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2013, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-clocks-are-in-your-house/657439/22 "2013-05-04T03:25:38Z")
I think I have three: a watch, a cable box, and a computer. Those are the only things I can think of in my house that would tell me the time. I didn’t count things which could be set to tell the time but I haven’t bothered setting to the correct time. ---
**Author:** ![colonial](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/34f0e0/32.png) [@colonial](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/colonial)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2013, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-clocks-are-in-your-house/657439/23 "2013-05-04T03:29:00Z")
Five: Two digital watches Two alarm clocks One PC clock ---
**Author:** ![Student\_Driver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3da27b/32.png) [@Student\_Driver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Student_Driver)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2013, 4:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-clocks-are-in-your-house/657439/24 "2013-05-04T04:24:17Z")
Only going to count clocks that are in use… if not, I’d be listing all of the things I have in storage that can keep time: dozens of old computers, old VCRs, etc. I think I even have an old Hayes Stack Chronograph for early home computers somewhere… it fit atop the Hayes modem. Really useful back in the day for running a BBS. TV (set by broadcast signals) Sound system (stereo/home theater) Wall clock Laptop Analog watch (x2) Digital watch/timer Alarm clock 2 cell phones (one isn’t really used as a phone, but it has an NES emulator and hundreds of games on it, so it stays plugged in by the bedside. Despite not being on a service plan anymore, it still seems to dutifully pick up time-setting/changing signals from AT&T.) Answering machine for landline (no time display, but it has a button to press to read the time aloud, so I’m counting it) Nintendo DSi Programmable thermostat So, 13 time-keeping devices in at least semi-regular use. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2013, 4:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-clocks-are-in-your-house/657439/25 "2013-05-04T04:46:25Z")
Another one that I forgot is the wall thermostat. Mine has a clock feature. I don’t bother changing it for daylight savings time. But otherwise it’s accurate. I don’t use the programmable feature anyway. Never got that ambitious to magically have my AC come on minutes before I get home from work. I come home often for lunch anyhow and need the house cool then. Funny thing about clocks. I have to keep them all basically correct. I can’t stand a VCR flashing or random numbers glaring at me. ---
**Author:** ![chizzuk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e36b37/32.png) [@chizzuk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chizzuk)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2013, 4:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-clocks-are-in-your-house/657439/26 "2013-05-04T04:49:56Z")
Let’s see: Cable box Microwave Landline handset Alarm clock 3 laptops iPad iPhone Thermostat Pager I usually rely on the iPhone or the cable box since they’re connected to networks and I assume they’re correct. Other than that there’s just the dashboard clock in my car. I don’t own a watch. ---
**Author:** ![rhubarbarin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/eb9ed0/32.png) [@rhubarbarin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rhubarbarin)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2013, 4:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-clocks-are-in-your-house/657439/27 "2013-05-04T04:50:17Z")
One phone, one computer, one actual clock (my watch). ---
**Author:** ![SCAdian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scadian/32/3292_2.png) [@SCAdian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SCAdian)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2013, 5:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-clocks-are-in-your-house/657439/28 "2013-05-04T05:34:53Z")
4 cell phones 4 computers (desktop and 3 laptops) 3 alarm clocks microwave stove coffee maker camera (doesn’t really display the time, but I can take a picture and then check to see what time the picture was taken) 15 Not sure if my daughter’s watch still works - if so, then 16. ---
**Author:** ![gwendee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/35a633/32.png) [@gwendee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gwendee)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2013, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-clocks-are-in-your-house/657439/29 "2013-05-04T21:34:34Z")
I’m sorry. I messed up your poll. I voted too quickly and left out a laptop and several watches. ---
**Author:** ![Wesley\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wesley_clark/32/20581_2.png) [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2013, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-clocks-are-in-your-house/657439/30 "2013-05-05T02:57:28Z")
ipod phone two laptops TV two alarm clocks microwave wall clock xbox ---
**Author:** ![california\_jobcase](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9d8465/32.png) [@california\_jobcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/california_jobcase)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2013, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-clocks-are-in-your-house/657439/31 "2013-05-05T03:09:28Z")
Tv, computer, two wall clocks, two watches, a weather station, alarm clock. ---
**Author:** ![stui\_magpie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stui_magpie/32/11010_2.png) [@stui\_magpie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stui_magpie)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2013, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-clocks-are-in-your-house/657439/32 "2013-05-05T03:24:03Z")
Bloody Hell. 4 wall clocks 2 bedroom alarm clocks 1 microwave 2 PC’s 2 lap tops 5 mobile phones 2 tablets 3 wrist watches That’s 21.:eek: ---
**Author:** ![dougie\_monty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/439d5e/32.png) [@dougie\_monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougie_monty)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2013, 5:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-clocks-are-in-your-house/657439/33 "2013-05-05T05:41:42Z")
We have seventeen: \*Clock in the answering machine \*Clock in the microwave oven \*Wall clock with electric movement and face, made by my sister from ceramic tiles \*Clock in the gas oven \*Useless clock in the coffeemaker; only for setting device to make coffee automatically \*Wall clock with pendulum; winds once a week \*Internal clock in VCR in front room \*Little electric clock on front room table \*Unused chiming clock on shelf in book case \*Waterproof electric clock in bathroom \*Small electric clock in other bedroom \*“Whatever” battery-powered wall clock in my room \*Internal clock in my computer \*Clock in cell phone \*Clock in my DVD/VCR player \*Small electric clock on night stand \*Electric clock in car ---
**Author:** ![\_Olive](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/_/4af34b/32.png) [@\_Olive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/_Olive)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2013, 6:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-clocks-are-in-your-house/657439/34 "2013-05-05T06:32:51Z")
Besides the computer, I have one on the stove. ---
**Author:** ![Edward\_The\_Head](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ce73a5/32.png) [@Edward\_The\_Head](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Edward_The_Head)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2013, 11:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-clocks-are-in-your-house/657439/35 "2013-05-05T11:55:38Z")
Wow, I would have thought 4-5 at first, but wasn’t including watches and such, so I have: 4-5 watches, only one of them currently is showing the time, the rest need batteries. 2 alarm clocks, only one is used. 1 stove clock 1 microwave clock, not set 2 cell phones, one I don’t use. 3 computers 1 PS3 1 DVR 1 VCR, not used 1 DVD recorder, not used 1 answering machine, don’t know if it counts, it will _tell_ me the time, but no display. 1 1920s style death ray, analog of course. That’s at least 19. I’m sure there are a couple of more sitting around that I just don’t think about. ---
**Author:** ![GuanoLad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guanolad/32/42_2.png) [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2013, 12:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-clocks-are-in-your-house/657439/36 "2013-05-05T12:57:08Z")
I have only 4. I do not own a working wristwatch (though I keep meaning to get one) or a cellphone or other portable device. All I have is a bedside alarm radio, my DVR, my PC, and a digital clock I use as my main timepiece in my living room. I do have a modern TV and a BluRay player. I assume they keep time somehow, but I have never used them as a clock in any way. ---
**Author:** ![JustinC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/justinc/32/8083_2.png) [@JustinC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JustinC)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2013, 12:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-clocks-are-in-your-house/657439/37 "2013-05-05T12:59:28Z")
1 laptop 1 phone 1 tablet 1 watch The apartment is provided by my employer; the kitchen is old, the tv only shows Chinese channels so it’s never on, the cable box might have a clock on it but I haven’t used it for months. I don’t know if I should count the watch, it’s a self-winding Ingersoll that started losing a lot of time several weeks ago. The tablet (Nexus 7) could have about 20 different time zones set if I wanted but I only have 3. So I ticked 1-5. ---
**Author:** ![OldGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/3bc359/32.png) [@OldGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldGuy)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2013, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-clocks-are-in-your-house/657439/38 "2013-05-05T20:23:50Z")
Analog: 2 watches I wear regularly and infrequently. 2 watches of my wife 2 pocket watches from my father and grandfather (I keep them wound as I was told this would prolong their lifes.) 1 grandfather’s clock (that chimes) 1 hanging wall clock (chimes) 1 mantle clock (chimes) 2 other windup wall hanging clocks 2 battery operated hanging wall clocks about 5 other old windup up clocks that are in storage Digital: 3 computer’s that give the time. 4 TVs that give the time, but 1 is in storage. 2 cell phones 1 oven clock 1 microwave clock 2 clocks on miniature weather reporting stations 4 clocks in thermostats 3 CD players 2 clock radios for alarms probably 3 or 4 battery operated clock radios I used to use for travel, That’s 35 I could consult right now and 8 or 9 others I could use if I was still unsure. I suspect I missed a couple ---
**Author:** ![iamthewalrus\_3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/258eb7/32.png) [@iamthewalrus\_3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iamthewalrus_3)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2013, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-clocks-are-in-your-house/657439/39 "2013-05-06T17:14:18Z")
Microwave Phone 3 Computers Alarm Clock Watch (that the battery is probably dead on) ---
**Author:** ![Ms.Pumpkin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a87d85/32.png) [@Ms.Pumpkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ms.Pumpkin)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2013, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-clocks-are-in-your-house/657439/40 "2013-05-06T18:03:37Z")
Ten, not counting dead watches sitting in junk drawers. I think out of the ten, four are set correctly. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-clocks-are-in-your-house/657439.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-clocks-are-in-your-house/657439.md?page=3)