Kello
| Category | Price | Seller | Device |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $9.99 | Coldflower Design Corp. | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
How Kello works:
All mechanically regulated watches are designed to start and stop 1000s of times every hour. A portion of the energy used during this starting and stopping motion is released as acoustic energy, resulting in an audible "tick-tock" sound. The regularity of this sound can be measured against the more precise, internal time-signal of iOS devices, such as the iPhone, and the resulting difference in timekeeping is displayed by Kello.
Supported Watch Frequencies:
Kello can automatically determine the frequency of the watch being measured based on eight of the most common frequencies used in mechanical watches. These frequencies are standard among low-, middle- and high-grade mechanical timepieces and will accommodate the vast majority of mechanical watches produced in the past 100 years. The following frequencies are supported:
* 14,400 bph
* 16,200 bph
* 18,000 bph
* 19,800 bph
* 21,600 bph
* 25,200 bph
* 28,800 bph
* 36,000 bph
Recommended hardware:
Kello works best with an external microphone that has an excellent frequency response between 10,000 and 20,000 Hz.
How to know if your watch is mechanically regulated:
There are four simple ways to determine if your watch is mechanical and can be used with Kello.
1. Look at the text on your timepiece. If the word "quartz" is featured anywhere on the watch, your watch is not mechanical. If the words "automatic" or "shock-proof" are written anywhere on the watch, there is a very high chance that your watch is mechanical and its precision can be measured by Kello.
2. If your watch has a hand that indicates the seconds, observe how frequently it moves. If the hand moves only once every second, it is very likely that your watch is not mechanical. If this hand moves several times per second or appears to sweep along in a smooth, continuous motion, your watch is most likely mechanical and its precision can be measured by Kello.
3. Turn the crown, that is used to set the hands of the watch, while it is pressed fully in. If the crown turns smoothly, your watch is not mechanical. If you can hear a ratcheting sound as you turn the crown, your watch is most likely mechanical and its precision can be measured by Kello.
4. Place the watch close to your ear and listen. If you hear a noise approximately once every second, it is unlikely that your watch is mechanical. If you hear a constant ticking noise, your watch is very likely a mechanical watch and its precision can be measured by Kello.
Reviews
Not worth the price
Forum seeker
In a nutshell, it doesn't work. Most of the time the mic isn't sensitive enough to pick up a stable sound signal. When it does (loud watch and very quiet environment), the measured rate is all over the map. My watches are generally within a couple of seconds of correct time, but you'd never guess that from looking at the readings from Kello, which suggest that they're varying by +- 20 seconds. Needless to say the results don't match the output from a timeographer.
Works well - with caveats
tmarshl
1. I needed to use the microphone with the earPods which came with the iPhone. 2. The placement of the microphone on the case back is CRITICAL. You need to move it around until you get a strong signal. 3. Start with the highest amplification until you find a strong signal, then taper off. Once I found the "sweet spot" on the case back of the watch, Kello worked flawlessly. I compared its reading to a 24 hour timed test using an atomic clock signal, and it was spot on.
Kello
Knifemaker1
The reviews above are pretty accurate as far as getting a signal goes. But, when you manage to get a good signal, it works well. I ended up taking the case back off my watch and laying the open case on the iPhone microphone - stem down, 45 degree back tilt. Be sure to adjust the volume as stated in the instructions. After a little tinkering, I now have two Chinese automatics running within 2 seconds per day. That is in actual use, not just what Kello says. I only give it four stars due to the microphone hassles. I would buy it again.
Worthless. Laughably Bad.
CAG_1337
Tried this with multiple mechanical watches and in several differenet mic placement variations...not once did it register a signal. I've never wanted a refund on a app more than I do with this one.
Checking watch timing
Eigthoclock
Read some reviews on the Internet that didn't sound too hopeful but when I got it I just followed the directions and everything worked fine .It worked on all the watches I wanted to check . I had a idea of my watches accurate because of my atomic watch ,which checked out. Maybe people don't know how to follow directions? I will tell my friends about this app and I am very happy with it!
Junk
Rich.V1963
Don't waste your time money or effort . Did exactly what it said could not get a reading . Waste of money and at 8.99 real JUNK.
Works in a pinch
Driver1969
Not the easiest app to use. The results tend to bounce around a bit, but I was able to regulate a 6497 clone to within +/- 10 sec from over +95 sec over 24 hours. Considering the alternatives out there: no other app or $$$ on a timegrapher or watch repair person, I'll say it's money well spent.
Works great
Alex Baroiant
Tried another app to save a couple of bucks, looks like I wasted my $ on that one. Kello worked fantastic first time out. Two thumbs up.
No good
RodWolf30
I'm a watchmaker. This app offers me no help what so ever. It somewhat works on pocket watch. But not for wristwatch
Horribly inconsistent
Barihunk
This app would be a real gem, IF it worked. Even if you get a strong signal, the readings are never stable. Save yourself the hassle and time the watch yourself.
