Side-by-Side Comparison
La Crosse Technology Digital Atomic Wall Clocks
Open the full side-by-side comparisonSee the full criteria table for all top picks when you need the extra detail.Show detailsHide details
Which La Crosse Digital Atomic Wall Clock Fits Your Room?
Start with the job the display must do, not the temporary price or internal list score. Measure the viewing distance, decide whether you need outdoor data, and verify the exact model suffix before comparing finishes.
- Simple indoor time: WT-8005U-B is the straightforward 12/24-hour choice; W88631 is smaller but 12-hour only.
- Outdoor temperature without forecast: 513-1918S is current and compact; retired BBB86088 needs a verified sensor.
- Forecast and trends: choose either 512-series finish, understanding that its forecast is local and pressure-based.
- Calendar-first display: the two 513-1419 offers share the same indoor-only platform and differ mainly by finish.
- Long sightline: 513-1211 is the only model here with verified four-inch time digits.
- Unclear seller identity: the Curved offer needs a rear-label MPN and sensor check before feature comparison.
| Buyer job | Start with | Trade-off to accept |
|---|---|---|
| Compact indoor clock | La Crosse WT-8005U-B or W88631 Digital Atomic Wall Clock | No outdoor sensor; W88631 has no 24-hour mode. |
| Outdoor temperature, no forecast | La Crosse 513-1918S Atomic Wall Clock with Outdoor Temperature | Five batteries and reduced range through obstacles. |
| Large outdoor-temperature display | La Crosse BBB86088 Digital Atomic Wall Clock (Retired Model) | Retired; sensor revision and returns must be verified. |
| Full calendar emphasis | La Crosse 513-1419-WA or 513-1419-INT Atomic Calendar Wall Clock | Indoor-only and no backlight. |
| Temperature plus local forecast | La Crosse 512-85937 or 512-14937 Atomic Wall Clock with Forecast | Calibration period, four batteries, no backlight. |
| Four-inch digits at distance | La Crosse 513-1211 Large-Digit Atomic Wall Clock | Large case, four zones, no outdoor data. |
| Curved marketplace offer | La Crosse Curved Digital Atomic Wall Clock (Walmart, model unconfirmed) | Do not assume S74870 features without an exact MPN. |
“Atomic” in this category means radio-controlled: the clock receives a 60 kHz WWVB time code from NIST near Fort Collins, then applies the time zone selected by the owner. It does not contain an atomic oscillator and it does not need Wi-Fi. Case width is also not digit height. Mark the case outline on the wall and compare the documented digits from the farthest regular seat. W88631 has 2.09-inch digits, the 512 pair 2⅛-inch digits, the 513-1419 pair two-inch digits, and 513-1211 four-inch digits. When digit height is unpublished, do not infer it from the photograph.
Top 10 Of The Best La Crosse Technology Digital Atomic Wall Clocks
La Crosse Technology WT-8005U-B-INT
Best Fit
Best for a bedroom, kitchen, or office that needs accurate time, calendar information, and room temperature without an outdoor transmitter or weather graphics.
Key Features
- WWVB atomic or manual time, 12/24-hour format, date, weekday, selectable DST, and four continental U.S. zones.
- Indoor temperature in °F or °C plus an alarm with snooze.
- 8.90 × 1.20 × 7.00-inch case; wall or tabletop placement; two AA batteries.
Practical Use
Choose this model when fewer parts matter more than outdoor data. Set the zone and DST first, then allow an overnight window-side synchronization attempt.
Limitations and Final Take
It does not include an outdoor sensor or forecast. Main verdict: a clean indoor-only choice, not a substitute for a weather station.
What Are The Pros
- Simple two-battery setup with no sensor pairing.
- Includes 12/24-hour time, alarm, calendar, and room temperature.
What Are The Cons
- Only four continental U.S. time zones.
- No outdoor temperature or forecast.
La Crosse Technology 513-1918S-INT
Best Fit
Best for buyers who want indoor and outdoor temperature beside atomic time but prefer a compact display without pressure-forecast icons.
Key Features
- Atomic time, alarm, two calendar layouts, English/Spanish/French weekday, seven zones, and AUTO/OFF/ON DST modes.
- Included TX191 sensor covers -40 to 140°F and is rated beyond 330 feet in open air.
- 8.97 × 0.94 × 7.12-inch display; three AAA plus two AA sensor batteries.
Practical Use
Pair the sensor beside the display before mounting it in protected shade. Walls, metal, and electronics reduce the advertised open-air range.
Limitations and Final Take
There is no forecast. Main verdict: the most direct step up from an indoor clock when a verified outdoor reading is the deciding need.
What Are The Pros
- Included outdoor sensor and seven-zone support.
- Compact display with flexible calendar and language settings.
What Are The Cons
- Requires five batteries in two sizes.
- Open-air range is not a through-wall guarantee.
Also featured in: Best La Crosse Technology Solar Atomic Digital Wall Clocks, Best La Crosse Technology Atomic Wall Or Table Clocks, Best La Crosse Technology Atomic Clocks, Best La Crosse Atomic Wall Clocks, Best La Crosse Technology Wwvb Temperature Digital Clocks, Best La Crosse Technology Wwvb Digital Clocks, Best Lacrosse Technology Digital Wall Clocks, Best Lacrosse Large Digital Wall Clocks, Best La Crosse Technology Digital Wall Clocks, Best Atomic Digital Wall Clocks With Temperature
La Crosse Technology W88631
Best Fit
Best for a smaller wall, shelf, or desk where a compact case and genuinely large time digits matter more than outdoor readings.
Key Features
- 2.09-inch time digits in a 7.80 × 1.06 × 5.47-inch case.
- Atomic time and date, indoor temperature, alarm, ten-minute snooze, and seven North American zones.
- Wall or tabletop use; two AAA batteries; manufacturer-rated battery life above twelve months.
Practical Use
The initial WWVB search may take about eight minutes and can repeat later. Position it away from electronics before deciding reception is weak.
Limitations and Final Take
The display is 12-hour only and indoor-only. Main verdict: the strongest compact pick when 24-hour time and weather data are unnecessary.
What Are The Pros
- Large 2.09-inch digits in the smallest case here.
- Only two AAA batteries and seven zones.
What Are The Cons
- No 24-hour display mode.
- No outdoor sensor or forecast.
La Crosse Technology BBB86088
Best Fit
Best considered only when the retired BBB86088 offer includes the correct transmitter and a clear return policy; active alternatives are easier to support.
Key Features
- 11.00 × 1.10 × 8.54-inch display with atomic time, calendar, alarm, and seven zones.
- Indoor and outdoor temperature with trend arrows and low-battery indicators.
- Original package used a TX141-BV2 sensor; display and sensor require two AA batteries each.
Practical Use
Ask the seller for a photograph of the rear model labels. A generic “TX141” description does not prove the correct sensor revision.
Limitations and Final Take
It has no documented forecast and is retired. Main verdict: worthwhile only as a complete, verified set; otherwise choose a current 512 model.
What Are The Pros
- Large display with outdoor temperature trends.
- Seven zones and straightforward four-AA power plan.
What Are The Cons
- Retired model with revision-sensitive replacement parts.
- No pressure forecast.
Also featured in: Best La Crosse Technology Atomic Clocks, Best La Crosse Atomic Wall Clocks, Best Equity By La Crosse Temperature Wall Clocks, Best Digital Wall Clocks With Indoor Outdoor Temperature, Best Lacrosse Large Digital Wall Clocks, Best La Crosse Technology Digital Wall Clocks, Best Bulova Newington Indoor Outdoor Wall Clocks, Best Atomic Wall Clocks With Indoor Temperature, Best Atomic Clocks With Indoor Outdoor Temperature, Best Atomic Digital Wall Clocks With Temperature
Best Fit
Best for a calendar-first room where a warm walnut-look finish suits the décor and outdoor temperature is not part of the buying job.
Key Features
- Two-inch time digits, full weekday and date, indoor temperature, and seven zones.
- Atomic or manual time, 12/24-hour display, DST setting, and perpetual calendar.
- 9.75 × 1.00 × 7.50-inch wall/tabletop case powered by two AA batteries.
Practical Use
The “walnut” wording describes the finish, not verified solid wood. Check daylight readability because this retired platform has no backlight.
Limitations and Final Take
It is indoor-only and retired. Main verdict: choose it for calendar clarity and finish, never for weather functions or night illumination.
What Are The Pros
- Clear full-calendar layout with 12/24-hour time.
- Two-battery wall or tabletop design.
What Are The Cons
- No backlight or outdoor sensor.
- Retired model; condition and returns matter.
Also featured in: Best La Crosse Technology Atomic Clocks, Best Large Radio Controlled Wall Clocks, Best Lacrosse Large Digital Wall Clocks, Best La Crosse Technology Digital Wall Clocks, Best Ehealthsource Calendar Clocks, Best Large Easy To Read Wall Clocks, Best Chass Global Sync Atomic Clocks, Best 4 Time Zone Digital Wall Clocks
Best Fit
Best for an office or modern kitchen that needs the same calendar-led display as the walnut version in a brushed-metal-look finish.
Key Features
- Two-inch time digits, full weekday/date calendar, indoor temperature, and seven zones.
- Atomic or manual time, 12/24-hour mode, selectable DST, wall slot, and kickstand.
- 9.75 × 1.00 × 7.50-inch case; two AA batteries; no backlight.
Practical Use
Functionally it matches the WA platform. Compare finish, condition, price, and seller terms instead of assuming different accuracy or reception.
Limitations and Final Take
No sensor, forecast, or dark-room lighting is provided. Main verdict: a finish-driven calendar clock, not an upgrade over 513-1419-WA.
What Are The Pros
- Readable full-calendar screen and neutral finish.
- Seven zones with 12/24-hour time.
What Are The Cons
- Indoor-only and unlit.
- Retired, so verify exact revision and condition.
La Crosse Technology 512-85937-INT
Best Fit
Best for buyers who want the broadest verified weather information here: atomic time, outdoor temperature, trends, and a local pressure-based forecast.
Key Features
- 2⅛-inch time digits, 12/24-hour atomic time, calendar, alarm, seven zones, and five forecast icons.
- Included TX141V3 sensor covers -40 to 140°F and more than 330 feet in open air.
- 11 × 1.1 × 8.54-inch display; two AA batteries for each unit; no backlight.
Practical Use
Give the pressure algorithm time to calibrate. Its icons describe local six-to-twelve-hour tendency, not live internet weather or a professional forecast.
Limitations and Final Take
Four batteries and an unlit LCD are the trade-offs. Main verdict: the most complete verified choice when local forecast context is useful.
What Are The Pros
- Outdoor sensor, trends, and local forecast together.
- Seven zones and large 2⅛-inch digits.
What Are The Cons
- No backlight; forecast needs a learning period.
- Open-air sensor range falls with obstacles.
La Crosse Technology Curved Digital Atomic Wall Clock
Best Fit
Best treated as an identity-check purchase: the live offer confirms a curved digital atomic clock, but it does not expose a reliable MPN or sensor revision.
Key Features
- Seller-confirmed WWVB synchronization for time and date.
- Automatic Daylight Saving Time update with an on/off option.
- Curved digital case; current offer ID 455894711 and UPC 757456074870.
Practical Use
Before ordering, request the rear-label MPN, a package photo, and the included-sensor model. Do not transfer S74870 specifications from a similar title alone.
Limitations and Final Take
Moon phase, batteries, dimensions, and sensor contents remain unverified for this offer. Main verdict: proceed only after exact identity confirmation.
What Are The Pros
- Atomic time/date and curved case are confirmed.
- Seller listing clearly identifies DST control.
What Are The Cons
- MPN and included sensor are not disclosed.
- Model-specific weather features cannot be promised safely.
Also featured in: Best Lc Atomic Digital Wall Clocks, Best La Crosse Wall Clocks, Best La Crosse Technology Solar Atomic Digital Wall Clocks, Best La Crosse Technology Atomic Wall Or Table Clocks, Best La Crosse Oak Atomic Wall Clocks, Best La Crosse Atomic Wall Clocks, Best Lacrosse Technology Digital Wall Clocks, Best La Crosse Technology Digital Wall Clocks
La Crosse Technology 512-14937-INT
Best Fit
Best for a light-colored room that needs the full 512-series weather feature set; it is the white/champagne counterpart to 512-85937.
Key Features
- 2⅛-inch digits, atomic 12/24-hour time, seven zones, calendar, alarm, and pressure-trend forecast icons.
- Included outdoor sensor, indoor/outdoor temperature, trend arrows, signal indicator, and low-battery alerts.
- 11 × 1.1 × 8.54-inch wall/tabletop display; four AA batteries across both units; no backlight.
Practical Use
Treat it as the same functional platform as the gray/silver version. Choose by finish, current price, availability, and exact sensor package.
Limitations and Final Take
The forecast is local and needs calibration. Main verdict: buy it over 512-85937 only when its lighter finish or offer terms fit better.
What Are The Pros
- Full outdoor-temperature and forecast feature set.
- Light finish with seven-zone support.
What Are The Cons
- No functional advantage over the gray version.
- No backlight and four batteries required.
La Crosse Technology 513-1211
Best Fit
Best for a conference room, large office, classroom, or long sightline where time readability matters more than outdoor data or decorative compactness.
Key Features
- Four-inch time digits in a 16.75 × 1.38 × 10.75-inch case.
- Atomic or manual 12/24-hour time, date, indoor temperature, alarm, snooze, and low-battery indicator.
- Four continental U.S. zones, automatic DST on/off, wall mounting, and three AA batteries.
Practical Use
Mark the full case outline on the wall and test the viewing angle before purchase. Large case width, not feature density, is its purpose.
Limitations and Final Take
There is no outdoor sensor, forecast, or seven-zone support. Main verdict: the specialist choice for confirmed four-inch digits at distance.
What Are The Pros
- Largest verified digits in the current list.
- Simple display with 12/24-hour time.
What Are The Cons
- Large case and three-battery requirement.
- Only four zones; indoor-only.
How to Choose, Set Up, and Mount an Atomic Wall Clock
Treat the outdoor-sensor link and the WWVB time link as two separate radios. One can work while the other is still waiting. Complete these checks before drilling a permanent mounting hole.
Measure the display job
Measure the wall space and the farthest normal viewing distance. Decide whether the screen must show only time, a full calendar, outdoor temperature, or a pressure-based forecast. Confirm digit height whenever the manufacturer publishes it.
Freeze the exact model and package
Match the full MPN and suffix on the display, seller title, and manual. For sensor models, verify the transmitter revision and whether it is included. Retired clocks deserve extra attention to replacement compatibility and return terms.
Power and pair nearby
Use fresh batteries of the specified sizes. For sensor-equipped clocks, power the transmitter close to the display first, then power the clock and wait for an outdoor reading. Do not mount the sensor until the local link is stable.
Set zone and DST before judging WWVB
Select the correct time zone and DST behavior. A clock can receive the correct UTC-derived minute yet remain one hour wrong because of its settings. Give the display a quiet nighttime location near an exterior wall or window.
Mount for signal and temperature accuracy
Keep the clock away from noisy electronics and large metal surfaces. Place an outdoor transmitter vertically in protected shade with airflow, away from direct sun and standing rain. Recheck both links from the final positions before completing the installation.
WWVB reception is usually strongest overnight. A first successful sync can take several minutes and a difficult indoor location can require repeated nightly attempts. Manual time remains useful while reception is being diagnosed.
Troubleshooting Atomic Time, Sensors, Forecasts, and Visibility
- Tower icon missing: verify fresh batteries, correct zone, and a clear overnight location away from televisions, computers, appliances, metal siding, and reinforced walls. The clock can keep quartz time between successful WWVB synchronizations.
- Correct minutes but wrong hour: check zone and DST before replacing the clock. WWVB transmits UTC information; the clock applies the owner-selected local offset.
- Outdoor temperature shows dashes or NO: troubleshoot the local 433 MHz sensor link, not WWVB. Bring both parts together, power the sensor first, and follow the model-specific re-pair sequence.
- Outdoor value reads too high: direct sun or heat from a wall can bias the transmitter. Move it to ventilated shade under protection; water-resistant does not mean suitable for immersion or standing rain.
- Forecast icon disagrees with an app: the 512 series estimates a broad local tendency from pressure change. It is not downloading internet weather and needs a calibration period before the icon pattern becomes useful.
- LCD is hard to read at night: most models here have no documented backlight. Ambient light and viewing angle matter; large digits do not create illumination.
- Outside WWVB coverage: use manual time if the model supports it. Radio-controlled “atomic” is not a worldwide reception promise.
Alternatives to La Crosse Technology Digital Wall Clocks
Best La Crosse Technology Digital Wall Clocks
Best La Crosse Technology Digital Wireless Forecast Station
Best La Crosse Technology Wwvb Digital Clocks
Best La Crosse Technology Solar Atomic Digital Wall Clocks
Related Articles
Final Thoughts
For simple indoor use, choose WT-8005U-B when 12/24-hour time matters or W88631 when the smallest case matters. Choose 513-1918S for a direct outdoor reading without forecast graphics. Choose a 512 model for the fullest verified weather screen, then select gray/silver or white/champagne by finish and offer terms. Choose 513-1211 only when its four-inch digits solve a real long-distance viewing problem.
The retired BBB86088 and 513-1419 pair can still fit a specific room, but only with verified condition and support expectations. The Curved marketplace offer is not ready for a model-level recommendation until the seller confirms its exact MPN and included transmitter. That identity check is more important than a temporary discount, review count, or internal ranking badge.
La Crosse Technology Digital Atomic Wall Clocks FAQ
These answers cover the questions that most often determine whether an atomic wall clock is suitable before purchase and during first setup.
What does “atomic” mean on a La Crosse wall clock?
It means radio-controlled time. A receiver listens for the NIST WWVB 60 kHz broadcast from near Fort Collins and synchronizes an ordinary quartz clock to that signal. The consumer clock does not contain an atomic oscillator.
Do these clocks need Wi-Fi or a phone app?
No. The listed non-connected models use WWVB for time. Sensor-equipped models use a separate short-range radio link for outdoor temperature. Neither link requires a router, account, subscription, or phone application.
Will WWVB work everywhere or outside North America?
No reception guarantee applies everywhere. NIST coverage is strongest across the continental United States and generally improves at night. Buildings, electrical interference, terrain, and distance matter. Outside useful coverage, choose a model with manual time setting.
How long should the first atomic synchronization take?
A clean signal can set the clock within several minutes, but a difficult room may require repeated overnight attempts. Install fresh batteries, set the zone correctly, place the clock near an exterior wall or window, and avoid nearby electronics.
What is the difference between four and seven time zones?
Four-zone models cover the main continental U.S. offsets: Pacific, Mountain, Central, and Eastern. Seven-zone models also add Alaska, Hawaii, and Atlantic choices. In every case, select the zone and DST mode appropriate to the location.
Which models show outdoor temperature or a forecast?
513-1918S and BBB86088 show outdoor temperature without a documented pressure forecast. The 512-85937 and 512-14937 add local pressure-trend forecast icons. WT-8005U-B, W88631, both 513-1419 offers, and 513-1211 are indoor-only.
Is the advertised 330-foot sensor range realistic through walls?
It is an open-air specification, not a promise through a house. Metal, concrete, stucco, wet vegetation, electronics, and multiple walls reduce range. Pair the units nearby, then test the intended positions before drilling or weather-protecting the sensor.
Do the displays have a backlight for night viewing?
Do not assume they do. The 513-1419 platform, 512-series displays, S74870 support information, and 513-1211 documentation specify no backlight. Check the exact model manual if reading the display in darkness is essential.
How many batteries should I buy?
Counts differ by model. Indoor-only compact clocks use two cells, 513-1211 uses three AA, 513-1918S uses three AAA plus two AA, and most other sensor sets here use two AA in each unit. Verify whether the seller includes them.
Why must the exact MPN and sensor revision be checked?
Similar names and frames can hide different displays, transmitters, battery counts, or support status. Match the rear label, complete MPN, seller offer, manual, and included sensor before relying on a feature list or buying a replacement transmitter.
