Why Some Clocks Run Fast or Slow Definition, Types, Examples & Uses

Why Some Clocks Run Fast or Slow

Subject: Static GK (General Knowledge)

Book: General Time Knowledge

Mechanical clocks can drift if their gears, springs, or pendulums are slightly misaligned or affected by temperature changes. Even digital clocks relying on quartz crystals can gain or lose seconds due to manufacturing variances. Over time, these small inaccuracies accumulate. Horologists use calibration techniques or external time signals like NTP (Network Time Protocol) to restore precision. Understanding why clocks run fast or slow provides insight into the challenges of achieving consistently accurate time, whether in a wristwatch or an industrial setting.