Uhrdrift

Uhrdrift is the term used to describe the deviation of a clock’s displayed time from the true or reference time. It is a normal aspect of timekeeping in mechanical and electronic clocks, and its rate can be positive (clock runs fast) or negative (clock runs slow). The concept is central to horology, navigation, and time synchronization in modern systems.

Several factors contribute to Uhrdrift. Mechanical clocks are affected by wear, friction, and changes in lubrication that alter the drive torque and escapement performance. Temperature changes cause expansion or contraction of materials, affecting the pendulum length or balance wheel, while magnetic fields and power source variations can shift rate. In quartz and atomic timekeepers, drift is minimized but not entirely eliminated due to aging of components or environmental conditions.

Drift is commonly quantified in seconds per day or in parts per million (ppm). For example, a clock with a drift of 5 seconds per day has a rate of about 58 ppm slow. Precision timekeeping seeks to reduce drift through design choices, high-quality materials, temperature compensation, and regular adjustment.

Corrections for Uhrdrift involve regulation or re- calibration. In mechanical clocks, adjusting the pendulum length, restoring balance, or servicing the escapement can reduce drift. In electronic clocks, frequency standards, temperature compensation, and synchronization with reference times (such as GNSS or network time) are used. Historical solutions include the development of temperature-compensated pendulums and chronometers.

Uhrdrift remains a practical concern in everyday timekeeping and in applications demanding high accuracy, such as scientific experiments, navigation, and digital synchronization. See also clock accuracy, timekeeping, and frequency standards.