Comparison

DeepTime for Geology vs Bench Reference

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

DeepTime for Geology

Explore an interactive geological time scale with detailed information on each unit, including GSSP definitions and color codes. Search for terms and view GSSPs on a global map. Ideal for geologists, students, and Earth history enthusiasts.

Highlights
  • Interactive geological time scale
  • Detailed GSSP definitions
  • CMYK and RGB color codes
  • Searchable by name or age
  • Global GSSP map integration
  • Tips for using time terms
Features
Read full description

DeepTime puts geological time at your fingertips. DeepTime is a full interactive version of the latest geological time scale: tap on any time unit to see more detail about it, including how its GSSP (golden spike) is defined. It even has the CMYK and RGB color codes for every time unit, great for when you need to have the right color for a map or chart. Even more, it is completely searchable by name or age. Come across an unfamiliar time term in an older paper? Search for it, and you'll see how it relates to the modern time scale.  What's more is that all the GSSPs (the golden spikes) are shown on a gorgeous geological map of the world (courtesy of macrostrat.org), which shows their context in stunning detail. Tips for using time terms are also included with simple examples. Whether you are a geologist, a student, a science writer, or just a fan of Earth history, DeepTime will become your go-to resource for understanding geological time.

About

Bench Reference

This professional jeweler's reference guide provides comprehensive information on gemstones, metals, and bench techniques. It includes calculators for pricing, measurements, and 3D printing, along with a personal library and learning tools. Essential for jewelers needing quick access to data and procedures without an internet connection.

Highlights
  • Gemstone and material reference
  • Bench technique guides
  • Metal properties and working notes
  • Repair procedures
  • Measurement and data conversions
  • Professional calculators
  • Personal library system
Features
Read full description

Bench Reference — The Professional Jeweler's Pocket Guide Everything a bench jeweler needs, right on your phone. Bench Reference puts 30+ reference sections, professional calculators, and a personal library system in your pocket — no internet required. GEMSTONES & MATERIALS Browse 100+ gemstones with Mohs hardness, specific gravity, refractive index, care instructions, setting tips, steam safety, and cleaning methods. Filter by hardness or steam safety to make quick decisions at the bench. Plus dedicated sections for pearls, birthstones, gemstone origins, and stone shapes. BENCH TECHNIQUES Step-by-step reference guides for stone setting (prong, bezel, pavé, channel, flush, tension), soldering, casting, polishing, engraving, wax carving, repairs, annealing, torch & gas, laser welding, rhodium plating, patina & oxidation, and chemical safety. Each section built from real bench experience. 23 METALS Melting points, annealing temps, hardness, specific gravity, and working notes for every metal you'll encounter — from 24K gold and platinum to palladium, steel, and titanium. REPAIRS HUB Sizing up, sizing down, shank replacement, prong rebuilding, chain repair, clasp replacement, soldering guides, porosity troubleshooting, and more. A complete repair reference when you're at the bench. MEASUREMENTS & DATA Ring sizes (US/UK/EU with conversions), wire gauge reference, MM-to-carat weight charts by stone shape, chain styles, necklace and bracelet lengths, finding sizes, and formulas for weight, pricing, and alloy calculations. IDENTIFICATION & TESTING Gemstone testing methods, acid testing procedures for gold, silver, and platinum, hallmark identification, metal allergy reference, and a Stone ID table with SG and RI values for quick identification. PROFESSIONAL TOOLS Ring Blank Calculator — stock length for any ring size Metal Weight Calculator — weight by dimensions and alloy Job Pricing Calculator — materials, labor, and markup Temperature Converter — Fahrenheit and Celsius Weight Converter — grams, dwt, troy oz, carats Bench Timer — burnout and casting countdowns 3D PRINT & CAD Castable resin profiles, resin comparison charts, shrinkage calculator, burnout schedules, support placement guide, troubleshooting, post-processing, printer settings, and stone-in-place casting. Plus MatrixGold CAD shortcuts and workflows. MY LIBRARY Your personal database. Store product specs, component details, alloy recipes, consumable inventory, and supplier contacts. Add photos, SKUs, links, and notes. Organized by category, searchable, and always with you. LEARN & PRACTICE Flashcards and quizzes covering gemstones, metals, setting techniques, and bench skills. Study at your own pace. Perfect for apprentices and seasoned jewelers brushing up. GLOSSARY 200+ jewelry industry terms defined clearly — from bail to burnisher, firescale to findings. NEW IN v8.1 Redesigned splash screen and home page Expanded and fact-checked reference data across metals, solders, gemstones, and casting Added Wire Gauge reference, Patina & Oxidation section, and new gemstones to Stone ID Fixed display issues and icons throughout the app General polish and performance improvements BUILT FOR THE BENCH No ads. No subscriptions. No internet required. Bench Reference is built by jewelers for jewelers — a single purchase that works offline, everywhere you need it.

Screenshots

DeepTime for Geology3 screens
Bench Reference4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: DeepTime for Geology at Free against Bench Reference's $4.99. DeepTime for Geology also leads on ratings volume (7 vs 2). Bench Reference's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 3 months) and review sentiment (100% vs 80%). On rating, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

DeepTime for Geology is free to download; Bench Reference costs $4.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for DeepTime for Geology against 5.0 for Bench Reference. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 7 and 2 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 80% of DeepTime for Geology's written reviews are positive against 100% of Bench Reference's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

DeepTime for Geology ships an update every 3 months, Bench Reference weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
DeepTime for Geology versus Bench Reference: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDeepTime for GeologyBench Reference
PriceFree — better$4.99
Rating5.0 (7 ratings)5.0 (2 ratings)
Positive reviews80.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings7 — better2
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree — betterPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS26.0 — better26.2
Further details — not scored
Size1 MB3 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperHunt Mountain SoftwareAaron brown

Customer experience

DeepTime for Geology

All ratings7 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews5 reviews
Positive80.0%
Neutral20.0%
Negative0.0%

Bench Reference

All ratings2 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

DeepTime for Geology

No in-app purchases

None

Bench Reference

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is DeepTime for Geology free?
DeepTime for Geology is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Bench Reference free?
Bench Reference costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, DeepTime for Geology or Bench Reference?
DeepTime for Geology and Bench Reference are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 7 and 2 ratings respectively.
Do DeepTime for Geology or Bench Reference have ads?
Neither DeepTime for Geology nor Bench Reference shows ads.
Which is updated more often, DeepTime for Geology or Bench Reference?
DeepTime for Geology ships an update every 3 months, and Bench Reference weekly. Most recently, DeepTime for Geology was updated on October 15, 2026 and Bench Reference on October 12, 2026.

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