Comparison

wwvbgps vs TimeWave

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

Head to head
About

wwvbgps

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Emulates WWVB longwave time broadcast using DAC harmonics to produce a very weak signal at the carrier frequency of 60KHz. This allows a radio-controlled clock (e.g. many Casio watches), to receive the signal when placed near the speaker of the iOS device. There are other apps that do this but they don't seem to use the GPS time signal, instead relying on the system clock which will drift when it doesn't have internet for a long time (e.g. at sea) because iOS does not appear to use GPS time for system clock updates. This app specifically avoids using the system clock and prefers GPS time. To force using GPS, try it in Airplane mode, with all the radios off. Tested with Casio GW M5610U.

About

TimeWave

This app simulates radio-controlled clock signals to help your watch synchronize its time when terrestrial signals are unavailable. It offers guides for popular watch brands and checks environmental conditions before transmission.

Highlights
  • Radio-controlled clock signal simulation
  • Support for multiple international time signals
  • Environment pre-check and recommendations
  • Smart output tuning for various audio paths
  • Local time mode for overseas watches
  • Watch-specific synchronization guides
  • Live signal visualization and sync history
Features
Read full description

TimeWave is a professional time-signal simulator designed for radio-controlled watches and clocks. When your watch cannot reliably receive a terrestrial time signal, TimeWave can generate a compatible time code through your iPhone or iPad speaker, wired headphones, or supported Bluetooth audio devices. This helps your watch perform manual reception and synchronize its time wherever you are. No ads. No account required. No personal data uploaded. Core synchronization features work offline. SUPPORTED TIME SIGNALS • BPC — China • JJY40 / JJY60 — Japan • WWVB — United States • MSF — United Kingdom • DCF77 — Germany KEY FEATURES ENVIRONMENT PRE-CHECK Before transmission begins, TimeWave checks device volume, battery level, ambient noise, and magnetic-field conditions. It then provides practical recommendations to help reduce common synchronization failures. SMART OUTPUT TUNING TimeWave adjusts signal parameters for different audio output paths, including the built-in speaker, wired headphones, and supported Bluetooth audio devices, helping maintain a stable transmission. LOCAL TIME MODE Designed for imported and overseas watch models. Generate a compatible time signal using your selected local time zone, making it easier to synchronize watches that do not support your local transmitter. WATCH-SPECIFIC GUIDES Follow step-by-step guides for popular radio-controlled watches from Casio G-Shock and Multiband 6, Citizen Eco-Drive, Seiko, Junghans, Braun, and more. Guides may include: • Manual reception instructions • Antenna-position diagrams • Recommended watch placement • Reception-status indicators • Troubleshooting suggestions Actual compatibility depends on the watch model and the time-signal standard it supports. MULTIPLE PLACEMENT METHODS View clear diagrams for positioning your watch near an iPhone or iPad speaker, wired headphone cable, or supported audio device. OUTPUT PROTECTION TimeWave controls signal amplitude according to the selected output path and provides warnings when device conditions may be unsuitable for transmission. LIVE SIGNAL VISUALIZATION Watch the current time code and transmission waveform in real time, with a clear view of progress and remaining time. SYNC HISTORY Save synchronization sessions and record whether each attempt succeeded or failed. Review previous attempts to compare stations, placement methods, and device settings. PRIVATE AND OFFLINE TimeWave does not require an account and does not upload your personal data. Core time-signal generation and watch guides are available offline. HOW TO USE 1. Choose a supported time-signal station or enable Local Time Mode. 2. Put your watch into manual reception mode. On some G-Shock models, this may be shown as RC, RX, or GET. 3. Position the watch antenna close to your iPhone or iPad speaker, wired headphone cable, or supported audio device, following the in-app diagram. 4. Increase the volume and keep both the watch and device still. 5. Start transmission and wait approximately 2–10 minutes. Check the reception indicator on your watch to confirm the result. TIPS FOR BETTER RECEPTION • Keep the watch and device away from chargers, power adapters, computers, televisions, speakers, and other sources of electromagnetic interference. • Watch reception depends on the model, antenna direction, volume, output device, placement, and surrounding environment. • If your imported watch does not support your local transmitter, select a compatible signal standard and use Local Time Mode when needed. • For the best results, select your watch brand or model in TimeWave and follow the recommended placement guide. TimeWave is an independent utility and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any watch manufacturer or time-signal authority. Brand and product names are used only to describe compatibility. Questions or suggestions? Contact: [fish2next@gmail.com](mailto:fish2next@gmail.com)

Screenshots

TimeWave3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: wwvbgps at none against TimeWave's 2. TimeWave's advantage is device support and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.6). On price 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

Both are free to download. TimeWave sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. wwvbgps asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
wwvbgps versus TimeWave: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterwwvbgpsTimeWave
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.4 (18 ratings) — better
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings18 — better
Update frequencyWeekly
AdsNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS17.615.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size1 MB3 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperEllo Skelling Productions毅 何

In-app purchases

None

wwvbgps

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

TimeWave

One-time2
  • Buy Me a Coffee$0.99
  • Lifetime Membership$3.99

Questions

Is wwvbgps free?
wwvbgps is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is TimeWave free?
TimeWave is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

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