Comparison

SignalClock vs Digital Japanese Clock

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

Head to head
About

SignalClock

Features
Read full description

Digital clock has time signal function based on Local Notification Center. 5 different signal sound sets (Digital Clock, Cuckoo, Voice, Whittington Chime,Church Bell). All fonts iOS 10 supports are available in clock. 5 tone type are available in all sound file sets.

About

Digital Japanese Clock

Experience the Edo period's unique timekeeping with this digital clock. It simulates the indefinite time method, dividing days and nights into variable lengths. Customize sounds, displays, and backgrounds for an immersive historical experience.

Highlights
  • Indefinite time method simulation
  • Customizable bell sounds (drums, cannons, cuckoo)
  • Multiple display options (zodiac, numerals, emojis)
  • Adjustable background color and font
  • Optional modern sub-clock display
  • Settings for time methods and display elements
Features
Read full description

A wadokei is a mechanical clock made in Japan during the Edo period. At that time, Japan used a unique time system called the "indefinite time method". It is a method of dividing the day into day and night and then dividing each into equal parts. The common people of the Edo period began their day's activities by listening to the "dawn six bells" about 30 minutes before sunrise and ended their activities by listening to the "dusk six bells" about 30 minutes after sunset. Naturally, the time of sunrise and sunset varied with the seasons, so the time of bell ringing and the length of the unit of time, ittoki, between day and night also changed greatly. But not only was this perfectly acceptable at the time, it was also an eco-friendly way of living that suited their body rhythms very well. This app is a digital representation of this indefinite time method. The hour bells can be switched not only to the sound of bells, but also to drums, cannons, cuckoo, pillar clocks, etc. The main display can be selected from zodiac signs, numerals, and emojis. You can open the settings screen by tapping twice on the main display or by tapping the settings icon. You can change the background color, font, time methods, show/hide sub-clock, etc. here. The sub-clock in the lower left corner of the screen can also display a modern clock. You can switch the display between 24 hours, 12 hours, numerals, and zodiac signs with each tap. Please use this application and experience the rhythm of life in the Edo period. Perhaps you will discover something good.

Screenshots

SignalClock1 screens
Digital Japanese Clock4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Digital Japanese Clock at Free against SignalClock's $0.99. Digital Japanese Clock also leads on update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 5 months). SignalClock's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ads (none vs shown). On 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

Digital Japanese Clock is free to download; SignalClock costs $0.99 up front. Digital Japanese Clock sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. SignalClock asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SignalClock ships an update every 5 months, Digital Japanese Clock every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 17, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
SignalClock versus Digital Japanese Clock: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSignalClockDigital Japanese Clock
Price$0.99Free — better
Rating—2.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyEvery 5 monthsEvery 6 weeks — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS12.0 — better14.0
Further details — not scored
Size103 MB6 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMasafumi EndohMihoko Araki

In-app purchases

None

SignalClock

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

Digital Japanese Clock

One-time1
  • No Ads$1.99

Questions

Is SignalClock free?
SignalClock costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Digital Japanese Clock free?
Digital Japanese Clock is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do SignalClock or Digital Japanese Clock have ads?
Digital Japanese Clock shows ads; SignalClock does not.
Which is updated more often, SignalClock or Digital Japanese Clock?
SignalClock ships an update every 5 months, and Digital Japanese Clock every 6 weeks. Most recently, SignalClock was updated on October 26, 2026 and Digital Japanese Clock on October 17, 2026.

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