Last Updated: March 14, 2019 (Refresh Now)
Marathon Atomic Travel Alarm Clock with Auto Back Light Feature Calendar and Temperature Folds into One Compact Unit for Travel Batteries Included Color Black SKU CL030036BK
Last Updated: March 14, 2019 (Refresh Now)
8.1
SCORE
/10
Total Reviews
999
Old Reviews
494
Unverified
18
Spam Test
PASS
Yes
FM RADIO
Review Analysis - 487 recent, verified reviews
Detailed Mode
Clock
214alarm, travel, atomic, clocks, marathon
+82%
-18%
" ... A very nicely designed, compact travel alarm clock. ... "
" ... This alarm clock is very compact and doesn't take up much room. ... "
" ... The clock is well built. ... "
" ... Setting the clock is very easy. ... A similar procedure with the clock-set button on the far left sets the time and date, if necessary. ... The clock is very compact, so as the illustrations point out, it can be easily carried in a pocket, or in a purse or small brief-case. ... Note that this clock, as is the case with most digital alarm clocks, is best viewed from slightly above, such as when it is on a table or a low night-stand. ... "
" ... have the clock for less than a week but so far so good . ... "
" ... Love this clock! ... My go to alarm for the morning. ... "
" ... Seems like a great little travel clock. ... "
" ... But this Marathon Atomic Travel Alarm Clock has the buttons on the front, making it much easier to reach them if needed, and when folded the display is still visible but the buttons are covered. ... "
Size
78compact, size, small, clock, traveling
+97%
-3%
" ... I like the size and weight of the travel clock. ... "
" ... Lots of value in a small package. ... "
" ... Very compact and settings don't get messed up while in luggage. ... "
" ... It folds up neatly for travel leaving no pressable buttons exposed inside baggage. ... "
" ... Good size for both home & travel use. ... "
" ... Makes great for travel. ... Nice and compact. ... "
" ... The clock is very compact, so as the illustrations point out, it can be easily carried in a pocket, or in a purse or small brief-case. ... "
" ... The clock is still quite small and will travel well. ... "
Ease of Use
67easy to use, easy, set, intuitive, program
+87%
-13%
" ... I had to manually change the time but it was very easy to figure out. ... "
" ... Easy to set up and portable. ... "
" ... Easy to use. ... "
" ... Easy to use. ... "
" ... Takes a little bit to learn how to set time, but rest of it is easy to use. ... "
" ... Easy to program. ... "
" ... Easy to program ... "
" ... It's easy to set, and very compact. ... "
Features
60feature, clock, auto, dim, automatic
+87%
-13%
" ... I really love that I could turn the backlight off and only light it when I need it by pressing the top. ... "
" ... Nice small footprint, like the auto nite light feature, and all the options available in the display. ... "
" ... It was great to find a small travel clock with so many useful features & yet compact. ... "
" ... If you live in a major city, my guess the auto time update is a great feature. ... "
" ... This is a very nice little clock, with some very nice features. ... "
" ... I love the dim back light for the fact that you can see the time if you are looking at the clock in the dark ... "
" ... The light button is big enough to find and operate in the dark and the illumination time is just long enough to check the time and temperature. ... "
" ... This has all the necessary features to use in North America and Canada. ... "
For Travel
53traveling, trip, clock, trips, great for travel
+94%
-6%
" ... It is just the right size for travel. ... "
" ... Great for travel and with dim light it's perfect. ... "
" ... For in home and for travel. ... Easy to read, to illuminate, AND the stand has a cut out which not only reduces weight for travel, but allows ... "
" ... Worked great and liked the 'back light' while on a cruise. ... I was able to keep ships time while traveling through different time zones. ... "
" ... After years of travel, it is my favorite one. ... "
" ... Survived two trips to Europe and shorter trips in USA. ... "
" ... small enough to put on my nightstand and great to take when traveling . ... "
" ... 2) Compact, durable for travel ... "
Controls
37alarm, press, buttons, clock, snooze button
+41%
-59%
" ... the automatic radio controlled feature does not work. ... "
" ... The alarm button is a little hard to switch - have to use my fingernail. ... Biggest drawback: snooze is 5 minutes and cannot be adjusted. ... "
" ... The button controls are ok and the instruction sheet was decent. ... "
" ... total piece of crap - buttons did notywork, anode fell off of battery compartment - I have never had an ... The new one is slightly better than the old one in that 3 out of 10 functions appear to work (time set button still does not work so the thing is totally useless) ... "
" ... >The folding stand doesn't protect the face, only the buttons. ... "
" ... No problem in high mode but involves rolling over to press the button, which sort of defeats the purpose of the low mode. ... "
" ... Button for seeing the time in the dark did not work. ... "
" ... First, while every button on the clock are push buttons, the alarm uses a whimsy mechanical switch you actually have to slide, and that switch is very awkward to move, requiring both hands to hold the clock in place. ... When the alarm rings, pressing any button will not turn off the alarm, only the snooze button will turn it off, meaning that it will ring again 5 minutes later, and then again, and again until it has gone through the 4 snooze cycles. ... Most alarms will show the alarm time when you press the Alarm set button or some other button, but not this one. ... "
Display Clarity
35clock, backlight, screen, numbers, easy to read
+74%
-26%
" ... Perfect in display, function, and size for travel. ... "
" ... The led lights are bright enough to see at night. ... "
" ... The ambient-light-adjusting backlight is a nice feature. ... "
" ... The display is easy to read and displays not only the time, but date, day of the week, and the room temperature. ... The snooze light displays an orange background and the display is easy to read in the dark. ... "
" ... The front display is (date) 10-15 (M D) SUN (D) 77.0F (TEMP). ... "
" ... This travel clock is easy to read and has the option to have the display light up when it gets dark. ... "
" ... It has a feature that allows the screen to stay lit at night. ... "
" ... Display light is plenty bright when you press the button at the top to make it light. ... "
Battery Life
32battery life, battery, durability, clock, battery compartment
+84%
-16%
" ... To save battery life, I recommend turning off the auto back light feature. ... Dramatically increases the battery life! ... "
" ... This unit has a switch buried in the battery compartment to enable or disable the radio update feature. ... I like the use of AAA batteries rather than coin cells. ... "
" ... I haven't had it long enough to rate battery life or durability. ... "
" ... I like that it uses conventional AA batteries. ... "
" ... A great feature is the continuous night light, which can be switched of in storage to preserve battery life . ... "
" ... I cannot yet report my experience with battery life of durability. ... May have been a design decision for battery life, etc. ... "
" ... You can save battery by turning the light off or the radio receiver off to auto- change the time. ... "
" ... The set and forget functions are located in the battery compartment. ... "
Setup
31easy to set, set, setup, fairly, directions
+81%
-19%
" ... The written instructions actually matched the clock and were easy to follow. ... "
" ... It was easy to use once I realized that there is an additional insert with different set up instructions from the basic product instructions. ... "
" ... Easy to set. ... "
" ... The setup is fairly painless (of course, you need to peruse the instructions first but it's not like studying for a college final). ... "
" ... Product looks as advertised, it is nice and compact and the instructions are straightforward. ... "
" ... Alarn is easy to set. ... "
" ... You must really follow the directions to get it started, but then it works perfectly. ... "
" ... Easy to set. ... "
Product Reliability
31week, working, days, month, clock
+48%
-52%
" ... The only problem was that the day of the week was odd. ... "
" ... The unit accepted settings for time, date, etc., except for day of week. ... "
" ... Didn't work when it was delivered and now months later it is still not working. ... "
" ... Stopped working after a few months of use. ... "
" ... It's very faint and unreadable. ... "
" ... This clock stopped working correctly after about 4 months. ... It changes the time for no apparent reason and with no warning. ... "
" ... According to the calendar, it must have stopped functioning January 31 about nine months after purchase, but because i was not traveling I didn't discover the problem until now, three days before another trip. ... "
" ... Now 17 months later it (the second one) doesn't work at all. ... "
Build Quality
18plastic, flimsy, clock, folding, feel cheap
+67%
-33%
" ... So far, the Marathon product seems durable (doesn't have obviously flimsy parts that might break easily). ... "
" ... Only 2 problems - RCC and light switch is behind a removable plastic panel, and item is a pricier than similar items. ... "
" ... A solid folding stand without an opening would be better. ... "
" ... My only comment is the top that flips back to become the stand does seem a bit flimsy, but it looks like it'll be fine. ... "
" ... the flip stand seems a bit soft plastic, so we will see how long it holds up. ... "
" ... Seems sturdy without being too heavy. ... "
" ... Very nice build quality and works very well. ... "
" ... Impressed with product heft and quality of manufacture. ... "
Marketplace
15works, amazon, product, one, described
+93%
-7%
" ... Just received this and everything appears as advertised. ... "
" ... Researched this category of product on Amazon for days. ... "
" ... Does as advertised ... "
" ... It works as advertised. ... "
" ... Works as advertised. ... "
" ... The company sent an email to me as follow up to sale ... "
" ... The product was shipped (and arrived) promptly, the vendor performed well. ... "
" ... It came as promised. ... "
FM
15signal, clock, radio controlled, receive, receives
+67%
-33%
" ... The fact that it receives a radio signal once a day and corrects accordingly is awesome! ... "
" ... This means that they receive their time queues from radio waves carried from a US standard broadcasting time transmitter. ... "
" ... I inadvertently put it next to the transistor radio and BINGO It joined up to the UNIVERSE and became ATOMIC! ... "
" ... The automatic time set by radio communication is something I have never seen before. ... "
" ... Great clock, auto set (took a day to get the radio signal but works well). ... "
" ... I like the radio controlled time setting. ... "
" ... I love this little clock since my led went out on the radio in my truck. ... "
" ... As a caution, like any radio-controlled atomic clock, it needs to receive satellite signals every night to maintain its accuracy. ... "
Night Photography
15light, read, lighting, lights, dim
+87%
-13%
" ... I like the face lighting up when the amvient light is dim. ... "
" ... The low light makes it easy to read at night but is not glaring to keep you awake. ... "
" ... I love the night light feature. ... "
" ... The night light is just bright enough to see without being annoying. ... "
" ... The low night light is very good too - just enough light to read the clock at night but otherwise not annoying. ... "
" ... Nice night light. ... "
" ... Night time lighting is perfect. ... "
" ... Perfect lighting for night use while the "dusk to dawn" feature is turned on . ... "
Volume
14volume, loud enough, loud, alarm is loud, wake
+57%
-43%
" ... I also like that the volume of the alarm is increasing so you can hear it. ... "
" ... Super super small not for bedroom I don’t know who would want a tiny clock ... "
" ... Compact, alarm loud enough and is graduated in output. ... "
" ... The alarm is loud enough to wake me up no problem. ... "
" ... it's compact, visible, and loud. ... "
" ... Good size and good volume on alarm (not too loud but not too quiet). ... "
" ... Easy set up and alarm is loud enough to wake me from my not-so-light slumbers without setting the neighbours' dogs barking. ... "
" ... Volume of alarm very good. ... "
Price
14price, waste of money, worth the price, worth, 30
+57%
-43%
" ... It is priced well. ... "
" ... Economical price too. ... "
" ... worth the price. ... "
" ... Good value for money with all features it has got. ... "
" ... This exceeds my expectations. ... "
Network
13time, clock, radio, atomic, automatically
+85%
-15%
" ... If you decide on this clock, place it on the window sill to assure getting the signal for your time zone. ... "
" ... It took several days to hook up with a time signal, but it's worked fine ever since then. ... "
" ... The atomic function has some issues finding the signal in the interior of the house, but it has no problem synching in my window. ... "
" ... Once it got the signal it didn't take long to set itself. ... "
" ... To my pleasant surprise, even below ground and in a very will insulated home they are able to receive the broadcaster time signal. ... "
" ... Easy to set up, connected with atomic radio signal within 2 hours. ... "
" ... It took a long time for the clock to find the signal that automatically sets the time but it did work. ... "
" ... Then I realized that Velcro sticks beautifully to the fuzzy carpet-like walls. ... "
Capacity
11room, clock, house, rooms, nightstand
+100%
" ... I'll use this to help me get the room heating or cooling adjusted in hotel rooms. ... "
" ... Can use anywhere in the house or for travel. ... "
" ... It is very soft, but in a quiet environment, such as most motel rooms, it should work for most users, provided the alarm is on a stand next to the bed, so it is close to your head. ... If you are on the east coast of the U. S., put the clock at the west side of the house. ... "
" ... It will be nice to have in our cabin ... "
" ... The size is also good for me - small enough to not take up too much room in my luggage nor take up too much room on the nightstand but big enough to see the time from several feet away (I do have 20/20 vision though). ... "
" ... The concern came from the fact the I use four of these in the basement level. ... "
" ... I felt confidant enough to get a second one for another room. ... "
" ... The nightlight is not intrusive, but makes the numbers easy to see in a dark hotel room. ... "
Accuracy
10time, small, compact, clock, atomic
+100%
" ... Nice item, accurate time ... "
" ... in addition to keeping exceptionally accurate time (gauging this against my IPhone), it just autoset with the November time-change. ... "
" ... Once set, it maintains its accuracy. ... "
" ... And it's an atomic clock, so it's always accurate. ... "
" ... It’s small, has atomic accuracy, and works. ... "
" ... Accurate, visible, options, intuitive. ... "
" ... Compact as well as accurate timekeeping. ... "
Product As Described
9works, described, everything
+100%
" ... Just received this and everything appears as advertised. ... "
" ... It works as advertised. ... "
" ... Does as advertised ... "
" ... Works as advertised. ... "
" ... Works great just as advertised! ... "
" ... Works as advertised. ... "
Fit
9stand, fits, bill, size, plastic
+78%
-22%
" ... The size fit my needs really well. ... "
" ... This device fits the bill and I don't have to worry about resetting with time changes. ... "
" ... THIS ONE FIT THE BILL. ... "
" ... I'm a lightRail Operator and it fits perfect on the dash. ... "
" ... The features that I like: the right angle stand swivels into position, and flattens firmly as part of the clock's facade when traveling ... "
" ... the flip stand seems a bit soft plastic, so we will see how long it holds up. ... "
Design
9seem, nice, looks, feel cheap, travel
+78%
-22%
" ... Very nice looking. ... "
" ... It's compact while providing a lot of information and has a sleek design. ... "
" ... Well built, nice finish, doesnt feel cheap. ... "
" ... I prefer simple designs, less ridges and indentations are perfectly fine with me. ... If you want functionality, ease of operation, beauty in design and simplicity, then it is for you. ... "
" ... My only comment is the top that flips back to become the stand does seem a bit flimsy, but it looks like it'll be fine. ... "
" ... The features seem appealing. ... "
" ... Well made and attractive. ... "
Sound Quality
8sound, loud, volume, louder, travel
+63%
-38%
" ... I also like that the volume of the alarm is increasing so you can hear it. ... "
" ... I like the auto light feature that adjusts to the light in the room and the beeping sound changes tempo. ... "
" ... I was replacing a wonderful travel alarm clock that I'd had for 20 years but for which the sound had quit working. ... "
" ... Good size and good volume on alarm (not too loud but not too quiet). ... "
Sleep Tracking
8light, clock, alarm, reliable, bright
+75%
-25%
" ... Atomic clock, dependable and reliable, light weight, no light to impede sleep. ... "
" ... The white frame is pretty and the light is warm and yellowy, vs blue which is not good for sleep. ... "
" ... This small alarm clock does just what I was looking for: It does not beam light into my bedroom while I'm trying to sleep. ... "
" ... Additionally, the orange background light is very bright and hard on one's sleep-filled eyes when you turn it on in the middle of the dark night to check the time. ... "
" ... I have updated my two guest bedrooms with these clocks, and my guests love there is no bright light to disturb their sleep. ... "
" ... When traveling its reassuring to have a reliable clock to set up before you sleep. ... "
Returns
8item, window, returning, returned
+13%
-88%
" ... Ended up returning it and getting one that was a tiny bit bigger. ... "
" ... Not sure if I will return it yet! ... "
" ... I fully intended to return this item, but I fiddle-farted around until after the return window had closed. ... "
" ... Unfortunately, I didn't discover the wrobg item shipped until it was too late to return! ... "
" ... I had to send it back. ... "
" ... I thru it into the trash can . ... "
" ... Would return it but by the time we returned, we missed the deadline to return. ... "
Delivery
8promptly, delivery, days, arrived, working
+88%
-13%
" ... Promptly delivered and as described. ... "
" ... Delivery was extremely quick as well. ... "
" ... It came as promised. ... "
" ... The product was shipped (and arrived) promptly, the vendor performed well. ... "
" ... So delivery on the order was good. ... "
" ... The fast delivery was also very much appreciated. ... "
Comfort
8set, real, hands, wear, travel
+38%
-63%
" ... The only way to turn it off once and for all is to move that mechanical switch to the off position. ... "
" ... The problem gets worse as the batteries get worn down. ... "
" ... Your bedside table will have to be at exactly the right height, or you'll always have to crane your head about until the digits become visible. ... "
" ... The quality of the sound is also harsh and is grating to my ears and irritating to me. ... "
" ... Real pain to set the time manually ... "
Storage
7stand, size, pack, drawer, plastic
+86%
-14%
" ... I don’t feel the need for a larger unit as teavel clocks consume very little space in what tends to be a crowded area. ... "
" ... But I like how easy it is to pack and how little room it takes up on the night stand. ... "
" ... Perfect pack able size. ... "
" ... Keeps synced even when in a drawer. ... "
" ... Perfect size for storing in my backpack and seems very durable. ... "
" ... the flip stand seems a bit soft plastic, so we will see how long it holds up. ... "
Software Platform
5update, ever, error, updates, get
+20%
-80%
" ... And since I have just received it I cannot speak to its battery life, but I can tell you that from a user interface standpoint it is one of the poorest design I have ever seen . ... "
" ... did not update automatically. ... "
" ... Not user error, I went back and read the instructions and setting the alarm is very intuitive-- the alarm just wouldn't ever go off. ... "
" ... Update: 10-8-18: It just continues to get worse. ... "
Device Compatibility
5clock, set, never, clocks, atomic
+80%
-20%
" ... I have this unit set up in front of my computer monitor. ... "
" ... If it's located far from windows, the clock may have difficulty receiving those signals. ... "
" ... I couldn't get this to accurately sync with the server here in Hawaii so I called their number. ... "
" ... yes I’ve missed an 8 am business meeting because my “wake up” call from my hotel never came.) ... "
Color
4contrast, color, white, feature, enough
+100%
" ... The nightlight feature is the perfect brightness. ... "
" ... One new advantage is there is a slight glow that appears after dark so ... "
" ... This is a great feature, but the contrast is not great enough for my ancient eyes in low mode. ... "
" ... And there are color choices! ... "
Call quality
4problems, never, call, answered, wake
+75%
-25%
" ... I travel weekly and never use I phone because of errant calls late. ... "
" ... yes I’ve missed an 8 am business meeting because my “wake up” call from my hotel never came.) ... "
" ... The call was answered quickly by a real person who put me through to a tech. ... "
Other
3light, love, temperature sensor, snooze, clock
+67%
-33%
" ... I love the fact that it has a temperature sensor. ... "
" ... Love the auto light sensor function for nighttime. ... "
Screen Protection
3closed, unprotected, still, display, cover
+67%
-33%
" ... Although I was concerned the screen was unprotected, it's slightly recessed with the cover closed and seemed to hold up just fine. ... "
" ... I like that when closed it covers the controls but not the screen so you can still see it if needed. ... "
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Specifications
Connectivity
FM Radio: Yes