Audichron

An Audichron was a telephone time service, typically provided by telephone companies, which announced the precise time to callers. The service was automated, employing a recorded voice that stated the time, often with the inclusion of a time standard such as "Eastern Standard Time." The announcements were updated automatically, usually through synchronization with an atomic clock or other highly accurate time source.

Audichron services were popular from the mid-20th century onward, providing a convenient way for individuals to synchronize clocks and watches before digital timekeeping became ubiquitous. The service was characteristically accessed by dialing a specific telephone number.

While the term "Audichron" became somewhat genericized to refer to any telephone time service, it was originally the name of a specific company that manufactured the equipment used to provide such services. The Audichron Company was a key supplier of time-announcing systems for telephone companies worldwide.

With the proliferation of digital clocks, smartphones, and readily available internet access to accurate time sources, the popularity of Audichron services has significantly declined in recent years. However, some telephone companies continue to offer such services, although often using more modern technology than the original Audichron equipment. The legacy of Audichron persists in its impact on time synchronization practices and the familiar "time announcement" voice that many individuals recall.