I’M in the market for a new chess clock and I’M hoping some of you can help me with my purchase.   I have two important criteria. Durability is critical because I will put a lot of mileage on this clock and I don’t need a clock that gets button stick, inaccurate timing, etc. The other important factor is ease of use/set up. I don’t want to have to sift through pages of a manual to set up the clock for different settings. Also it must be USCF tournament approved……….thank you

I like the Duel Timer Champions b/c they are full featured and easy to use, well built, atractive, and American made also the company has good customer service.  The DT's may get scuffed, if you drop it, but it won't break. 

The Chronos is supposed to be tough too, also American made but is extremely complicated to operate with out being familiar with its 48 page manual.  The Chronos GX is a little easier but still ar mor complicated than the DT.

The Saitek (silver) is fairly tough too, easier to operate than the Chronos but more complicated than the Duel Timer. However, it cost mush less than either ot the 2 Amercan made clock brands. Saiteks and DGT's  only show seconds after the 20 minute mark. Saitek's and DGT's  are European company's with Chineese manufacturing. 

The DGT's seem a bit light weight and flimsy but I havent yet had one break. B/c the DGT NA seems to not be as durable, I prefer the Saitek .

The Excalibur  has been around a long time it too seems to be flimsy but mine has never broken.  It has a lot of features always displays minutes and seconds. The Excalibur Electronic Companmy has/had U.S. HQ w/ Chineese manufactuirng. THe Company was recently boaugh out so it may no lnger be an American Head Quatered company. the Excalibur is some what complicated to set up. this is your least expensive option but it isn't nearly as easy to use as the Duel Timer.

Based on your criteria, rugged and easy, get the Duel Timer. If you want to save a few bucks, and sacrifice a little ease of use get the Saitek.

I own 2 Duel Timers, both the silver and blue Saiteks, 4 DGT NA's  and an Excalibur.   I do not own a Chronos but I am knowledgable about them.  So my opinion is a valid one. The Duel Timer is by far the easiest to use and operate, I love both of mine.

The only draw back to the DT  is that it doesn't display who is on move from the back of the clock. Some brands have led lights and others have a lever or toggle buttons to show this. This was only ever an issue w/ one person, I told him I would set a captured piece on top of the clock if he was on move and away from the board.

The Duel Timers are my favorite b/c they are so easy to set up. 

Thanks, I will be picking up the Duel Timer.

If you don't need it right away try eBay. The manufacturer sells one on there ever so often.  I just got my second one my last on off of eBay for just a little over 30 bucks.  I think you will be pleased even at full price. The Chronos is far more popular but also more complicated.

You may want to let others weigh in, too.