2 alarm clocks bought for my mom (83 years) who insisted that the system is mechanical as in the good old days that sound good and strong. The figures and the hands are fluorescent but in complete darkness. The only "small problem" I thought the clock was greater. Do not forget to push the rod (the back of the alarm) on +, otherwise the time delays. Too bad it lacks also the user guide, some forgot the setting method of mechanical alarm !!!