Abstract: The time detecting apparatus receives repetitive binary coded sets of data including time data in a predetermined format. The components of a single set of the received data representative of time are detected and stored. After a preselected time interval the detecting means are again actuated to determine the time components from a successive binary coded set of the received data and the previously stored time components are updated by the preselected time interval. The updated stored time components are then compared with the time components of the latter detected successive set of data to generate signals indicating whether or not the respective sets of time components are identical to determine that the detected time components are accurate. If the compared sets of data are identical then the updated data is read out from the storage means to provide accurate time signals for timing and setting local clocks and other control functions.