Time Clock Punch Machine & Document Stamp - Reliable Office Timekeeper

In this review of the Lathem 1600E timeclock punch machine, the bottom line is simple: small offices and service crews that need both employee punch-in records and document stamping will find a compact, feature-rich solution here. The 1600E is best for businesses that want straightforward timekeeping plus the ability to mark paperwork with date, time and preset messages without needing extra devices. It is easy to install and offers continuous calendar operation, making it useful for workplaces that prefer a low-maintenance, wall- or shelf-mounted unit.

Key Features

• Multifunctional timekeeping: Tracks employee in/out punches and records project minutes for accurate payroll and job-cost billing.
• Document monitoring: Prints date, time and 13 preset messages such as SENT, PAID, FILED and VOID to keep paperwork organized and traceable.
• Tru-Align cards: Includes 25 Tru-Align time cards and provides quick printing with accurate alignment to reduce mis-punched entries.
• Continuous calendar: Internal calendar updates year, month and date automatically through Year 2099 so you do not need to reset it annually.
• Compact mounting: Small, mountable charcoal gray housing fits in limited office space while remaining accessible for daily use.
• US-based assistance: Lathem offers phone and online tech support in the United States to resolve setup or operational questions.

Who It's For

The 1600E is aimed at small to midsize businesses that need a dependable, no-frills punch clock and a simple document stamp in a single device. It works well for workshops, small manufacturing shops, retail back offices and professional offices that track job time and want to mark invoices or files with status messages.

It is not designed for employers who require networked, cloud-based time and attendance reporting, biometric identification, or advanced workforce analytics; those buyers should look at digital or web-connected systems. For teams that want an inexpensive, physical punch and stamp solution, the 1600E covers the basics very well.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Combines employee time punches and document stamping in one compact unit, saving space.
• Continuous calendar that updates to Year 2099 reduces maintenance and avoids manual resets.
• Includes 25 Tru-Align time cards and offers accurate punch alignment for reliable records.
• US-based tech support provides accessible help for setup and troubleshooting.

Cons

• Some customers reported mixed time accuracy, so businesses requiring absolute atomic precision may need to verify time periodically.
• Not a networked or cloud system, so payroll export and remote administration require manual processes.

Specifications

Product	Time clock punch machine and document stamp
Model	1600E
Print capability	Date, time and 13 preset messages (SENT, PAID, FILED, VOID, etc.)
Included items	25 Tru-Align time cards
Calendar	Internal continuous calendar until Year 2099
Color / Size	Charcoal gray, compact mountable housing
Support	US-based phone and online tech support

Our Verdict

The Lathem 1600E is a practical, value-oriented pick for businesses that need a combined punch clock and document stamper without network complexity. It delivers reliable alignment, useful preset messages and a hands-off continuous calendar, making it a smart choice for small workplaces that handle payroll and job costing manually. Buyers who need cloud features or guaranteed atomic precision should consider other systems, but for straightforward on-site timekeeping this unit is strong value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the clock require annual resetting?
The internal continuous calendar updates automatically and does not require yearly resetting up to Year 2099.

Can it stamp documents as well as time cards?
Yes, the unit prints date, time and one of 13 preset messages on business documents as well as punching time cards.

Is technical support available?
Yes, Lathem provides US-based phone and online tech support for setup and troubleshooting.