The clock changes only the last few seconds to give the bidders a chance to hit that button again. I hesitated for a second, and it went onto sold, I lost out on that accuquilter for 1 penny...don't look away on the nail bitter auctions, all the regular auctions I used their bid buddy, and it works..just like ebay, you bid what your top is, and you win or not...it increases up to your limit you set, and then stops if you dont' change that limit. It's the high ticket items like a sewing machine, accuquilter, that will be set as nail bitter auctions, no bid buddy used, and those have the changing clock at the last count down...but someone does win. Again, an option, a choice, and learning curve.