It works as a timer and, after timing out, it resets itself. That means that I can time 20 minutes and then it resets to 20 minutes so I can repeat.Anyway, I don't like it. The magnet is mounted to the back of the clip resulting in poor balance. When it is stuck to the fridge and I poke buttons the thing often spins upside down or falls to the floor.I'm replacing it with one having no clip.