A method for synchronizing local clocks in a distributed computer network includes a number of components that are connected to each other via bi-directional communication links. An a priori configured set of components generates synchronization messages and sends these messages to the network. An a priori configured set of components consumes the generated messages. One or more message-relaying components in between a component that generates a synchronization message and the component that consumes the message adds delay value to the message reflecting the delay imposed by the message-relaying component. A component that is configured to consume a synchronization message delays a received synchronization message upon reception for a duration that is calculated by an a priori configured value for the maximum transmission delay minus the value of the sum of all delay values added to the received message before further usage of the message in the synchronization process.