diff --git a/tests/applications/clocks/timer.pm b/tests/applications/clocks/timer.pm
index 1a5b792d..921e2a26 100644
--- a/tests/applications/clocks/timer.pm
+++ b/tests/applications/clocks/timer.pm
@@ -15,7 +15,11 @@ sub run {
     assert_screen("clocks_timer_page");
     assert_and_click("clocks_button_timer_minute");
     wait_still_screen(2);
-    assert_and_click("clocks_button_timer_start");
+    # since GNOME 46, that was a 'quickstart', on older GNOME we
+    # have to hit start; remove this when no more F39 testing
+    if (check_screen("clocks_button_timer_start", 5)) {
+        click_lastmatch;
+    }
     sleep(10);
     assert_and_click("clocks_button_timer_pause");
     assert_screen("clocks_timer_paused");