Plays an important role in the control of DNA replication, maintenance of replication fork stability, maintenance of genome stability throughout normal DNA replication and in the regulation of the circadian clock. Involved in the determination of period length and in the DNA damage-dependent phase advancing of the circadian clock. Negatively regulates CLOCK|NPAS2-ARTNL/BMAL1|ARTNL2/BMAL2-induced transactivation of PER1 possibly via translocation of PER1 into the nucleus. Forms a complex with TIPIN and this complex regulates DNA replication processes under both normal and stress conditions, stabilizes replication forks and influences both CHEK1 phosphorylation and the intra-S phase checkpoint in response to genotoxic stress. Timeless promotes TIPIN nuclear localization. Involved in cell survival after DNA damage or replication stress. May be specifically required for the ATR-CHEK1 pathway in the replication checkpoint induced by hydroxyurea or ultraviolet light. May also play an important role in epithelial cell morphogenesis and formation of branching tubules.