Washing machine timing

The washing machine in the apartment has a variety of settings.  Or, rather combinations of settings.  You can't set options individually, just by picking a specific cycle.

There isn't anything in the manual that says what each cycle actually does.  There is a vague description of each.  About the only thing it tells you, specifically, is how long it will take to complete.  When you select a cycle, it provides the time up front.  Then it counts down as it proceeds.

I have suspected that the countdown isn't really all that accurate.  I've now got specific proof that it is hardly even an estimate.  It's more a flat out lie.  (I suppose you could say that, in comparison, a longer cycle time will take longer.  But how much longer is really anybody's guess.)