Expert: Martin Meyer - 12/4/2008

Question
I have a 40 year old Anniversary clock. It runs on batteries. But the bottom pendulum will not turn back and forth. Is there anything I can do to fix this? Thank you for your help.

Answer
Hi Helen,

Beyond checking the batteries there is not much you can do to correct this problem. Make sure that you have fresh alkaline batteries; do not use rechargeable or old-fashioned acid batteries (often marked "heavy duty"), and make sure that they are positioned in the right directions. Also, note that some anniversary clocks have one battery compartment in the back of the clock movement, and a second one in the base of the clock. The batteries in the base power the pendulum.

Your only other option is to replace the movement. Some anniversary clocks have a separate movement for the pendulum. If this is the case on your clock, the pendulum will be mounted at the base, rather than attached to the clock movement above it. Movements of this type are available from many clock supply houses.

If the clock movement and pendulum are a single unit, replacement could be difficult. Battery-powered clock technology has changed a great deal over the years, and there is virtually no chance that the original movement will still be available. You may be able to replace the movement with a new quartz movement, but there are many variations of quartz anniversary clock movements and finding one that will fit in your clock could be unlikely.  http://www.clockmasteronline.com