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Expert: Martin Meyer - 2/1/2008


Question
I have a Hamilton Quartz clock with the pendulum, battery operated. Even with a new battery as per instructions, the pendulum works but the hands do not advance.

Answer
Hi Richard,
    Quartz battery movements have no repairable parts; the movement is in a sealed plastic case. You should try a fresh alkaline battery (not the old "heavy duty" battery or a rechargeable battery). If the hands still do not move after you set the time, the problem is internal in the gears of the movement, and the movement must be replaced.
    Replacing the movement is not usually a difficult operation. You should try Hamilton first to get a replacement movement. If they do not have a movement available, you may be able to get a compatible movement from clock supply houses like Timesavers, Merritts Antiques or Empire Clock. The best of the movements, in my opinion, is the Hermle 2214. If it will fit in the space in the case, it should be a good replacement. You must select the movement with the correct hand shaft length, which you can determine by measuring the hand shaft on the old movement.

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Martin Meyer

Expertise

Can answer repair and service questions for most types of clocks, antique and modern, mechanical and battery. NO watches, appraisals, identification, history, dating, or questions about cuckoo clocks. Website for Modern and Antique Clock Repair: Clockmasteronline.com

Experience

24 Years as owner and repairman of clock repair business, 28 years in the field. Factory Independent Service Center for Howard Miller, Ridgeway and (formerly) Sligh Clocks. Specializing in Fine Antique Longcase (grandfather) clocks. Clock repair Website: (Please remove "Not" from the address - this is a spam protection): www.NotClockmasteronline.com

Organizations
AWCI (American Watchmakers and Clockmakers Institute) and NAWCC (National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors)

Publications
Am also an Expert in the "AllExperts-Antiques-Antique Clocks" Category.

Education/Credentials
Trained by a former Rolex Asia watchmaker, and by a Master Watchmaker/Clockmaker.

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