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Clocks, Watches/Coversion to silent running

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Expert: Martin Meyer - 3/4/2008


Question
Hello Sir,
 I have one of these Cosmic Red Mini Retro Space Rocket Alarm Clocks (pictured here: http://cgi.ebay.com/Cosmic-Red-Mini-Retro-Space-Rocket-Alarm-Clock_W0QQitemZ1302... )  Looks like it's made by "Breeze" with Quartz.
Anyway...the ticking is VERY loud.  Is there something inside   the clock, that can be removed to stop the ticking?  It doesn't have a switch on the outside, by the way.

Thank you,
Matthew

Answer
Hi Matthew,
    The ticking is caused by the actual timekeeping mechanism of the clock. A stepping motor in the movement moves the gears that drive the hands once per second. If the clock doesn't tick, it doesn't run, so there is no way to quiet it. The movements in quartz clocks are sometimes quite loud, and this is a common complaint about them.

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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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