Expert: Martin Meyer - 7/19/2008

Question
I have a Verichron World Time Zone Clock , which also shows a "red airplane " sign going around the globe with all the world cities listed around an inner ring so one can determine the time in all the world capitals , when , for example , it is 8 AM in Ohio it shows that it is 1 PM in London.
Unfortunately the clock , once bought many moons ago at the Sharper Image no longer works . It is battery driven but , again , it no longer functions. I have tried several clock repair shops in our area but nobody can or wants to repair the same . Can you please help with some advise on what to do ?
Thanks
Helmut Rothenbuecher

Answer
Hi Helmut,

Battery powered clocks are a real repair problem. First, the designs of battery movements have changed drastically over recent years. Additionally, these movements have no repairable parts. They are generally in sealed plastic cases, and no internal parts are available. Consequently, your only option for a non-functioning battery clock is to replace the entire movement, and compatible movements are often unavailable, especially for older clocks.

Your clock is unusual, in that it is a world time clock, and has the red airplane which, I believe, is actually a second hand. It is possible that a current replacement quartz movement might be adaptable to your clock, but I can't be sure without having the clock in hand. Additionally, if it is possible to convert the clock to a new movement, the cost may be quite high relative to the original cost of the clock or to its current value.

You may be able to find a clockmaker who is willing and able to replace the movement in your clock, either locally or on the internet. But clock makers are reluctant to work on these clocks because of both the difficulty of the modifications, and the high cost of the job, which often exceeds the value of the clock. http://www.clockmasteronline.com