Expert: Martin Meyer - 9/22/2008

Question
Hi... I just bought a Howard Miller Anniversary Quartz Chiming Wall Clock.  No matter what I do (3 new sets of batteries, placing a little piece of foil on negative side of battery...) the clock will not keep going.  The pendulum stick goes back and forth fine, until I place the heavy pendulum on it and then it stops.  The clock part will run for an hour, but stops as soon as it gets up the the "12", and then sits at 1 minute before the hour and will not move.
I think I might have to send it back (it is brand new, and shipped from the Howard Miller factory), but will have to pay shipping (both ways.. expensive)

Can you help me?!?

Answer
Hi Wendy,

There are no repairable parts in quartz movements, and it sounds like your clock is defective, so you will probably have to send it back. However, there are a few things you can check first.

Always use only 1.5 volt alkaline batteries, never rechargeables or the old fashioned "heavy duty" acid batteries. Make sure the clock is level on the wall, and flush against the wall (not tilting forward on a screw that is too long). Look to see that the pendulum is not rubbing against any part of the case. Check that the hands are not hitting against each other, the dial or the front glass (if there is one).  http://www.clockmasteronline.com