Expert: Martin Meyer - 10/13/2009

Question
We have a large Boston Clock CO. wall clock that was a gift to us about 5 years ago. It was purchased at J.C.Penney.  We have found that it will only last 2 weeks on a AA battery.  My husband replaced the box in the back of the clock where the battery fits and it didn't make any difference.  We thought maybe it was because the wall it was on in our house was a west wall and we live in a hot dry area. We have tried it on different walls- still no difference. I'm wondering what we can do to get it to work better.  Is it possible to to change it so a larger battery could be used? OR what other options do we have?  Thank you so much for your time and help.  I really appreciate it.

Answer
Hi Marilyn,

The location of the clock or outdoor weather will not affect the clock's operation. There is no way to modify the clock for a larger battery.

Unless your clock has an exceptionally unusual movement, the part that you refer to as the "box in the back" is the entire movement of the clock. I don't know of any battery movement in many years that has a separate battery compartment. If he had to remove the hands and unscrew a nut on the hand shaft to replace this part, it was the entire movement. The movement is the entire mechanical part of the clock, so replacing it eliminates any possibility that there is a problem with the clock. Occasionally, the hands may rub against the front glass, and if the clock is extremely large (two feet across or more, at least) it may require a high-torque movement. However, these conditions will cause the clock to stop, and will not decrease its battery's lifespan.

Because all problems with the clock itself seem to be ruled out, I would have to consider the battery as the only other possible problem. If you are using rechargeable batteries, and possibly if you are using old-fashioned carbon-zinc batteries (often called "heavy duty" batteries) this is the source of your problem. Clocks cannot use rechargeable batteries; these batteries are not 1.5 volts, but are only about 1.2 volts. It is essential that you use only fresh, major brand Alkaline batteries.

If you are using good alkaline batteries, then the only possibility is that you did not exchange the entire movement. This would be extremely unusual. If you would like to send me a followup question with a photo of the movement on the back of the clock, I may be able to answer at least this concern.  http://www.clockmasteronline.com