Expert: Martin Meyer - 11/28/2009

Question
I just changed the battery in my clock, now the pendulum is moving, but the hands are not.  Any ideas?

Answer
Hi Barb,

Quartz movements are not designed to be repaired and replacement parts are not available, so there is a limited amount that you can do. You should check that the clock has fresh, alkaline batteries (not rechargeable or old-fashioned "heavy duty" acid batteries), installed in the right directions. If the hands are accessible, check that they are not hitting each other or the dial. Make sure that the hour hand has not moved forward on its shaft so that it is in contact with the minute hand.

Other than this, your only option is to replace the movement with a new one. Quartz movements are available from clock supply houses in many varieties. You can usually find one which has similar features to your original, and also fits in the space available in the clock case. You must also be sure to select a movement with the same hand shaft length as your original. Hermle movements are among the best, but make sure that the center mounting nut will fit through the hand shaft hole in your clock's dial, as this movement requires a slightly larger hole than many other movements.  http://www.clockmasteronline.com