Expert: Kenneth Saunders - 2/13/2009

Question
QUESTION: Must clocks tick/tock? Are there any analog clocks that don't make sounds? [I realize that digital clocks don't "tick."]
I prefer analog clocks, with their round faces and the ability to show how much of the "pie" is left in the hour, but I don't like their ticking. I am a victim of migraine headaches, and I become extremely "sound sensitive" when I'm suffering. I go around the house rounding up all the clocks, and stuffing them in drawers because the ticking is too loud. Is there any type of analog clock that won't make that infernal noise? Is ticking an indispensable part of a clock?  Thank you for any information you might offer.

ANSWER: any battery operated clocks that have a "sweep second hand" do not make a sound. Lot of plug in electric clocks are quiet also.
like here:

http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid=m38.l1313&_nkw=clock+sweep+second+hand&_

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I realize that my "question" was really a set of questions, and you did, indeed, answer the question that was at the heart of the matter, but I'm still curious...Why do clocks "tick"?

Answer
mechanical clocks and battery clocks with a stepping second hand all have an escapement that holds and then releases the gearing and the stopping and starting of the escape wheeel makes the tick-tock sound. Other quieter clocks run on a straight electric motor that depends upon the speed of the motor to be accurate.

watches and small clocks: http://www.abbeyclock.com/bwatch.html

typical pendulum clock:
 http://www.clockwatch.de/index.html?html/tec/hem/hak.htm