Expert: Michael Radi - 7/18/2009

Question
Hi, My elderly aunt has a koma anniversary clock that is not working properly.  I have replaced the battery.  I have taken it to a jeweller who has no idea where to have it repaired or get parts etc.  Although you can hear it "tick" the weight balls do not consistently turn and the hands do not advance.  The balls appear to speed up, slow down and eventually stop.  If you have any ideas on where or how to repair, I would appreciate your assistance.  I am guessing the clock is approximately twenty years old.  I believe it is mass produced, not particularly valuable - to my knowledge, but it has sentimental value for my Aunt as it was an anniversary gift from my late uncle.

Answer
I have worked on a lot of these but don't know exactly what model you have. The typical ones are pretty simple inside. It's good news to hear that it is ticking. Most clock repair people don't work on them because parts are not available.
If the hands won't turn, you can bet that the pendulum will not work either. The pendulum is driven by the same mechanics as the hands. Sometimes the movement can be opened up and the gears can be cleaned making the clock operable again.
My best advice is for you to call the clock repair shops in your area and ask them if they work on them. You might need to buy another clock with the same movement to get parts for it. They are pretty cheap when you find them on ebay or in thrift stores. If you can offer a working movement for parts you have a better chance of getting someone to work on your clock.