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Clocks, Watches/Clock ticks backwards sometimes

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Expert: Martin Meyer - 1/20/2010


Question

the clock
Hi Martin,

My girlfriend has an alarm clock which sometimes ticks backwards.  Taking the battery out and back in again sometimes fixes it.

I've partially disassembled the clock, without destroying it, and reattached the second hand to monitor which way it is ticking.  I noticed that when the hand encounters resistance, like hitting the copper wires in the picture, or my finger, it changes direction.

Obviously there's no big finger in the way during normal operation, so what could be making it change direction?

I'd appreciate your expertise in this.  Thanks.

Answer
Hi Joe,

Quartz (battery) clocks are not designed to be disassembled or repaired and parts are not available. Your only option in a case like this is to replace the entire movement. There are many movements available from clock parts suppliers. The factors you should consider are that the new movement fits in the space in the clock, the handshaft is the same length as the original, and the diameter of the threaded base of the handshaft will fit through the hole in the clock's dial. Newer clocks use standard "I-shaft" hands, so you will not need to replace the hands in most cases. Installation is generally very easy, consisting of a single nut that hold the movement onto the dial.

Martin Meyer

Expertise

Can answer repair and service questions for most types of clocks, antique and modern, mechanical and battery. NO watches, appraisals, identification, history, dating, or questions about cuckoo clocks. Website for Modern and Antique Clock Repair: Clockmasteronline.com

Experience

24 Years as owner and repairman of clock repair business, 28 years in the field. Factory Independent Service Center for Howard Miller, Ridgeway and (formerly) Sligh Clocks. Specializing in Fine Antique Longcase (grandfather) clocks. Clock repair Website: (Please remove "Not" from the address - this is a spam protection): www.NotClockmasteronline.com

Organizations
AWCI (American Watchmakers and Clockmakers Institute) and NAWCC (National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors)

Publications
Am also an Expert in the "AllExperts-Antiques-Antique Clocks" Category.

Education/Credentials
Trained by a former Rolex Asia watchmaker, and by a Master Watchmaker/Clockmaker.

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