American Time Blog

Sometimes life throws you a curveball and things break. It could be the radiator in your car or your cellphone falling on the floor and cracking the screen. Similarly, all mechanical clocks may eventually break down.

What makes a mechanical clock “mechanical” is the type of movement inside the clock. Mechanical clocks have a mechanical movement which means metal gears powered by a motor work together to advance the hands forward. These clocks are commonly found in schools as part of a legacy wired clock system.

Often, it’s the motor in these clocks that go bad. The most common call we get about broken mechanical clocks is about replacing the Synchron® motor in Simplex® clocks. There are over 400 Synchron motors found in various mechanical clocks. Not sure what type of Synchron motor your clocks have? We have a blog for that.

Superior looks don't always translate to a superior experience. Many brands redesign a logo or packaging just to get you to try the same old product.

But sometimes, improving a product's appearance means a better user experience by definition. That's what happened with American Time's new Power over Ethernet digital (PoE) clocks, an upgrade resulting in a product that works as good as it looks.

Like the previous model, the PoE Global clocks get both their power and time signal from an Ethernet connection without the use of a master controller. The new model marks an evolution from the previous generation by bringing upgrades in both appearance and functionality — and providing proof that those two things can be one and the same.  

Machines are as reliable as ever these days, but from time to time, they break down or have minor problems. How do you tackle repairs on a clock that isn't working correctly? First, you need to identify the model number and then diagnose the problem.

If you're in charge of building or improving the infrastructure of your school or factory, there is a lot to think about. If a system of synchronized clocks is on your list, you may have more options than you realized — thanks to all the advances in PoE clocks.

Some people say there's no satisfaction like that of tackling a job by yourself and getting it done right. Whether it's fixing your vehicle or finishing a home improvement project, the idea of doing a task correctly...and saving some money can be a great feeling. In the spirit of doing-it-yourself, clock repair can also be completed efficiently and inexpensively. Here is a quick guide to the most common parts you can find from a supplier that can help you fix your clock.

You've probably heard this one before: Students of today are studying for jobs that haven't been created yet. In theory, a certain knowledge base will provide a springboard to create or advance a field of technology. The product experts at American Time know a lot about this. They've taken their industry-leading wire guards and created solutions that help protect sensitive electronic equipment.

There have been many spectacular advancements in technology during the 21st century — obviously there are too many to list. However, one form of technology has remained relatively unchanged over the decades: battery power. Batteries are a reliable source of power and energy for innumerable devices we use every day, including clocks. As reliable as batteries are, they do eventually expire and need replacement. Here is a quick rundown on what to do, when batteries....run down.

Looking at the inside of a clock and determining how all the parts work together can be fascinating, but trying to figure out how to correct a clock when it needs an adjustment can be downright intimidating. However, if you learn the basics of clock movement correction assemblies, you can foster the fascination, while eliminating the intimidation.

Start With the Basics

Many clocks are controlled by Hansen movements, which are designed to provide split-second accuracy. Small motors dictate these movements, but sometimes the motors need adjustment. 

Let's face it, as we all know, nothing lasts forever. Every machine,  no matter how reliable, eventually has issues with functionality. Whether it's a quick fix or a major problem, at some point you will need to decide whether or not you want to maintain or replace your machine. Mechanical clocks are no different. Here are some steps you can take to determine if you should repair or replace a broken clock.

To get your clocks ticking again, refer to this step-by-step video on how to replace a synchronized clock motor and achieve accurate time.