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.
Troubleshooting a Broken Mechanical Clock
First, remove the clock in question and replace it with a known working clock. If that known working clock doesn't keep time, there may be an issue with the location, rather than the clock. There may be a defective signal, faulty wiring, or some other type of obstruction. American Time has technical support experts who can help you decipher the exact cause of the problem over the phone, and we have business partners who may be able to help at your location.
If a known working clock does hold time, then the original clock has a problem. It's now time to determine whether or not to repair or replace that defective clock.
Repair or Replace a Defective Clock?
So now what? When you have a known defective clock, here are some common options to consider.
- Repair the clock yourself — Again, American Time has experts who can walk you through a repair over the phone. American Time also has replacement parts available once you determine the problem, and can ship them to you quickly.
- Send the clock to American Time for repair — Our experienced technicians can repair clocks that date back to the 1940s. Repairs include a two-year warranty. Costs for the most common types can be obtained by following this link: Clock repairs. The typical length of time you will have a clock in for repair is two weeks.
- Buy a replacement — American Time has an impressive line of wired and wireless mechanical clocks featuring 21st century technology, and legacy clocks that fit many different synchronous clock environments. This link provides an overview of clocks available for replacement, along with our suite of solutions for your facility: American Time Products.
Whether you make the repair on your own or have American Time complete the job — or if you purchase a replacement— one rule of thumb is important to note: be sure to run the clock overnight in a working environment to ensure it's in good order.
