American Time Blog

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.

Just because your clock breaks, doesn’t necessarily mean you need to run out and buy a new one. There are plenty of repair parts available for almost every kind of clock. American Time stocks parts for clocks manufactured as far back as the 1940’s. But the first step to clock repair is understanding the type of clock you have. There are many different clocks available, all with different features and options. So how do you know what type of clock you have? American Time’s Scott DeSmith gives you an overview to help simplify the repair process:

Let’s face it: All things will eventually become old and break down, and your synchronized clock system is no exception. But the good news is that many replacement parts are available, making it easy to fix a legacy system and save you money and time. So whether you want to keep an old system in working order, or save an older clock, why buy new? See how clock replacement parts turn back time!

Standardized Clock Parts

If you have an old clock system that needs repair, just look on the dial for the manufacturer’s name. The odds are good that it’s a Simplex clock, model 2310 or 6310, as these were the standard for synchronized clocks for many years.

I enjoy helping people with their tech issues. With the students heading back to school, Carmen and I have handled several urgent calls from schools trying to program (or re-program) the bell schedules.

The clock experts receive great questions all day, every day from customers.  I've heard these same questions throughout the years, so I'm sharing the problems and solutions today.

School summertime maintenance often includes repairing the clocks. During our first session of Clock School on June 25th, attendees learned the thought process of what I like to call “When to Fix It and When to Nix It.” If you’re trying to keep your existing wired clock system running, we have a few options.

1. Send the clocks in to American Time for repair. Our repair shop will repair, clean and send your clocks back to you in a timely manner. And you have a choice between a clock repair with a mechanical movement (2 year warranty) or an AllSync Plus circuit board movement (3 year warranty).

Our 2016 Master Catalog — the most comprehensive timekeeping resource available — has been released!