4 minor clock problems and easy fixes
It would be a shame for us to give up on a clock, used or new, just because it doesn’t look like it is working properly. Sometimes it only requires a simple, quick fix, which anyone can handle.
We are sharing with you 4 of the most common minor problems and their solutions. Please also check our FAQ page, which has answers to more questions you may have.
1) The clock is running slow or not running at all.
There are a few things that you can check.
- Certain clocks have hanging parts that may not work properly if the clock is not hung straight against the wall. Check that your clock is hung upright at a vertical angle especially if the clock has a pendulum.
- Check that the tiny cap in the centre of the dial is only softly pressed in, not too hard or too deep, which would impede the smooth running of the hands. Gently lift the cap to remove it. Place it back softly. Test that it is not too tightly pressed by lifting it up and putting it back again.
- Are your batteries nearly used up? If so, change them. Consider the more sustainable and cost-effective option of rechargeable batteries. NeXtime offers USB-rechargeable batteries that can be recharged up to 2,000 times. It can be charged at any USB port, which gives you greater convenience.
2) The clock hands are loose, dangling or not turning.
If your clock is designed without a glass cover, the hands are exposed to external tampering and it is more likely for the hands to go loose and dangling. It could also be caused by the jiggles during the shipment and unpacking processes.
To fix it, gently remove the tiny cap at the centre of the clock dial. Then remove the hands one by one – first the minute hand, then the hour hand. If there is a second hand, remove that first from the dial.
Check to see if there’s any dirt or dust gathered in the shaft of the movement. If so, use a piece of dry cloth to gently clean it before you put the hands back. Do not use wet cloth.
Put the hands back one by one – first the hour hand, then the minute hand, and the second hand if there is one, all pointing to twelve. And finally, gently put the tiny cap back.
You can also check our video to see how it is easily done.
3) The radio-controlled clock is not showing the correct time.
A radio-controlled clock has a special movement designed to receive compatible radio transmissions to automatically synchronise its time. If the time of your clock is not correct, watch this video or follow the instructions below:
- Take out the batteries and put them back in. The clock should auto-set back to 12 o-clock. Once it receives the next radio signal, usually within 3-10 minutes, it will synchronise.
- If the hands do not point to 12 after you’ve put the batteries back, at the back of the clock, push the hard reset button down for a few seconds, which should re-set the hands to 12.
- If the above still doesn’t work, take out the batteries, put a pin in the tiny hole at the back of the clock. Then manually move the hands to 12, remove the pin and put the batteries back in. Wait 3-10 minutes and the clock will run at the correct time once it starts to receive radio signals again.
4) My movement is broken and I need to replace it.
If you need to replace your movement completely, make sure you choose one that you want, e.g., silent movements have red wheels and step movements have brown wheels. Check the movements that NeXtime offers.
This video will guide you through the process of replacing the movement. You only need a centre-nut screwdriver or a pair of pointed scissors to help remove and re-assemble the cap, hands, nut, metal ring and rubber ring in the right order.