Clock repair

[Farmer X]

This question might not be pertinent to a watch, but a clock is a timepiece, so this seems a decent enough spot for it.

That said, my neighbors have a rather nice Bulova wall clock. The lady of the house said a new battery was put in, and the clock just stopped working. I took a look at it and noticed a little verdigris on the positive battery terminal, but I am hesitant to tear too much into it, for what should be obvious reasons.

The internals were more complex than I expected, with a circuit board visible. I have no clue what might be at issue here. Perhaps one of y'awl has successfully repaired a clock with such an issue?

Thanks in advance for any help!

[powernoodle]

You can try carefully cleaning the battery contacts with something slightly abrasive like a magic eraser.  It could be as simple as that. Anything beyond that is above my pay grade.

 

[IMR4198]

   Verdigris is non-conductive, so that may be all the problem.  You can clean off verdigris with a drop of alcohol on a Q-tip.  Might need to try another battery.  I assume it is a AA?  Best wishes.  G
 

[Farmer X]

There wasn't much verdigris, and it wasn't on the point where the battery contacts the terminal. Surprisingly, the clock uses a single C battery.

[IMR4198]

   If the clock case is attractive, I have seen people replace the entire clock mechanism with a new electric unit.  Not original of course, but functional.  Usually don't see verdigris without an acid or dampness reacting with copper (or a copper alloy like brass or bronze.)  Did an old battery burst in this clock?  Best wishes.  G
 

[AzteCypher]

Magic eraser on the contacts, then wipe with alcohol. 

If you're up for it, open the back to see if there's any more corrosion from that contact reaching out to the circuit board.  I've also used a small brass brush to clean off the contacts.

[Farmer X]

I didn't see any evidence of a battery bursting. And since Gary mentioned it, I wonder if it had the movement replaced at some point in its life. There is a label from a clock repair place in Ann Arbor on the back, so it seems plausible. If there's any way for me to open the case without risk of damage, I'll check the circuit board(s), too. Thanks again, y'awl!

[nate j]

   If the clock case is attractive, I have seen people replace the entire clock mechanism with a new electric unit.

I have done this successfully.  The clock in question isn’t particularly fancy, but is of sentimental value to my wife as it belonged to her grandparents.

It isn’t particularly difficult and the single AA mechanisms are inexpensive.  Just be sure to check measurements before ordering.

[Farmer X]

If a single C mechanism can be found cheaply enough, that might be a good way to go. Thanks again to awl for the help!

[nate j]

Not sure it would have be C battery powered.

This is what I got:

EMOON Clock Movement Mechanism... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T7W75GQ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

There are a lot of similar ones out there.  The main things are to make sure the mechanism will fit inside your clock, you choose the right shaft length (cue jokes), and there is at least one set of included hands that will be appropriate lengths and match the clock.