I bought your battery, hooked it up, and my clock doesn’t run. The clock has run for 20 years with no more than battery changes all this time. These batteries don’t have enough power to wind my clock, right?
Answer:
Unfortunately that is very improbable. That would be the easiest solution! But, it is the least likely. We hand build, inspect, and test every battery unit individually. These battery products were designed for self-winding clocks, optimized for self-winding clocks, and tested extensively on them. Hundreds of customers use them to reliably power the same exact clock movement you have. Now, if indeed it turns out that there is something wrong with the battery, we will replace it for you. They carry a 5-year warranty.
The more likely scenario is as follows. Your clock stops. You conclude that it is the battery. You try to buy the EN-6 replacement and it is no longer available. You contact us and purchase a Model 1900GS Kit, a pair of Model 1900L, or other product. You hook it up and the clock does not run. The REAL problem: The movement has finally worn out and can no longer function.
The Self Winding Clock Company built very robust and reliable clocks. However, 20 years is a long time to run any clock with little or no maintenance. During the Self Winding Clock Co. heyday, there were ample folks from Western Union going around and servicing their fleet of clocks. Self Winding Clock Co. recommended routine servicing and oiling every 1-2 years. So, 10 years, 20 years, or (goodness help us) 30 or even 40 years, no matter how you look at it, is too long to go without servicing!
These clocks depend on special platinum contacts to start the winding and special platinum spring contacts and pins in the winding motor to manage the winding process. These contacts burn through eventually. The gear trains within the clock wear out. This is normal; but this wear will reach a point where it is so severe that the clock will no longer operate. With no maintenance, this will happen sooner than later. If a clock has gone 20 years, as many have, you are extremely lucky. It is time to service the movement.
We provide full self-winding clock restoration service. We service every aspect of the movement. When we are through with the movement, it will run reliably again for a very, very long time. We warranty the movement for 2 years. We can fabricate, replace, or repair any part within the movement, including the platinum. We can remove rust, corrosion, tarnish, etc. We can also restore the entire clock, if that is necessary. We can provide pendulum parts, vintage cloth-covered wire, anything needed to bring the clock back to original condition.
Thereafter, we recommend oiling every 3 years or so, and inspection for any potential developing problems. We also offer this service at a very reasonable rate. With this approach, your wonderful, historic timepiece can be kept running in top condition, nearly indefinitely.
Please contact us at ken@kensclockclinic.com for more information on our services, or for answers to your questions about your self winding clock.