There are many things that can go wrong with an antique clock, but if you take the right precautions and have a bit of luck, it will keep ticking for years to come. However, there are a few more sinister reasons why your clock may stop ticking.
4 Reasons why your antique clock stopped ticking
1-Humidity problem
Humidity is the amount of water in the air. The relative humidity is the amount of water in the air compared to the amount of water that would be present if it were in ice. If the air is a very moist (e.g. humidity is over 90%), the clocks will stop working because the mechanism is not able to keep accurate time.
If the clock is exposed to humid air for a long time (e.g. overnight) it can cause the clock mechanism, escapement, pendulum and all other parts to be destroyed.
If your clock is exposed to humid air overnight, then it’s likely to malfunction the next day. But if you live in a humid area, you can prevent this by opening the case of your clock daily.
Leave the door open or take off the dial guard, so you don’t accidentally close the door. This will prevent the clock from being exposed to humid air.
If you see your clock suddenly stop, then you should immediately take the following steps to prevent further damage:
– Switch off the power to your clock and remove the battery if you have one. If you don’t, then remove the plug too and place it in an airtight container.
– Place your clock in an open and well-ventilated area. If you don’t have an airtight container, then use an open plastic box.
– Carefully remove the dial and movement from the case, then place the clock in the plastic box.
– Store the clock in a cool, dry place. The drier the environment, the better. A room out of direct sunlight is perfect.
– If you have a clock with pendulum, then you have to hang it again. If there is no pendulum, then you can use some cork. The cork can absorb the moisture and will prevent the clock from malfunctioning.
2-Water Damage
This is one of the most common reasons why your antique clock stops working. If your clock has been damaged by water, then it will likely need to be serviced or repaired. Depending on the extent of the damage, this could be extremely costly.
If your clock has been damaged by water, then it’s most likely that you will need to have it serviced or repaired. Depending on the extent of the damage, this could be extremely costly. If the damage is minor, it might be possible to clean and oil your clock yourself.
It’s important to note that if your clock has been submerged in water, then it will be corroded. This means it will need professional services to be repaired.
3-Old Movement and Parts
The most common reason why an antique clock stops working is because the movement has worn out. This generally happens over time because the clock is used regularly and kept working, but the movement has worn out and needs to be replaced.
If your antique clock is over 30 years old, then you should expect that the movement will need to be replaced eventually.
This is because movements are usually designed to last around 30 years, with some lasting up to 50 years. Regular servicing and oiling of the movement will extend its lifespan, so it’s important to check the movement once a year.
This can be done by removing the dial and movement from the case, then checking the gears, pinions, and other moving parts for any signs of wear, such as grooves in the parts where they mesh together.
If the movement has some obvious wear, then it needs to be serviced and replaced. But if it’s slightly worn, then it may be sufficient to be serviced and oiled, depending on your skill level.
4-Accumulated Dust and Dirt
Another reason your antique clock may stop working is because it has become contaminated with dust, dirt, and other particles. This can occur if your clock isn’t kept clean, or if the air in your house is too dusty.
If your antique clock is contaminated with dust, dirt, or particles, then it will no longer keep accurate time. This can be remedied by regularly cleaning your clock. Do this once a week, using a soft dry cloth and some mild dish soap.
If your clock is contaminated with water, then it will need to be professionally serviced. If your clock is contaminated with humidity, then you should open the case daily to prevent further damage.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you have realized that your antique clock stopped ticking is one of the most common reasons. If you take the right precautions and have a bit of luck, your antique clock will keep ticking for years to come. However, there are a few more sinister reasons why your clock may stop ticking.