Analog Chess Clock with one side that's not working

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ii_Kloudz

The title explains it all. This clock is a relatively new clock and I got it merely days ago until one side stops ticking whereas the other side functions like normal. There's a pulling pin at the back and I wonder if it helps in any way (i digress). Thanks in advance!

justbefair
ii_Kloudz wrote:

The title explains it all. This clock is a relatively new clock and I got it merely days ago until one side stops ticking whereas the other side functions like normal. There's a pulling pin at the back and I wonder if it helps in any way (i digress). Thanks in advance!

Hmm.  If it is relatively new, is it still under warranty?

Or is it just new to you? Meaning that it was used when you bought it...

If you want people's help with the operation, telling us the manufacturer and model might help.

ii_Kloudz
justbefair wrote:
ii_Kloudz wrote:

The title explains it all. This clock is a relatively new clock and I got it merely days ago until one side stops ticking whereas the other side functions like normal. There's a pulling pin at the back and I wonder if it helps in any way (i digress). Thanks in advance!

Hmm.  If it is relatively new, is it still under warranty?

Or is it just new to you? Meaning that it was used when you bought it...

If you want people's help with the operation, telling us the manufacturer and model might help.

I believe the clock is shown in this website (im unsure because i got it as a gift): https://www.polishchess.com/classsic-plastic-chess-clock-amber-small-p-157.html

justbefair
ii_Kloudz wrote:
justbefair wrote:
ii_Kloudz wrote:

The title explains it all. This clock is a relatively new clock and I got it merely days ago until one side stops ticking whereas the other side functions like normal. There's a pulling pin at the back and I wonder if it helps in any way (i digress). Thanks in advance!

Hmm.  If it is relatively new, is it still under warranty?

Or is it just new to you? Meaning that it was used when you bought it...

If you want people's help with the operation, telling us the manufacturer and model might help.

I believe the clock is shown in this website (im unsure because i got it as a gift): https://www.polishchess.com/classsic-plastic-chess-clock-amber-small-p-157.html

Why don't you ask the person who gave it to you?    It may be still under warranty.

If it is out of warranty but did come from that factory, they may have a repair service.  You should ask.

If they don't repair clocks, are there any clock repair stores in your area?   The fix may be relatively simple.

Failing that, taking apart a clock or anything mechanical and figuring out how to fix it can be a lot of fun.  The mechanism that starts and stops the clock is likely fairly simple but there may be a lot of small parts that require more than a simple screw driver to fix. 

The two pins on the back of the clock pictured on the website are for winding the clock and for setting the hands. The one on the left for winding the clock probably screws in. The other one for setting the hands may pull off.  

jjupiter6

At the risk of sounding like a naysayer, that's mostly terrible advice. Suggesting he start pulling apart his clock to work out what is wrong is like advising someone to start pulling apart their car when it won't start. If you don't know what you are doing, you shouldn't do it because you are only making it worse.. I agree with taking it to a clock repair shop,but they are few and far between these days. The two pins do not screw in or pull off - one winds the spring and the other sets the time. Try pulling them off and you'll damage your clock.

justbefair
jjupiter6 wrote:

At the risk of sounding like a naysayer, that's mostly terrible advice. Suggesting he start pulling apart his clock to work out what is wrong is like advising someone to start pulling apart their car when it won't start. If you don't know what you are doing, you shouldn't do it because you are only making it worse.. I agree with taking it to a clock repair shop,but they are few and far between these days. The two pins do not screw in or pull off - one winds the spring and the other sets the time. Try pulling them off and you'll damage your clock.

I only recommended trying it yourself after you fail to get the manufacturer to take it back or in finding someone knowledgeable to fix it. Before you throw it out, give it a try.

Caution and care are of course advisable but the pleasure of fixing something mechanical is wonderful and worth the risk. It's already broken.

I think they already described one of the pins as a pulling pin.  What do you think that meant?

jjupiter6

Your recommendation is based on what - having fixed a clock before? I have actually attempted this and as I said, if you don't know what you are doing, don't go pulling things apart. There's a big difference between pulling out and pulling off, just like there's a big difference between turning and screwing in.

justbefair
jjupiter6 wrote:

Your recommendation is based on what - having fixed a clock before? I have actually attempted this and as I said, if you don't know what you are doing, don't go pulling things apart. There's a big difference between pulling out and pulling off, just like there's a big difference between turning and screwing in.

Yes.  I have actually attempted this.  I have fixed many mechanical things, including chess clocks, old alarm clocks, metronomes and so on. 

I never recommended pulling things apart. I wouldn't attempt to fix the clock works.  However, the levers that start and start the clocks are fairly simple and if you patiently examine them, you might be able to figure out how they work and what the problem is.  

 

 

greghunt

With all this explaining of how to set the time and how to wind the spring (which makes me suspect I am from a different age entirely), if the OP didn't know about that, then perhaps one side has just run down and needs to be wound up.  

justbefair
greghunt wrote:

With all this explaining of how to set the time and how to wind the spring (which makes me suspect I am from a different age entirely), if the OP didn't know about that, then perhaps one side has just run down and needs to be wound up.  

I guess it is a possibility!

Pawnerai

Malaysia has no shortage of competent watchmakers, but unless the repair is super simple, you'll most likely find that the cost of repair may cost more than your particular clock. If there's a fully wound mainspring in there, BE CAREFUL if you're going to tinker with it. Wear eye protection.