Troubleshooting

Are you having difficulties with your musical clock? Follow our troubleshooting guides for some of the most common issues below...

Visit the Resources page to download free instruction manuals and more.
Checking the batteries

It may seem redundant, but sometimes a simple battery change can put your clock back into order. This should be the very first step if you are having issues.

  • Remember to change the batteries in your clock at least once a year! We typically recommend changing (or at least checking) the batteries every six months, just to be safe.
  • Battery corrosion is the number one issue with musical clocks. In some cases, this can be fatal and will cause the clock to be unrepairable.
  • Rhythm recommends heavy-duty batteries to be used in their clocks, while Seiko recommends alkaline. We typically use alkaline batteries in all of our battery-operated clocks.
  • It is always helpful to try multiple sets of batteries, as, believe it or not, new batteries out of a pack can be defective.
  • In rare cases on vintage Rhythm clocks, batteries can be slightly too short to reach the terminals, so the clock will not receive its required amount of power to function properly. You may need to use a small amount of tin foil on one side of each battery to make them long enough.

If this doesn't fix your issue, please see the "resetting your clock" section below.
Resetting your clock

Rhythm & Seiko clocks with reset buttons

A hard reset can sometimes solve common issues on your clock. Follow the steps below for what we call the "Rhythm Reset Phase".

  • Take all of the batteries out of the clock.
  • Press and hold the "RESET" button for 10 seconds. This will release
    unnecessary electricity built up in the clock. It also resets the memory.
  • Insert all of the batteries back in the clock.
  • Press the "RESET" button, but do not hold it.
  • Press the demonstration ("MONITOR") button to demonstrate the clock's music and/or motion. Then, after the melody has ended, turn the minute hand clockwise past the top of the hour to make sure the clock plays.

If this does not work, your clock may need repaired.

Rhythm clocks without light sensors

Some older Rhythm clocks or models with chiming movements will have a night mode rather than a light sensor, which will automatically disengage its hourly music from 11:00 PM to 5:45 AM. Follow the steps below to reset your clock.

  • Take all of the batteries out of the clock.
  • Turn the time on the clock to 5:50 AM. The clock's internal chimes will automatically be set to 5:xx AM when the batteries are first inserted.
  • Make sure that the melody sound switch is set to either "ON" mode or "NIGHT OFF" mode. When the clock is in "NIGHT OFF" mode, it will not play between 11:00 PM and 5:45 AM.
  • Insert all of the batteries back in the clock.
  • Turn the minute hand clockwise to your desired time, remembering that the internal time is set to AM and not PM. As you pass each hour, the clock should play.

If this does not work, your clock may need repaired.

Clocks without reset buttons

Unfortunately, some musical clocks do not have reset buttons or modes, so there is no guaranteed way to fully reset them. This method may work on some models.

  • Take all of the batteries out of the clock.
  • Press and hold the "MONITOR" button for 10 seconds. This may release unnecessary electricity built up in the clock and reset the memory.
  • Insert all of the batteries back in the clock.
  • Press the demonstration ("MONITOR") button to demonstrate the clock's music and/or motion. Then, after the melody has ended, turn the minute hand clockwise past the top of the hour to make sure the clock plays.

If this does not work, your clock may need repaired.
Music does not play on the hour

Clocks with light sensors

Nearly every single musical clock is equipped with a light sensor that will automatically disengage its hourly music when it doesn't detect light. If the clock is not playing on the hour, make sure that it is located in an area where sufficient light is reaching the sensor. They can be very sensitive and not work properly in warm or soft lights. Sometimes changing your lighting or bulbs to cool, bright white, or daylight can help.

If your clock is not playing on the hour, hold it in very bright lighting (try bathroom lights or even holding a phone flashlight up to the sensor) and manually turn the minute hand clockwise to the top of the hour. If it plays, then you may need to place the clock in brighter lighting.

If this does not work, please see the "checking the batteries" and "resetting your clock" sections above.

Clocks without light sensors

Chiming clocks and select older Rhythm clocks have a night mode, which will automatically disengage their sound between certain times of day (most commonly from 11:00 PM to 5:45 AM). Please refer to the "resetting your clock" section above and visit our resources page to find the instruction manual for your clock if needed.
Moving part is stuck, doesn't move as it should, or makes noise

Rhythm and Seiko clocks with moving dials or pieces can sometimes wear down over time, causing them to slow down or even get stuck entirely. If your clock is not moving properly, this could be one of three things:

  • The clock is not receiving sufficient power. This could be due to a low battery or a loose wire. Please see the "changing the batteries" section.
  • The clock needs to be reset. Sometimes a simple reset can fix issues with your clock. Please see the "resetting your clock" section above.
  • The clock movement has gone bad. Just like anything else, the movements in these clocks will wear down as it ages over time. In this case, your clock will need to be repaired.

These may also help reduce any mechanical noises, but no musical clock will ever have a 100% silent mechanism…even some new musical clocks may have a very slight mechanical motor noise (sometimes a slight “whirring” or “grinding”) behind their music. That being said, age can also cause the clock’s motor and internal mechanism to become noisier as the parts wear overtime, and they may need to be cleaned internally or have parts replaced by a professional.
Pendulum or continuously-rotating decoration stops moving

In order for all of these pendulum types to function properly, your clock must have sufficient battery power and be completely level and balanced. Sometimes, a simple reset can fix your pendulum issues as well. Please see the "resetting your clock" section above.

Swinging pendulums

If your clock's pendulum stops swinging, take it off the wall and gently tilt it, forcing the pendulum to swing. Then, gently replace the clock back to its original position, making sure that it is both level and balanced. If the pendulum does not continue to swing, it may need repaired.

Rotating pendulums (rotary-style)

The rotary-style (or anniversary-style) pendulum is controlled by a magnetic force in its movement. If it stops spinning, hold up a magnet in front of the pendulum movement to start it again. If the pendulum does not continue to rotate or stops, it may need repaired. Click here for a video tutorial.

One-way rotating decorations

These types of decorations are controlled by a motor, and they can become dirty or worn out over time. This can be due to old age, meaning they may need cleaned internally or need parts replaced by a professional.
Clock loses or does not keep time

If your clock is not keeping correct time, this could be one of three things:

  • The clock is not receiving sufficient power. This could be due to a low battery or a loose wire. Please see the "changing the batteries" section.
  • The clock needs to be reset. Sometimes a simple reset can fix issues with your clock. Please see the "resetting your clock" section above.
  • The clock movement has gone bad. Just like anything else, the movements in these clocks will wear down as it ages over time. In this case, your clock will need to be repaired.

We are not accepting repairs at this time. But have no fear—another repair specialist may be able to help. Find them at one of the following locations:

  • Champ's Clock Shop in Douglasville, GA
  • Time & Optics in Millersburg, OH
  • Greene Jewelers in Armbrust, PA
  • Clockworks 615 in Murfreesboro, TN