Does anyone know if a wind-up 400 day clock circa 1960's can be converted to a battery operated one, my clock will not go but I do like the design of the clock so am very anxious to get it to go in one form or another,
Margaret Hague

margaret.hague, February 2008

No - you cannot convert to battery. Most 400 day clocks can be fairly easily repaired by cleaning in a suitable solvent and replacing the suspension unit as a whole. A new suspension is not always needed but this is very often damaged and the whole suspension unit is relatively cheap. If you have a bit more skill and can change just the spring itself - even cheaper! Be sure to let the mainspring down first before taking the clock apart. The mainspring should also be removed for cleaning and this should be done using a mainspring winder tool - you may have to get your local clock restorer to do this for you. i use 4 different grades of lubricant in these clocks as presssures and therfore requirements vary considerably. Heavier grade for the slowest moving parts progressing to really light (I use watch oil) for the escape wheel pivots and the smallest amount on a couple of the escape wheel teeth. All other teeth should NOT be oiled - only the pivots. Be sure to check that the clock is 'in beat' when you set it going. The rotary pendulum will turn approx three quarters to a turn and a quarter - hardy ever any more or any less so there's no point in turning it 500 times as some people seem to!! I have been restoring clocks for 40 years and most of these clocks are not difficult to repair. New suspension units or just the springs can be obtained from Cousins Material House United Kingdom, as well as many others. Best of luck!

Martyn at Wollaton Clocks, March 2009

I am not sure if the conversion is possible, but frankly I don't really perceive any difficulty achieving the same.

In case you do infact go in for the conversion then please do let me know if the mechanical movement is for sale, I would love to buy the same. I am a hobbyist and take a delight in restoration of clocks out of the ordinary. Regards and all the best with your endeavours.

frankmartin7069@yahoo.com, August 2008

how do you set it up for the first timer, and get it ticking

dozydolan, July 2008

No you cannot change to battery operation
I collect & repair them but am not qualified
Any reuptable watchmaker who chooses to repair 400 dayers should be able to put it right for a reasonable fee
Cheers Jim

Jim Blyth, March 2008