Many popular wall clocks are called “30-Day” or “31-Day” clocks, because on a full winding they operate for a month, or, for about 30-31 days. Typically these clocks say “30 Day” or “31 Day” on the dial (the face). Often times the brand name on the front of the clock is Waltham or Elgin, but there are other brand names too. Your 30 Day Clock or 31 Day clock was probably made in Korea or Japan or China.
I do not attempt to repair “Made in Korea” (or Japan, or China) 30-day and 31-day clocks in the traditional sense of the word “repair”. There is limited parts availability for them, and I have found that they are troublesome while on the bench, and are often problematic and unreliable after any repair attempt.
However, I can usually convert these popular clocks to battery-powered operation. This allows you to still have that clock that’s been in your home for so long, but eliminates the need to wind it every month, or to worry about getting it repaired when it wears out or fails to operate properly.
Other benefits include: Nearly perfect timekeeping: The battery powered quartz movement that’s installed is accurate to within a couple minutes per year. Predictable repairability: when the battery powered mechanism fails after several years’ use, another new one can be installed. Good looks and great sound: the conversion has a swinging pendulum, and a high-quality, great sounding “gong” that sounds on the hour and half-hour. Continuity: The original outer wooden case of the clock stays the same, the dial (the face) stays the same, and although the hands and pendulum are changed (the original hands and pendulum will not fit the battery-powered mechanism), the types I install look very similar to the originals.
Battery conversion is an excellent alternative to a traditional “repair”, whereby your clock is changed for the better but “stays the same” in many respects. Once converted, the only annual “maintenance” required is to change the battery each year.
If battery conversion is of interest, please inquire.