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, 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 does not fix your issue, please see the "resetting your clock" section below.

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.

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 "resetting your clock" section above.

Clocks without light sensors

Some older Rhythm clocks or models with chiming movements will have a night mode, which will automatically disengage its hourly music from 11:00 PM to 5:45 AM. Please see the "resetting your clock" section above.

In some cases, Rhythm and Seiko clocks with moving dials can sometimes wear down over time, causing them to move slowly or even get stuck entirely. This can be due to old age, meaning that they may need cleaned internally or need parts replaced by a professional.

Sometimes, however, this can be fixed by a simple reset. Please see the "resetting your clock" section above.

In order for all of these pendulums to function properly, your clock must 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, it may need repaired.

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.

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 "trying different batteries" section.
• The clock needs 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 repaired.