Clock Stops Same Time Repeatedly Diagnosis, Complete Guide

Clock stopping at same time repeatedly - perhaps seven minutes before eleven or half-past two in morning - creates distinctive diagnostic pattern enabling targeted troubleshooting approach because problem occurring at specific consistent time eliminates random mechanical failures pointing instead toward position-dependent issues where particular wheel rotation angle gear mesh position or lever engagement creates binding or power loss only when mechanism reaches specific configuration. Common scenario is clock running reliably for days or weeks then mysteriously stopping at precisely same minute position - perhaps 10:53 every time - restarting easily with pendulum nudge suggesting adequate power and functional escapement though specific rotational position of gear train creates temporary binding or excessive friction preventing continued operation. This time-specific failure pattern indicates problem is not general power loss worn pivots or escapement malfunction which would create random stopping at various times but rather localized issue affecting clock only when particular component reaches specific orientation creating interference binding or inadequate clearance invisible at other rotational positions.

Understanding diagnostic approach for time-specific stopping requires recognizing that different time intervals indicate different suspect components based on rotation frequency - problem occurring same time every twelve hours suggests motion works components rotating once per twelve hours including hour wheel or motion work gears while problem occurring same time every twenty-four hours indicates great wheel or first wheel involvement rotating once daily in typical eight-day movement. Additionally consider whether problem coincides with strike warning where stopping occurs several minutes before hour suggests warning lever lift creating excessive load preventing continued timekeeping or whether problem appears independent of strike timing indicating pure motion works or gear train issue. This guide covers understanding rotation frequencies throughout gear train identifying which components complete rotation at intervals matching observed stopping pattern, diagnosing motion works problems including hour wheel binding cannon pinion friction or minute wheel interference creating position-specific binding, identifying warning lever issues where strike mechanism preparation creates excessive load stopping timekeeping, plus troubleshooting hand interference bent teeth and pivot binding creating localized friction at specific rotational positions enabling targeted repair addressing actual cause rather than general servicing hoping to stumble upon solution.

Understanding Rotation Frequencies

Twelve-Hour Cycle Components

Clock stopping at same time every twelve hours - problem occurring at both 10:53 AM and 10:53 PM for example - indicates issue with component rotating once per twelve hours pointing toward motion works as primary suspect area. Motion works are gears between movement plates and dial translating center wheel one-hour rotation into twelve-hour hour hand rotation. Hour wheel mounts on hour pipe - hollow tube surrounding minute arbor - rotating once per twelve hours driven by minute wheel through intermediate motion work gearing. Therefore if clock stops consistently at same position every twelve hours - regardless of which twelve-hour period - hour wheel or associated motion work components represent most likely problem source.

Common twelve-hour problems include hour wheel showing bent tooth creating binding when that specific tooth meshes with minute wheel pinion, hour pipe binding on minute arbor at specific rotational position from burr or contamination creating friction, or motion work intermediate wheels showing damaged tooth or excessive wear at particular mesh position. Additionally hour hand mounting may create problems where hand interference with minute hand dial features or case parts occurs at specific twelve-hour position. Test twelve-hour hypothesis by advancing hands manually through complete twelve-hour cycle observing whether binding or resistance occurs at specific position matching observed stopping time. If resistance is evident at that position confirming twelve-hour pattern focus diagnostic efforts on motion works rather than time train or strike mechanism.

Disassemble motion works accessing hour wheel and related gearing for detailed inspection. Remove dial and hands exposing motion work components mounted on front plate. Examine hour wheel teeth under magnification noting any bent damaged or worn teeth particularly at position corresponding to stopping time. Check hour pipe for smooth rotation on minute arbor verifying no burrs rough surfaces or contamination creating binding. Inspect minute wheel and intermediate motion work wheels for tooth damage or excessive wear. Additionally verify adequate clearance between all motion work components and dial preventing interference during rotation. Clean all motion work components thoroughly removing old contamination then lubricate sparingly with appropriate clock oil ensuring smooth operation throughout complete twelve-hour rotation cycle.

Twenty-Four Hour Cycle Components

Clock stopping at same time once daily - problem occurring only at 2:30 AM but not 2:30 PM for example - indicates component rotating once per twenty-four hours suggesting great wheel first wheel or calendar mechanism involvement. In typical eight-day spring-driven movement great wheel - largest wheel in time train driven directly by mainspring barrel - completes one rotation approximately every twenty-four hours though exact period varies by specific design. Therefore bent tooth on great wheel creates binding once daily when that tooth meshes with second wheel pinion. Similarly calendar mechanism advancing once per twenty-four hours at midnight creates potential for binding if calendar advance pin calendar wheel or related components show damage or misalignment.

Test twenty-four hour hypothesis by recording exact stopping time over multiple days verifying problem occurs once daily rather than twice daily. If clock stops at 2:30 AM consistently but runs through 2:30 PM without problems twenty-four hour component is confirmed suspect. Examine great wheel for bent or damaged teeth by manually rotating wheel through complete revolution under magnification observing tooth condition. Bent tooth shows visible deviation from uniform profile appearing cocked or irregular compared to adjacent teeth. Additionally check great wheel pivot for excessive wear or binding creating position-dependent friction. If movement includes calendar mechanism observe calendar advance operation at midnight noting whether calendar pin smoothly advances calendar wheel or creates binding or interference requiring excessive force potentially stopping timekeeping.

Calendar mechanisms represent common source of once-daily stopping problems particularly at 2:00-3:00 AM timeframe when calendar advance typically occurs. Calendar advance requires substantial force pushing calendar wheel against detent creating momentary increased load on time train. If calendar mechanism shows excessive friction from contamination inadequate lubrication or damaged components this increased load may exceed available power stopping clock. Verify calendar advance smoothness by manually triggering advance observing whether operation is smooth and prompt or hesitant and binding. Clean and lubricate calendar mechanism thoroughly ensuring calendar pin engages calendar wheel cleanly without excessive force plus calendar wheel rotates freely on mounting arbor advancing smoothly to next position without binding or overshooting.

Hourly Warning-Related Stopping

Clock stopping consistently several minutes before hour - perhaps seven minutes before eleven as commonly observed - suggests warning lever lift creating excessive load rather than twelve-hour motion works problem because stopping coincides with strike warning preparation occurring at all hours rather than specific twelve-hour position. Count wheel and rack strike mechanisms both use warning system where warning lever lifts approximately 3-7 minutes before strike enabling strike train coming to warning position awaiting final trigger. This warning lever lift creates increased load on time train because lifting force must overcome warning lever friction plus strike train friction bringing strike mechanism to warning.

If clock shows adequate power during normal operation but stops specifically when warning lever lifts problem is excessive warning friction rather than general power deficiency. Common causes include warning lever binding on pivot, strike train showing excessive friction from worn pivots or inadequate lubrication, or warning lever spring providing excessive resistance. Additionally if warning lever lift occurs at specific problematic time - perhaps only at eleven o'clock approach rather than all hours - combination of warning load plus motion works position-specific friction creates stopping where neither factor alone proves sufficient to stop clock. Therefore observe whether stopping occurs approaching all hours or only specific hour confirming whether warning alone causes problem or whether warning load combines with position-specific binding creating failure.

Test warning-related stopping by manually advancing minute hand approaching hour observing when resistance increases indicating warning lever beginning to lift. If substantial resistance appears approximately 5-7 minutes before hour and clock stops at this position warning friction is excessive requiring strike mechanism service. Remove strike train for comprehensive cleaning and lubrication ensuring all pivots run freely. Polish warning lever pivot and warning lever contact surfaces reducing friction. Additionally verify warning lever spring provides appropriate force - adequate to return lever to rest but not excessive creating unnecessary resistance. If warning occurs at specific hour only suggesting combined warning plus motion works problem address both areas systematically correcting motion works binding plus reducing warning friction achieving reliable operation throughout all hour positions.

Motion Works Diagnosis

Hour Wheel and Pipe Inspection

Hour wheel represents most common source of twelve-hour stopping problems because wheel shows direct exposure to contamination and handling wear plus relatively large diameter creating substantial leverage where modest tooth irregularity creates significant binding force. Remove dial and hands accessing hour wheel mounted on hour pipe surrounding minute arbor. Rotate hour wheel manually through complete revolution feeling for any resistance or binding at specific positions. Smooth rotation throughout complete cycle indicates hour wheel is mechanically sound though visual inspection remains necessary identifying subtle problems invisible through feel alone. Irregular resistance at specific position confirms position-dependent binding requiring detailed examination identifying cause.

Examine hour wheel teeth under magnification paying particular attention to tooth at position corresponding to stopping time. Bent tooth shows deviation from radial alignment leaning toward leading or trailing direction creating interference with minute wheel pinion during mesh. Additionally check tooth tips for damage or excessive wear creating irregular mesh. Hour wheel teeth are typically brass showing softer material compared to steel pinion engaging them - therefore hour wheel teeth wear faster potentially developing grooves flat spots or other irregularities affecting smooth mesh. If damaged tooth is identified attempt straightening using small pliers applying gradual pressure restoring proper radial alignment though recognize that brass may be work-hardened from years of operation creating brittleness prone to fracture requiring careful technique avoiding excessive force.

Inspect hour pipe - hollow tube on which hour wheel mounts - for smooth rotation on minute arbor. Pipe should rotate freely without binding throughout complete revolution. Common problems include burr inside pipe bore creating drag on minute arbor, contamination between pipe and arbor creating friction, or bent pipe creating oval bore binding at specific rotational positions. Clean pipe bore thoroughly using pipe cleaner or fine abrasive wrapped on appropriate-diameter rod removing contamination and smoothing any roughness. Additionally verify minute arbor surface is smooth and straight without burrs rough spots or bends creating position-dependent friction. Apply very light lubrication to minute arbor where hour pipe contacts - excess oil migrates creating appearance problems on dial therefore use minimal amount providing adequate lubrication without visible excess.

Cannon Pinion Friction

Cannon pinion - friction-fit pinion mounted on minute arbor driving motion works - must provide adequate friction maintaining hand setting without slipping during normal operation while enabling manual time setting through controlled slip when hands are rotated. Excessive cannon pinion friction creates binding particularly when combined with other marginal conditions like warning lever lift or motion works position-specific resistance. Inadequate friction allows cannon pinion slipping during operation creating erratic timekeeping or hands stopping while movement continues running. Therefore proper cannon pinion adjustment represents critical balance achieving adequate friction without excessive resistance.

Test cannon pinion friction by attempting to rotate minute hand observing force required overcoming friction. Proper friction requires modest force - perhaps equivalent to lifting 2-3 ounces - enabling deliberate hand rotation while preventing accidental movement from vibration or minor impacts. Excessive friction requiring substantial force suggests over-tight cannon pinion requiring adjustment. However recognize that friction test must account for motion works resistance - if hour wheel shows binding at specific position this adds to perceived cannon pinion friction creating misleading assessment. Therefore test cannon pinion friction at multiple hand positions throughout twelve-hour cycle identifying whether resistance is constant suggesting cannon pinion problem or varies with position indicating motion works issue.

Adjust cannon pinion friction through careful squeezing or spreading of pinion leaves. Pinion typically uses slotted friction fit where pinion is split enabling diameter adjustment through controlled bending. To increase friction squeeze pinion gently using smooth-jaw pliers reducing diameter creating tighter fit on minute arbor. To decrease friction spread pinion carefully increasing diameter creating looser fit. Make very small adjustments testing friction after each modification - excessive adjustment creates either inadequate friction causing slipping or excessive friction preventing hand setting. Additionally verify cannon pinion is properly positioned on minute arbor showing adequate length engagement without binding against front plate or dial creating position-dependent friction contributing to stopping problems.

Minute Wheel and Motion Works Gears

Minute wheel drives hour wheel through motion works intermediate gearing translating minute wheel one-hour rotation into hour wheel twelve-hour rotation. Motion works typically uses 2-3 intermediate wheels creating proper gear reduction. These intermediate wheels plus their pinions represent additional sources of position-dependent binding through bent teeth excessive wear or contamination. Additionally motion works mounting posts and pivots may show wear or damage creating binding at specific positions when wheels reach particular orientation relative to mounting points.

Inspect all motion work wheels and pinions under magnification identifying damaged or worn teeth. Motion works typically uses brass wheels with steel pinions creating wear pattern where brass teeth show more rapid deterioration. Look for grooves in brass teeth where steel pinion leaves repeatedly contact creating wear tracks. Additionally check for bent teeth showing deviation from proper profile. Test each wheel individually rotating manually observing smooth operation without binding or hesitation. If binding is evident at specific position examine teeth at that position identifying damage or irregularity creating interference. Clean all motion work components thoroughly removing accumulated contamination then lubricate sparingly at pivot points ensuring smooth operation.

Verify proper motion works assembly ensuring correct wheel positioning and adequate endshake. Motion works wheels must show modest clearance between wheel face and mounting surface - typically 0.003-0.006 inch endshake - enabling free rotation without excessive wobble affecting mesh quality. Inadequate endshake creates binding where wheel contacts mounting surface preventing rotation. Excessive endshake allows wheel shifting axially creating variable mesh potentially binding when wheels shift unfavorably. Additionally verify proper wheel alignment where wheels should be parallel to front plate and perpendicular to mounting posts. Cocked wheel creates progressive binding as wheel rotates reaching maximum interference at specific position creating stopping problem. Correct wheel positioning through careful adjustment of mounting posts or spacer washers achieving proper endshake and alignment throughout complete rotation cycle.

Additional Diagnostic Considerations

Hand Interference Problems

Hand interference represents simple yet frequently-overlooked cause of time-specific stopping where minute hand contacts hour hand dial features or case parts at specific position creating binding preventing continued operation. Hands crossing at eleven o'clock creates close proximity particularly if hands are bent slightly toward each other potentially creating contact. Additionally minute hand may contact raised dial elements - perhaps seconds bit or decorative features - at specific position creating interference invisible at other hand positions. Case parts including glass bezel or movement mounting brackets may show insufficient clearance creating hand contact when hands reach particular configuration.

Inspect hand clearance by manually advancing hands through complete twelve-hour cycle observing spacing between minute hand and hour hand at all positions particularly when hands cross. Minimum safe clearance is approximately 1/16 inch preventing contact from normal vibration or slight hand deflection during operation. If clearance is less than this or hands actually contact bending is necessary achieving adequate spacing. Additionally observe minute hand clearance from dial features throughout rotation verifying no contact occurs at any position. Check hand clearance from glass by slowly advancing hands while observing from side noting minimum spacing - adequate clearance is approximately 1/8 inch preventing contact from normal movement vibration or case distortion.

Correct hand interference through careful bending at hand mounting point near hand center rather than at hand tip. Bending near center changes hand angle throughout length affecting clearance at all positions while tip bending affects only specific location. Use appropriate tools enabling controlled force application - smooth-jaw pliers or hand bending tool - avoiding finger pressure alone which provides inadequate control risking excessive bending or hand damage. Make very small bends testing clearance frequently. For minute hand interference with hour hand bend one hand upward and opposite hand downward creating maximum separation. However preserve original hand curvature maintaining aesthetic appearance - excessive bending creating obviously distorted hands degrades clock appearance despite solving mechanical problem.

Bent Tooth Identification

Single bent tooth on any wheel throughout gear train creates position-specific stopping where clock runs smoothly until bent tooth engages creating sudden binding stopping operation. Bent tooth problem manifests as stopping at consistent time interval matching rotation period of affected wheel - bent tooth on great wheel creates twenty-four hour stopping pattern, bent second wheel tooth creates perhaps four-hour pattern, bent third wheel tooth creates perhaps one-hour pattern depending on specific gear ratios. Therefore stopping pattern interval provides clue identifying which wheel likely contains bent tooth enabling focused inspection rather than examining entire gear train.

Identify bent teeth through careful visual inspection under magnification examining each wheel throughout complete rotation. Rotate wheel slowly observing teeth from multiple angles noting any deviation from uniform radial alignment. Bent tooth appears cocked or angled compared to adjacent teeth showing different tip position or altered spacing from neighboring teeth. Additionally observe mesh engagement during rotation noting whether specific tooth creates visible interference or unusual mesh action. If bent tooth is suspected at specific position corresponding to stopping time examine that tooth particularly carefully comparing profile shape and alignment with adjacent teeth confirming damage. Use bright directional lighting creating shadows emphasizing tooth profile irregularities making subtle bends more visible.

Straighten bent teeth using controlled technique avoiding fracture or additional damage. Small needle-nose pliers with smooth padded jaws enable grasping tooth near base applying gradual straightening pressure. Make very small corrections testing alignment frequently - tooth material may be work-hardened from original bending making it brittle prone to fracture from excessive force. After straightening verify tooth shows no cracks or stress damage potentially causing future failure. If tooth fractures during straightening attempt wheel replacement may be necessary though this represents last resort after exhausting repair possibilities. Test corrected wheel during operation advancing through multiple complete rotations verifying smooth mesh without binding at previously-problematic position confirming successful bent tooth correction.

FAQs

Why does my clock stop at same time every twelve hours?

Clock stops at same time every twelve hours because problem involves component rotating once per twelve hours pointing toward motion works as primary suspect where hour wheel hour pipe or motion work intermediate gears show position-dependent binding creating interference only when specific damaged tooth rough surface or misaligned component reaches particular orientation during twelve-hour rotation cycle. Most common cause is bent tooth on hour wheel creating binding when that specific tooth meshes with minute wheel pinion where tooth damage occurs from impact improper handling or years of wear creating deformation. Hour pipe binding on minute arbor at specific rotational position from burr contamination or bent pipe creating oval bore represents second common cause. Additionally motion work intermediate wheels may show damaged teeth or excessive wear at particular mesh positions creating position-specific friction. Diagnose twelve-hour problem by manually advancing hands through complete cycle observing whether binding or resistance occurs at specific position matching observed stopping time confirming motion works involvement rather than time train or strike mechanism. Remove dial and hands accessing motion works for detailed inspection examining hour wheel teeth under magnification noting any bent damaged or worn teeth particularly at position corresponding to stopping time. Check hour pipe for smooth rotation on minute arbor verifying no burrs or contamination. Inspect minute wheel and intermediate wheels for tooth damage. Clean all motion work components thoroughly then lubricate sparingly ensuring smooth operation throughout complete twelve-hour rotation eliminating position-specific binding creating stopping problem.

How do I know if problem is motion works or warning lever?

Know if problem is motion works or warning lever by observing whether stopping occurs at specific position every twelve hours regardless of hour suggesting motion works involvement or whether stopping occurs consistently several minutes before each hour suggesting warning lever lift creating excessive load. Motion works problem manifests as stopping at particular hand position - perhaps always at 10:53 regardless of whether approaching 11 AM or 11 PM - because motion works components rotate once per twelve hours creating position-dependent binding when damaged component reaches specific orientation. Warning lever problem manifests as stopping at consistent interval before each hour - perhaps always 7 minutes before hour regardless of which hour - because warning lever lifts at same relative position before each strike creating increased load on time train. Test differentiation by recording exact stopping time over multiple days noting whether problem occurs twice daily at same clock positions or whether problem occurs hourly at consistent interval before each strike. Additionally manually advance minute hand approaching hour feeling for resistance increase indicating warning lever beginning to lift occurring approximately 5-7 minutes before hour. If substantial resistance appears at this position and clock stops warning friction is excessive requiring strike mechanism service. Conversely if clock stops at specific hand position without correlation to approaching hour motion works shows position-dependent binding requiring motion works inspection and repair. Some clocks show combination problem where marginal motion works binding combines with warning lever lift creating stopping only when both factors coincide - perhaps stopping only approaching eleven o'clock where motion works binding plus warning load together exceed available power though neither alone proves sufficient stopping clock at other positions.

What if clock stops at same time once per day not twice?

If clock stops at same time once per day not twice - perhaps always at 2:30 AM but never at 2:30 PM - problem involves component rotating once per twenty-four hours suggesting great wheel calendar mechanism or other daily-cycle component rather than twelve-hour motion works. In typical eight-day spring-driven movement great wheel completes one rotation approximately every twenty-four hours therefore bent tooth on great wheel creates binding once daily when that tooth meshes with second wheel pinion. Similarly calendar mechanism advancing once per twenty-four hours at midnight creates potential for binding if calendar advance pin calendar wheel or related components show damage or misalignment. Test twenty-four hour hypothesis by recording exact stopping time over multiple days verifying problem occurs once daily rather than twice confirming daily-cycle component involvement. Examine great wheel for bent or damaged teeth by manually rotating wheel through complete revolution under magnification observing tooth condition where bent tooth shows visible deviation from uniform profile. Additionally check great wheel pivot for excessive wear or binding creating position-dependent friction. If movement includes calendar mechanism observe calendar advance operation at midnight noting whether calendar pin smoothly advances calendar wheel or creates binding requiring excessive force potentially stopping timekeeping. Calendar mechanisms represent common source of once-daily stopping particularly at 2:00-3:00 AM timeframe when advance typically occurs where calendar advance requires substantial force that may exceed available power if mechanism shows excessive friction from contamination inadequate lubrication or damaged components. Clean and lubricate calendar mechanism thoroughly ensuring calendar pin engages calendar wheel cleanly plus calendar wheel rotates freely advancing smoothly without binding eliminating once-daily stopping problem.

How do I fix bent hour wheel tooth?

Fix bent hour wheel tooth by carefully straightening using small needle-nose pliers with smooth padded jaws enabling controlled force application without creating additional damage where you grasp tooth near base applying gradual pressure restoring proper radial alignment perpendicular to wheel hub. First remove dial and hands accessing hour wheel mounted on hour pipe then rotate wheel manually identifying bent tooth at position corresponding to stopping time. Bent tooth shows deviation from radial alignment leaning toward leading or trailing direction creating interference with minute wheel pinion during mesh. Examine tooth under magnification confirming damage and assessing severity - modest bend is straightforward repair while severe deformation or cracking may require wheel replacement. Use smooth-jaw pliers padded with tape or thin leather preventing surface damage then grasp tooth firmly near base where tooth joins wheel applying gradual steady pressure straightening tooth toward proper radial position. Make very small corrections testing alignment frequently comparing corrected tooth profile with adjacent undamaged teeth. Avoid sudden jerky motions or excessive force because brass material may be work-hardened from original bending making it brittle prone to fracture during straightening attempt. After straightening verify tooth shows no cracks or stress damage potentially causing future failure by examining under magnification using bright directional lighting emphasizing surface defects. Test corrected hour wheel during operation by manually rotating through multiple complete revolutions verifying smooth mesh with minute wheel pinion without binding at previously-problematic position. If tooth fractures during straightening attempt or shows substantial damage beyond repair wheel replacement may be necessary obtaining replacement from parts supplier or donor movement matching original specifications.

Why does clock stop only when approaching eleven o'clock?

Clock stops only when approaching eleven o'clock because combination of factors occurring at that specific time exceeds available power where warning lever lift preparing for eleven o'clock strike combines with motion works position-specific friction from hour wheel or intermediate gears reaching problematic orientation plus potential hand interference as minute hand and hour hand cross creating closest proximity potentially contacting if hands are bent slightly together. Each individual factor may be marginal - inadequate alone to stop clock - though combined effect exceeds power reserve stopping operation. Warning lever lift increases load on time train approximately 5-7 minutes before each hour where lift force must overcome warning lever friction plus strike train friction bringing mechanism to warning position. If motion works simultaneously shows position-specific binding from bent tooth rough surface or misaligned component at eleven o'clock position combined load exceeds mainspring power particularly if clock is approaching end of winding cycle where reduced power creates marginal operation. Additionally eleven o'clock represents position where minute hand and hour hand cross showing closest proximity throughout twelve-hour cycle where hands bent slightly toward each other potentially contact creating interference stopping clock. Diagnose combination problem by testing each factor independently - manually lift warning lever at various hand positions confirming warning lift alone doesn't stop clock, advance hands through positions away from eleven o'clock verifying motion works binding exists only at specific position, check hand clearance at eleven o'clock crossing confirming adequate spacing. Correct combination problem by addressing all contributing factors - reduce warning friction through strike mechanism cleaning and lubrication, eliminate motion works position-specific binding through bent tooth straightening or component cleaning, increase hand clearance through careful bending achieving adequate spacing. After corrections clock should operate reliably through all positions including eleven o'clock approach without stopping.

How much clearance do clock hands need?

Clock hands need minimum clearance approximately 1/16 inch between minute hand and hour hand preventing contact from normal vibration or slight hand deflection during operation where hands crossing at positions like eleven o'clock creates closest proximity requiring careful verification ensuring adequate spacing. Additionally minute hand needs approximately 1/16 inch clearance from dial features including seconds bit raised numerals or decorative elements preventing contact during rotation. Hand clearance from glass or case parts requires approximately 1/8 inch preventing contact from normal movement vibration or case distortion over time. Insufficient clearance creates position-specific stopping where hands or hand-to-dial contact occurs at specific rotation position creating binding preventing continued operation manifesting as stopping at consistent time every twelve hours. Check hand clearance by manually advancing hands through complete cycle observing spacing at all positions particularly when hands cross noting minimum spacing at closest approach. Additionally observe minute hand clearance from dial throughout rotation verifying no contact at any position. Check clearance from glass by viewing from side noting minimum spacing as hands rotate. If clearance is inadequate bending is necessary achieving proper spacing though exercise caution because excessive bending creates obviously distorted hands degrading aesthetic appearance. Bend hands at mounting point near hand center rather than at tip because center bending changes hand angle throughout length affecting clearance at all positions while tip bending affects only specific location. Use appropriate tools enabling controlled force application making very small bends testing clearance frequently. For minute hand interference with hour hand bend one hand upward and opposite hand downward creating maximum separation while preserving original hand curvature maintaining appearance. After correction verify adequate clearance throughout complete rotation eliminating position-specific contact creating stopping problems.

Should I service entire movement or just fix specific problem?

Service entire movement rather than just fixing specific stopping problem if clock shows other symptoms suggesting general wear or contamination including sluggish operation erratic timekeeping excessive noise or visible contamination throughout mechanism where comprehensive cleaning bushing and lubrication provides long-term reliability preventing multiple service calls addressing individual symptoms as they appear. However if clock runs reliably except for specific time-dependent stopping and movement appears clean well-lubricated and mechanically sound focused repair addressing identified problem represents appropriate efficient approach avoiding unnecessary disassembly and service. Determine appropriate scope by evaluating overall movement condition during diagnostic inspection - if pivots appear clean and properly lubricated wheels rotate freely without excessive friction and mechanism shows minimal wear focused repair suffices. Conversely if inspection reveals widespread contamination dried lubricant excessive pivot wear or other general deterioration comprehensive service is warranted preventing future problems from marginal components approaching failure. Additionally consider clock value and historical significance where valuable antique deserves comprehensive professional service maintaining long-term condition while modest utility clock may justify focused repair minimizing service cost. Time since last service affects decision - if clock received comprehensive service recently focused repair is appropriate addressing new isolated problem while clock showing decades without service requires comprehensive work regardless of presenting symptom. Therefore evaluate each situation individually balancing symptom severity overall condition clock value and service history determining whether focused repair or comprehensive service represents optimal approach achieving reliable operation while managing service cost and maintaining appropriate care level for specific clock.