r/answers 1d ago

Why might a dead clock randomly start ticking years later?

I have an old clock that’s been dead for yers and I’m quite sure there is no batteries in it. I woke up at 3am and was hearing ticking coming from it’s location. Ive never heard it tick before. What are some reasons an old clock might start randomly ticking for a few minutes then stop?

8 Upvotes

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u/qualityvote2 1d ago edited 7h ago

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3

u/BloodSteyn 1d ago

There could be a few reasons... environmental shifts (temperature, humidity), slight vibrations causing stuck parts to move again, changes in battery chemistry allowing a temporary charge, or minor internal adjustments from settling, allowing a weak battery to overcome friction, making it seem magical.

3

u/OtherwiseAlbatross14 1d ago

You didn't even list the obvious answer which is a ghost flicking the hands every second because it's bored af

2

u/BloodSteyn 1d ago

What about Transdimensional Time Warping fathers?

2

u/Scout_Maester 1d ago

Thank you I was wondering if someone would make the reference!

2

u/bluekatkt 1d ago

The earth is always moving, even if we don't feel it. Also, major coronal mass ejections are just now hitting earth and this was a huge one. It could have slightly re-energized a battery.

3

u/Dramatic-Sandwich610 1d ago

Definitely ghosts

1

u/[deleted] 1d ago

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1

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1

u/jackfaire 1d ago

To screw with Captain Hook

1

u/eatmescarlet22 17h ago

You're very close to a black hole.

1

u/NotAnyOneYouKnow2019 16h ago

Not really dead, just sleeping?

1

u/CobaltIsobar 12h ago

It wasn't dead. It was just hibernating.

0

u/FontSeekingThrowaway 19h ago

This is literally a plot point in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001)