Tickety-Tock, Clock Stopped

In Harvard Square, time can stand still.

Through much of yesterday, the clock on top of the Cambridge Savings Bank read 10:07. And with many of the lights not working, even this mistaken time was difficult to make out.

The clock is serviced by the Cambridge Savings Bank. Assistant Vice President Peter Rattigan said yesterday afternnon that he was unaware of the clock's malfunction.

"It does read 10:07? So, it has been stuck in one position," he said.

Less than an hour after the problem was reported to Rattigan, the clock was functioning. "We went up to look at the control panel, and there were some electrical problems that offset the time. We like to keep it running," he said.

The broken lights had to wait a little longer, however. The 140 Edisonbased incandescent lamps in the sign need to be completely replaced every six months, Rattigan said, and today is the planned replacement date.

The clock, a landmark since 1958, is utilized by passerby and frequenters of Au Bon Pain. Some interviewed in the Square yesterday said they count on its accuracy while going about their daily routines.

"I depend on it every day as I walk to Au Bon Pain," said Van Hardy. "I looked twice at it today because I do orient myself by that time."

"I lost my watch last week, so I've been using the clock to get to work on time," said Cantabrigian Jane Wickers.

"I told people to meet me here at 10:07," joked Cambridge resident Ivan Heller. "They can't be mad at me if I don't show up!"