Maybe a few decades from now, Elliott won't care if those clocks are still ticking.
But he will definitely remember the man named Black and every word he said to him.
He asked him to wait, then he would stay and wait for him.
If he says sorry, then he will forgive him.
No ridiculous reason needed.
Even if those clocks have long been damaged and no longer rotate.
As long as he is here, Clock City will be there.