Choosing the Correct Clock Movement

Choosing the Correct Clock Movement

How to Work Out What to Buy!

Please read this information very carefully.

We all have different skills in different areas.

Ideally the skills required to install a quartz clock movement are the ability to read and follow instructions, to use patience and common sense when working  things out, finally to treat the clock movement with care.

The pricing and products on this website are designed for people who are able to read the information on this blog and this website and from the information supplied be able to work out what they need with minimal assistance.

For local Gold Coast QLD customers we can quote on doing the repair for you.

There are so many options available. This page is designed to help you make this very important decision.
Firstly you need to work out what sort of clock you are looking for?

Black box thingys  come in many shapes and sizes and varieties.

 

 ( That black box thingy usually called a clock movement, clock mechanism or clock motor).



 The first question is "How long is the minute hand?"

( The longest hand- that the clock movement needs to be able to work!)
If the minute hand is over 150mm from centre where the hole in the hand  fits onto the clock shaft to the longest tip you will need to purchase a high torque (high powered)  movement and it may need new hands as well. Like car parts not all parts are interchangeable between models so it is best to purchase new hands from this website as well.

When chosing the movement that you need remember that it is important to take into account the thickness of the material that the shaft of the clock needs to go through.- This is called the dial thickness-see labelled photo at the bottom of this page.

*If the clock has a glass/ plastic lens over the front of the clock you will need to take careful note of the dimensions of the movement-

Listed on the web page to ensure that there will be enough room between the face and the glass / lens. (If the hands are hitting the glass the clock won't keep correct time.  Usually you will need at least 10-12mm between the hands and the front lens of the clock.

If the minute hand is going to be less than the 150mm in length from the centre of the clock shaft to the longest tip you can use any of the movements listed on this website. Yipee so many choices. Exception the HT retro hands only work on High Torque clock movements.

Here are the links to the different types of clock movements available for purchase.

Pendulum

Chimes

Continuous sweep (no tick)

24hour - these take 24hours instead of 12 for the hour hand to go around the clock face.

High Torque- suitable for working large hands as well as the HT retro hands.

Tide

Common Question

What is the

Dial thickness- Shaft length- Overall Shaft length

The most important thing to note is the specification of the dial thickness- the thickness of the material the clock movement shaft will go through - the available options for each movement are stated on the website.  eg 10-16mm that the movement comes in sizes that will go a clock face ( dial / bit of wood etc) in sizes up to 16mm thickness.


(If the clock shaft is too long it can usually be packed out at the back -( with a bit of cardboard/ ply or even double sided tape). So that not so much of the centre shaft is sticking through to the front.

If the clock face is open with no lens over the front- a little bit of extra shaft length at the front is fine so again you are not limited.

eg if you have a 3mm dial and want to use a delux chime with a 12mm dial thickness - that is fine.

But if you have a 20mm thick piece of material ( wood ceramic etc) that the clock shaft needs to go through and you want to use a movement with a 12mm dial thickness you will need to remove 8mm of material if you want it too fit.

Check out more of our clock making blogs

We accept
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • PayPal
  • Direct Deposit