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Clocks, Watches/Remove Dials from quartz clock

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Expert: Martin Meyer - 10/10/2009


Question
Hi Martin,

My wall clock fell down and broke. The frame is broken but the quartz clock is intact and working.  Now i want to use the clock on another frame. So how do i remove the dials from the clock so that I can re-assemble the clock in a new frame.

Details of Clock:
GAGER
NO(O) JEWELS
UNAD JUSTED
GU979

uses AA battery

Top Dial is Seconds, then Minute and then hour and below it has nut screwed on to a bolt.

Thanks
Arvind


Answer

Quartz Mounting Diagra
Hi Arvind,

I think by "dials" you are referring to the hands, and will answer your question with that assumption. (The dial is what people commonly call the "face".)

I have attached an illustration which will clarify the removal of hands and other parts, in order to remove the movement from the clock case. This will apply to all but very old quartz clocks.

The procedure is: pull the seconds hand off; unscrew and remove the small round knurled nut which holds the minute hand on; pull the minute hand off; pull the hour hand off; unscrew the large hex nut and remove it; remove the brass washer. It should now be possible to remove the movement from the dial simply by pulling it out the back of the dial. Sometimes glue or double-sided tape is used to hold the movement onto the back of the dial. If this is the case, use a very thin, but not sharp, knife; slip it in between the dial back and the movement to free the movement from the glue or tape. Note that there is usually a rubber gasket on the handshaft between the dial back and the movement; the function of this is to hold the movement firmly in place and prevent it from rotating and putting the hands out of alignment.  http://www.clockmasteronline.com

Martin Meyer

Expertise

Can answer repair and service questions for most types of clocks, antique and modern, mechanical and battery. NO watches, appraisals, identification, history, dating, or questions about cuckoo clocks. Website for Modern and Antique Clock Repair: Clockmasteronline.com

Experience

24 Years as owner and repairman of clock repair business, 28 years in the field. Factory Independent Service Center for Howard Miller, Ridgeway and (formerly) Sligh Clocks. Specializing in Fine Antique Longcase (grandfather) clocks. Clock repair Website: (Please remove "Not" from the address - this is a spam protection): www.NotClockmasteronline.com

Organizations
AWCI (American Watchmakers and Clockmakers Institute) and NAWCC (National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors)

Publications
Am also an Expert in the "AllExperts-Antiques-Antique Clocks" Category.

Education/Credentials
Trained by a former Rolex Asia watchmaker, and by a Master Watchmaker/Clockmaker.

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