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Clocks, Watches/Replacing China movement with quartz movement

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Expert: - 11/22/2010


Question
We have a 31 day clock made in China that is failing and I would like to replace it with a quartz movement.  Can you provide instructions on how to proceed with the replacement and a source(s) for the new movement?

Answer
Steve, I have never written the instructions for that particular modification.  Here is a summary of the steps:

Choose a quality quartz movement that will mount in the space in the clock.  You can Google clock parts suppliers such as Klockit, Timesavers, Merrits, Mile-Hi, etc.  Some of them have on-line catalogs.  A couple of movements I use are the Hermle Dual Chime 2214 or 2215 series or one that has tube chime sounds that is called the Tubular Chime Quad.  The mounting bushing must be chosen for the correct length for the thickness of the dial. This will include the combined thickness of the dial and probably a plywood mounting plate up against the inside of the dial.  I cut one the size of the movement with a hole in the center to accept the mounting bushing. The hands on your movement will not fit the quartz movement, so similar quartz hands will have to be chosen, or your hands will have to be modified.  The pendulum top hook will have to be modified to attach to the movement or a similar quartz movement pendulum will have to be chosen.  A removable panel will have to be cut in the back of the case to access the movement for changing the batteries and setting the functions.  Depending on the case, a hole (I use 5 small holes in a pattern) will have to be drilled to mount the speaker.  I make a stepped wood block to hold the speaker on the inside of the case.  I am getting ready to convert a couple of mail-order jobs right now, and I will send you a couple of photos if you will contact me at my shop email address below.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama

klokdok@juno.com

(Due to the number of Allexperts questions and
the workload I have at my clock shop, I regret
that I cannot answer personal email questions on a timely basis
other than Allexperts follow ups.)

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John Newman

Expertise

As much as I would like to offer values of clocks, I am not a certified appraiser and will not venture into giving an unresearched guess. There is very little published information on what I consider to be the value of "modern production clocks". Considerations are what the clock originally sold for, the condition of the case and movement, and particularly the area in which you live, the demand and the economy. ALSO, WATCHES ARE NOT MY FIELD. However, I can advise the clock owner on proper maintenance of a clock to keep it running, small corrections and adjustments and how to move a clock without damaging it. I can also advise on obtaining parts for clocks. It helps if you can send any information on the clock movement which is usually found on the back plate of the movement. I have been a clockmaker for about 35 years and was plant engineer in the mid 90's and later operations and engineering consultant at Emperor Clock Company in Fairhope, Alabama. I now have my own clock shop.

Experience

One of my greatest accomplishments was traveling to China to assist a clock factory in building clocks to the standards which we required. With the proper specifications and quality control, some beautiful clock cases were built. The factory people from the wood carvers to the plant manager were very congenial, friendly and I left a lot of wonderful friends when I returned from my trips.

Organizations
Chamber of Commerce Small Business Committee

Publications
Horological Times, a publication of the American Watch and Clockmakers Instute. Collaberated column author, with Photos and ideas for clock movement conversion article.

Education/Credentials
Associate of Science Mechanical Engineering Technology Emperor Introductory Clock Repair (Eventually taught a portion of the class after becoming employee)

Awards and Honors
Small Business of the Quarter (Prattville, Alabama) Leadership Class of 2009 (Autauga County, Alabama)

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