First classic clock

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2011 3:40 am     Post subject: First classic clock

Hi there. I found a 1953 art deco wall clock. I love the stile, but i know nothing about clocks. first i need to know how I should power it and then how to set it. This clock would originally be wired in. unfortunately i won't be able to wire it into the wall. I wouldn't mind wiring an extension cord from an outlet threw a steel conduit. Frankly i think it would look cool and draw attention to the clock, but what are my options? is there a kit to convert it to battery power? My next question is how do i set it? Thanks for all you people taking a look. Hope you like it as much as I do.
It was in the basement of on old theater. I asked the manager if i could have it. Is this a rare or desirable find?

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2011 1:47 pm     Post subject:

I can not estimate the value, but this clock is definately a piece of nostalgia at the very least. Note that once you remove the electric movement, any value (if applicable) would probably decrease.

It looks as though you have some flanges on the backside of the clock assembly, which secures the dial face plate within the assembly. You will probably have to remove the dial face to gain access to the clock hands. Remove the clock hands, and then you can proceed to remove the electric motor and housing. With the motor removed, check the thickness of the clock face (and metal plate it is attached to). This will be reference for maximum dial thickness (which will be important when selecting a quartz movement replacement). Also check the diameter of the center hand shaft hole through the dial. Quartz movements typically require a shaft diameter of 5/16" to 3/8". From there, you can contact us with the info, and we can make some movement suggestions.

Before you take things apart, however, you may want to see if the current electric motor can be slavaged or replaced. If there is a chance of value, the clock would probably be worth more with all original aspects/components included and intact.

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2011 6:50 pm     Post subject: Thank you Chris for your advice.

Thank you Chris for your advice. I think i have made my mind up. I will attempt to keep the old electric motor and power it from a wall outlet.

Posted: Mon May 23, 2011 9:39 pm     Post subject: 1953 Standard Electric Time Co. slave

I plugged in the clock. It made a horrible buzzing sound so I unplugged it and easily pried the cover off. I was still not sure what i was looking at, so I did some more googling. My search led me to a website dedicated to the manufacturer, Standard Electric Time Co. With more research I found out that this clock is only a slave and only a master will run it.
It looks like I will have to get a quarts kit fitted.

Posted: Tue May 24, 2011 1:24 pm     Post subject:

Ahhhh - Master/slave clocks were very popular in facilities throughout the mid to late 1900's. For example: Schools used this type of clock system. Providing the master was on time, all slave clocks would display accurate time as per the master clock. With more and more schools/institutions changing over to wireless clock systems these days, the hard-wired master/slave clock is slowly being phased out.

While these types of clocks typically have little value (with exception of the nostalgia apsect), you could always go the quartz option to get the clock working again.