Putting a clock in a book cover?

Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2009 2:36 pm     Post subject: Putting a clock in a book cover?

Greetings! I'm working on an art project and would love a little guidance. I'm wanting to mount a clock into a book cover. The book will be used daily, so I don't want the cover unreasonably bulky or the clock to be too breakable (although obviously the book would have to be treated with care).

I think I found a movement I can use. The thinnest option seems to have a 1/8" mtg. depth and a 7/16" hand shaft length. I think that means that the book cover would be 1/8" thick, and there would be some sort of glass/plastic cover that extends an additional 7/16" (+clearance) from the cover. Is that right? Do they even make the cover things in plastic? I think glass might be too delicate. That's an atomic clock movement, so I wouldn't have to reset it - which means all I need to provide is a way to access the battery without destroying the careful cover work. Did I understand all of the pertinent details correctly?

I'm probably going to make the dial itself out of paper to go with the project, so that's covered.

Is there anything else I need to consider for this? For instance, how hot does the movement get? Would all of the paper cause it to overheat or something? *laugh* I don't know much about clocks, so any guidance would be incredibly helpful and appreciated!!!

Thanks SO much!

~galyna

Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2009 5:15 pm     Post subject:

Yes - the book cover would have to be at least 1/8" thick. This does not account for the depth of the movement itself (which - if a standard quartz movement, would be an additional 5/8"). The same additional depth would be required for the RC movement.

You would not necessarily require any sort of glass or plastic over the front - There would be nothing wrong with just leaving the hands exposed (similar to Klockit kit #34775 - where there is no glass covering the clock face and hands).

We also sell clock inserts - which may be far easier to accommodate (and will include a plastic/glass lens over the front). Clock inserts are a complete clock unit - no assembly required. Check out #15686 for an example of this type of clock.

Battery operated movements should not generate enough heat to cause any sort of worry...

Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2009 7:00 am     Post subject:

Thanks so much for your response!

Here's a question - what about the mini quartz inserts? What is the total thickness of those? If they're used for pocket watches they might be a bit thinner. 5/8"+ is just a bit bulky for the movement! The website didn't list a thickness for these, but the did use a much smaller battery so I thought maybe... *shrug* Also, if I wanted to change out the dial and the hands on a clock insert, could I? It coming with all of the parts is nice (means I don't have to scramble for the glass), but since this is such an art-focused project I'd need to be able to play with the style of the hands and the dial.

I've also been looking at just using one of the super-thin pocket watches I've seen, but I'm worried about not being able to customize it enough.

You've been a great help, Chris. Thanks!

Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2009 3:48 am     Post subject:

How will you be using the book daily?

Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2009 1:56 pm     Post subject:

Mini quartz clock inserts would seem to work as well. The 1-7/16" mini inserts (for example) requires a 1/4" mounting depth. As a general rule of thumb: Inserts do not lend themselves to customization. Optional hands and clock faces are not sold separately, nor interchangeable - and opening the insert to gain access to these parts would void the warranty.

As a side note - Klockit does offer an insert kit where the clock face can be customized. It is actually a product geared towards schools and such, however it can lend itself to individual use. The product number is #49648. Unfortunately, it is only offered in one size - 3-7/8" diameter insert - - and has a mounting depth of about 1/2" (if I am not mistaken). This may be a bit too large for your project... but worth mentioning (just in case).