Replacing Mechanical Movement w/quartz

Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2008 4:46 pm     Post subject: Replacing Mechanical Movement w/quartz

I need to replace a mechanical movement w/a quartz movement in a Regulator style wall clock. The new movement would mount on the back of the dial, I assume. What do you recommend to do when:

(1) The existing metal dial is quite thin-not sure it will support the quartz movement and the pendulum-how could I reinforce it?
(2) There will be a clearance problem with the pendulum shaft being close to the front inside part of the cabinet. I could order a longer hand shaft and add spacers so the pendulum is farther back from the dial. But then the support problem on the dial is worse (overhung weight).
(3) Assuming I can successfully mount the movement on the back of the dial, there will be then be a problem accessing the battery case, time adjustment, chime volume controls, etc., since there is not a door in the back of the cabinet. Will I have to cut an access hole in the back?

My situation surely has come up before, but I can't find any listings in the forum. Your comments will certainly be appreciated. I have submitted photos and questions in an email to your general email address before I learned about this forum. Perhaps you can locate them! -Barry in AZ

Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 2:04 pm     Post subject:

When replacing a mechanical movement with a quartz movement:

1.) You may have to consider some modifications to better suit the quartz movement and dial. The dial could mount to a piece of ¼” thick plywood veneer – a panel that will be referred to henceforth as the dial panel. ¼” panels should be able to support a short or long shaft movement. The dial panel (in turn) can be attached to cleats (mounted against the case sides), or risers (which are mounted to the case back panel) – the choice pending the method which best supports the current case assembly. Plywood veneer is recommended in the event that wood will be visible around the dial face. This veneered surface should match the wood of the case and can be stained/finished to closely match the case assembly. The clock face (in turn) can be secured to the dial board with epoxy, double stick tape, hole glue, (etc, if the dial is vaulted in the center) - - or it can be secured by the quartz movement itself (if it is a flat metal dial).
2.) Pendulum clearance may not be a problem, as the pendulum is typically set back from the front surface of the quartz movement. This dimension is noted in the catalog (or on the website) within most movement copy, and is about ½” in many cases. You can also look into the possibility of a longer shaft movement (coupled with the dial panel described above and a small square spacer block, which would mount to the backside of the dial board) to gain additional spacing. The spacer block could be as simple as 2” square with a 3/8” – 13/32” center thru hole (pending the diameter of the threaded shaft of the quartz movement). The thickness of the block would depend the length of the threaded shaft portion (or dial thickness).
3.) In most cases, you will want to cut an access hole in the back of the clock case. However, if you can reach all necessary points of the movement through the front of the case, this may not be necessary. Rear access is always nice (as it enables you to see what you are working on). There is no need for a rear door, as dust will not be a concern with a quartz movement. Just a cut out which is large enough to give you access is all you should require.

Hope this helps…

Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 9:53 pm     Post subject: Replacing Mechanical Movement w/quartz

Thanks for your comments. You've given me some otner ideas I'd not considered for reinforcing the dial plate. Ordering a movement with a longer shaft length will give me more possibilities for proper pendulum clearance.