Category: Movements

Auto-Set High-Torque battery clock movements have now changed the way we adjust clocks for Daylight Saving Time(DST). For the past decade or so a radio controlled movement, or Atomic clock movements, were the only way to do this. The battery clock movement would receive a radio signal, and either stop or fast forward an hour to adjust for Daylight Saving Time. In theory this was a great idea, because the time broadcast on radio station WWVB is based on the Caesium -131 Atomic Clocks in Fort Collins, Colorado. It’s very accurate and it’s broadcast on a low frequency AM radio wave. Unfortunately, there are a variety of AM broadcast issues which can potentially cause interference with the reception of the atomic clock signal being broadcast. In practice, AM (amplitude modulation) radio waves can achieve long distances. There are potential problems include interference from, power tools, appliances light dimmer switches and especially solar geomagnetic storms, which are quite common.  At their strongest, these storms cause the atmosphere to “light up” in northern and southern regions of earth, producing the northern (and southern) lights. An Auto-Set clock movement does not have the potential problems that an atomic clock movement does. It’s more reliable because it does not depend on receiving a radio signal. Now Auto-Set movements completely eliminate the need to receive a radio signal at all, and still adjust for Daylight Savings Time (DST) twice a year. All of the potential problems with a so called Atomic Clock Movement are gone. We at clockparts.com are proud to introduce our High Torque Auto-Set movements. We have both a US and a World version. They are unique because they will power clock hands up to […]

Battery operated clock movements  (or clock mechanisms) are truly a modern marvel. These “little black boxes” can easily last 15 or 20 years with normal indoor use, and they are accurate to within a few minutes a year. Normally they will operate for a couple of years on a good, fresh alkaline battery. The truth is though, that there is a huge difference in quality between a cheap imported movement made in a third world country in  factory with a dirt floor, a one made in a clean modern factory with a robotic production line. No one makes a better battery operated quartz movement than a robot. No human hair, sweat or parts of the employee’s lunch. I am a lucky guy. In the nearly 40 years I have been in the clock parts business I have been able to visit factories all over Europe, Japan and China. Much of what I have seen is very impressive, like the factory I once visited where the quartz crystals used in clock movements and other devices are made. It’s a “white room” operation that has a nearly “medical” level of cleanliness. This particular factory was in Japan and before I could enter I had to put on coveralls that covered by entire body, head and shoes. The latter was a problem because I think they had never seen a size 13 shoe before. After being properly clothed, I had to walk through a decontamination tunnel that removed any dust or contamination that was on my clothing before I could actually enter the factory itself. On the other end of the spectrum I have also been in factories that were unheated with dirt […]

Auto set movements have changed the way we adjust clocks for Daylight Saving Time (DST). For the past decade or so radio controlled movements were the best way to do this. The clock movement would receive a radio signal, and either stop or fast forward an hour when needed. In theory this was a great idea because the time broadcast is based on the Caesium -131 Atomic Clocks in Fort Collins, Colorado. The accuracy is the result of the process of radioactive decay. The term decay in this case means “change.”  A radioactive substance naturally changes by emitting particles (protons, neutrons, or electrons) which results in the production of a different element. For example, uranium decays into lead.  Caesium decays into barium. The detection of these particle emissions by a sensor (as in an atomic clock) generates the time signal.  The accuracy of this natural process is not affected by temperature, pressure or any other environmental factors. An atomic clock will work just as well in space as anywhere else.  Atomic clocks are accurate to better than one second over 200 million years. Unfortunately, there are a variety of AM broadcast vulnerabilities which undermine the reception of the atomic clock signal.  Although AM (amplitude modulation) radio can achieve great distances, these vulnerabilities include interference from appliances, power tools, light dimmer switches and (especially) solar geomagnetic storms which are quite common.  At their strongest, they cause the atmosphere to “light up” in northern and southern regions of earth, producing the northern (and southern) lights. Fort Collins, Colorado is a significant distance from many areas in the US, rendering locations in Maine and Florida susceptible to signal interruption. Further issues are the […]

Choosing a replacement movement will inevitably happen, you’ll have to replace parts for your clock. Batteries die and leak, motors burn out, and sometimes hands can get damaged. But, that’s why we’re here! We can help you find the parts you need, even if you don’t know very much about how your clock works. It’s not too hard, you just have to follow some instructions and take two measurements and answer four questions, that’s it. Just fill in the form by clicking on the link below and we will e-mail you back with suggestions. You compare to make the final decision. Please include all requested information. It’s probably impossible to cross reference any manufacturers part numbers you may see, as you may have already learned. It’s all about finding an equivalent. So let’s figure this out together! Replacement Parts Form

If you want to make or repair large clocks, then clockparts.com is the place to be. We sell the best and most powerful high torque clock movements in the business. We have 2 shaft lengths of our American Made AA Battery powered high torque movement and 2 shaft lengths of our imported C battery High torque movement, as well as pendulum and continuous sweep models. The best selection anywhere. All of these models feature our exclusive Extended Minute Hand Shaft. This feature allows an increased space between the hour and minute hand, which is helpful when trying to properly align the 2 hands. We are making it easy! Our high torque movements can run hands as large as 17-3/4”. This will allow you to repair or use with clocks up to 40” in diameter, depending on the layout of the numbers. If you are repairing a large clock, it is general best to order new hands with a high torque movement as the hole sizes in clock hands are not standardized. You can see the clock hand mounting hole sizes at: If they match what you have, then you will be able to use your old clock hands. If using your old hands, please check to make sure that your minute hand (the longer one) is balanced. This is easily done by placing the mounting hole on your fingertip to see if the hand is balanced. If it lays there flat then it’s balanced, if it tilts or falls off, then it’s not balanced. Large minute hands can be balanced by using small amounts of latex caulk on the back. If you would like to wall mount our high torque […]

Modern battery operated chime movements can be easily installed and give you years of trouble free, accurate service. While most of our chime movements sound the Westminster Chime (chime of Big Ben in London), combinations with Whittington,  Ave Maria or Bim-bam are also available. All of these chime movements have varying features such as the chime pattern and the length of the hand shaft.  For more information on checking the length of the hand shaft, Please see this article. Clockparts.com demonstrates  its industry leadership skills by having the only website that allows you to actually hear the different chime movements. This is the new industry standard and unique to clockparts.com. All of our chime movements include a FREE choice of hour and minute hands, and come with a 3 year replacement warranty. Please pay careful attention to the details listed with each movement. Some are only  available with one shaft length, but the length of a long hand shaft used may be shortened by something as simple as adding some washers from your local hardware store over the hand shaft before installation. Other chime movements have volume controls, night strike shut-offs, remote speakers and other features. Remote speakers give the best sound because you can do an effective speaker installation yourself by installing the speaker into the best position for your clock case. Some of our chime movements are only available with a pendulum feature. If you like the features of a chime movement that has a pendulum, but you don’t need one, Just leave the pendulum swinging arm in its shipping position, and it will not affect anything except increasing battery life of the clock movement. Battery operated quartz […]