Choosing Clock Hands For A Replacement Movement

This simple step is often overlooked. Lot’s of people think whatever clock hands they have, will fit a new movement. Not usually true. The mounting holes are not standardized. So, if you already have the clock hands, you can just choose a similar length and style from us. If you do not have hands, then a few simple rules should be followed so you can correctly choose what you need from us.

It all starts with measuring the diameter of the clock face, or clock dial:

Take a look at this clock dial. If yours looks similar, then measure to between the 2 parallel lines outside of the 3:00 and 9:00 positions, and divide in half. Or you can measure from the center of the clock dial, To in between these 2 parallel lines, and now you know the length of your minute hand. You do not have to be exact, but be within a ¼”. It is also possible to trim hands to a shorter length. You only measure the minute hand from the mounting to the tip, so do not be concerned about the length of the hour hand, as it is typically 2/3 of the length of the minute hand. All of our hour and minute hands are sold by the pair.

You can also use press on numbers to make your clock dial. See the set of 4 digits below (12, 3, 6 &9)

Normally you would select hands that would come to about the middle of the numbers, but there is no set rule. You can also use almost anything you want to act as “numbers” or “indicators”. Try our Gold Roman or Arabic (regular) adhesive backed numbers, our metal or plastic clock dials, buttons, wood toy wheels, nuts & washers, dried flowers, upholstery tacks, poker chips or dice, seashells, stones, bottle caps, photos, almost any small object. Just be creative!

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Removing A Battery Operated Clock Movement

Analog clock movements (with clock hands, not digital) don't just float in the air; they are always attached to something when they are telling time. It can be a traditional wood or metal clock case, or a novelty case such as a sea shell, mounted photo, tennis racquet or 12" vinyl record.  Almost anything. Eventually though, they get old and need to be replaced. It's pretty easy if you follow our simple instructions.

To remove the clock movement you will need to remove the clock hands first. If you have a second hand, this will normally pull off. Thin needle nosed pliers can be used to pull upward on the back of the second hand near the hub to remove.

The minute hand can either be pressed on the minute hand shaft, or held there by a small round nut (as shown above). If it's a "press on", then just pull it off. If there is a small round nut, then hold the minute hand still while turning the small round nut in a counter-clockwise direction until small round nut comes off. Gently pull the minute hand upward to remove.
Almost all hour hands are "press on", so rock hour hand gently while pulling away from the clock movement. Thin needle nosed pliers can also be used under the hour hand at the hub to assist in removing it.

Now that the clock hands have been removed, it's time to get the movement out of whatever clock case it is in. Most battery operated clock movements are installed by a system called "Center Fixation". Some type of nut is threaded onto an exposed threaded metal shaft, or interior threaded shaft, and holds the  clock movement in place by tightening the threaded nut. Unfortunately these nuts can vary widely, but they all do the same thing. So regardless of what you have, this nut  just needs to be unscrewed.  Needle nosed pliers or wrench will work for a hex nut. "Collar nuts" often have either 2 or 4 slots in the top collar that can be "persuaded" by a slotted screwdriver. Sometimes the movement itself can be unscrewed by turning counterclockwise.

Clock movements can also be held in place at the back of the case by using small screws or built in "pressure clips".  In the case of screws, then just unscrew whatever is there. With pressure clips, press both of the clips away from the movement at the same time and the movement should come free. In rare cases a double faced adhesive tape is used. Whatever method is the case, then do your best to undo whatever system may have been used to hold the clock movement in place.

Now that you have the clock movement removed from the case, get yourself a good ruler and start measuring. Replacing a battery operated movement with exactly the same model can be extremely difficult, and not necessary. Please read "First Time Clock Repair" in the Blog section of our web site.

A few careful hand shaft measurements have to be taken to determine what the best part is for you. What we need to know is the overall height of your hand shaft and the thickness of the case material that the hand shaft has to go through. Once you have these measurements you are ready to get a part number for exactly what you need.

If this is not enough help, then have all the clock parts handy, a good ruler, and give us a call at 1-888-827-2387 and input Ext.#300 for Technical Support.

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When the Clock Hands Are Free, Take ‘em…!

Most of the clock movements we offer include a FREE CHOICE of multiple sets of hour and minute hands. It's your choice,. Just tell us what you want! For some reason, some customers think the hands that they currently have in their possession are going to fit a different clock movement. Rarely happens. If it does, buy a lottery ticket that day.

There is no "standardization" of the mounting holes in clock hands. It's that simple. The mounting holes in clock hands are measured to within a few thousandths of an inch, and there are dozens of possibilities.. Put your ruler away.  Unless you have good calipers or a micrometer, you are not going measure the mounting holes in clock hands. We primarily use the American "I" shaft system, but it is only popular here, and only some imported movements use it. Almost  all of our movements use the "I" shaft. The best feature of the American "I" shaft is that it uses a small round nut to lock the minute hand in place. It's very secure.

In all of our categories of clock hands, at the top of the first page on the web site, we  show an excellent profile drawing of the actual mounting hole sizes for the clock hands listed in that section. We also are sure to link every clock movement we sell with the clock hands that can be used with that movement. Just go to any movement page and click on "clock hands" at the bottom of the movement page to see our selection..

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Pendulum Movements

Choosing and installing a pendulum movement requires a couple of simple, extra measurements. You need to measure the hand shaft as you normally would. (Link to First Time Clock Repair) you also need to measure the pendulum length by installing the pendulum on the movement, then measuring from the bottom of the pendulum to the center of the clock face. Also note the diameter of the pendulum bob (the round disc). Please see the drawing below:

If you are replacing an old mechanical movement with a modern battery operated quartz pendulum movement, please remember that the pendulums for mechanical movements are usually too heavy to be operated by a modern battery operated quartz movement. As long as your pendulum measures 16" or less, our adjustable pendulums will work on your clock. All you have to do is choose what size pendulum bob (the disc at the bottom of a pendulum) you would like. They are available in 2-1/8", 2-3/4" or 3-1/2" diameters. You choose what’s best for you!

If you have pendulum that you want to use, and it weighs more than 2-1/2 ounces, then you should consider the following pendulum drive units:

https://buysluxurywatchesformen.blogspot.com/clock-part/pd200-heavy-duty-pendulum-drive/

Or

https://buysluxurywatchesformen.blogspot.com/clock-part/heavy-duty-pendulum-drive/

As always, your choice of pendulum movements also includes your choice of over 50 styles of clock hands in gold or black. Just pick what you would like.

We stock two lines of time only pendulum movements. Our American made AA battery powered line:

https://buysluxurywatchesformen.blogspot.com/clock-part/mini-quartz-pendulum-movements/

And our C cell powered line of pendulum movements:

https://buysluxurywatchesformen.blogspot.com/clock-part/standard-size-quartz-pendulum-movements/

Both lines of pendulum movements can be used for a variety of applications. The "C" cell versions can operate clock hands up to 6" long and offer longer battery life. The AA battery versions operate hands less than 5" and offer compact size and lower price. Both come with a choice of pendulums and clock hands.

There's also a wide variety of chiming movements. Please see: Choosing a Chime Movement. Some movements chime every 15 minutes, some on the hour and half hour, and some just on the hour only. There are also a wide variety of shaft lengths and different models to choose from:

https://buysluxurywatchesformen.blogspot.com/clock-parts/chiming-clock-movements/

On some of our more expensive chime movements, they may only be available in a longer shaft. This is normally not a problem as if the hand shaft is to long, it can normally be "shimmed" back in your case, pulling the hand shaft back, by using some washers over the shaft before installation. Standard fender washers from your local hardware store work very well.

Come to hous.com for the best selection of pendulum movements.

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Clock Making As A Hobby

Clock making changed dramatically with the invention of the quartz movement over 4 decades ago. Before that, battery operated movements were not as reliable, and some models actually had to be properly balanced just to operate.

Now, quartz movements use a slice of a cultured quartz crystal bar, which is very accurately angle cut, and when electrified, resonates, causing the electrical circuit around it to produce a specific frequency output. Imagine a tuning fork that can run essentially forever (or at least until you need to change the batteries). , The accuracy and stability of quartz crystals is nothing short of amazing. This makes it easy to have clock movements that are accurate to within a couple of minutes a year. Another advantage to the new quartz movements is that they do not have to be leveled, and can operate in almost any position. The only exception is quartz movements with a pendulum function. By the way, pendulums on quartz movements have nothing to do with time-keeping, they are just there to add an authentic touch.

Since you can make a clock out of virtually anything-Why not give it a try!

You can use:

• CD's
• Tennis Rackets
• Old Vinyl Records
• Metal Boxes
• Plates
• Wood Slabs
• Cast Iron Pans
• Computer Circuit Boards
• Marquetry
• Signs
• Decorated Foam Core Boards
• Books
• Paintings & Drawings
• Photos
• Needlepoint & Quilts
• Nautical Steering Wheels
• Propellers
• Hub Caps
• Slate
• Tiles
• Stained Glass
• Mirrors

The list is almost endless. All you have to do is pick something that is 3/4" thick or less and you are ready to make your own custom clock design. The material thickness will determine the hand shaft length you will need, and we have a lot to choose from. Try clock making and let us help you make it easy!

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Large Clocks

If you want to make or repair large clocks, then hous.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:

https://buysluxurywatchesformen.blogspot.com/clock-parts/clock-hands-for-i-shaft-high-torque-movements/

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 movements on the surface of a wall, we have surface mounting cups for both AA and C Cell powered high torque movements:

https://buysluxurywatchesformen.blogspot.com/clock-part/2-piece-mounting-cup/

https://buysluxurywatchesformen.blogspot.com/clock-part/2-piece-mounting-cup-for-c-cell-high-torque-movements/

We also have self-adhesive 4”stick on numbers, in both Roman and Arabic (regular) that are designed for a lot any smooth surface:

https://buysluxurywatchesformen.blogspot.com/clock-part/4-black-vinyl-numbers/

Another tip for numbers for large clocks are “house numbers” you can buy at major hardware stores.

Our high torque movements are not designed for exterior use. They may be used outdoors when not directly exposed to the elements (under a roof or awning) but will operate irregularly when temperatures reach 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

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Choosing a Chime Movement

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.

hous.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 hous.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 pendulum Movements do not need a pendulum to keep accurate time.

See our Chiming Movements and Specialty Movements you see our wide selection for yourself. Let us know what we can do to make clock making easier for you.

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KHS TACTICAL Watches MISSIONTIMER 3 H3 OCEAN

By TLex Introducing KHS Tactical Watches. The company have a plethora of tactical watches most of which are suitable for diving.



Shown here is the new Missiontimer 3 Automatic H3 Ocean. Its 45.5mm x 12.5mm Stainless steel case is finished with a black IP coating. It has a water-resistance of 200m and houses a Swiss Made ETA 2824-2 automatic movement.



Further features include a divers bezel and a Sapphire crystal. The dial illumination consists of H3 Trigalights� tubes in blue chosen specifically for this the 'divers' model. Its price is 849�.



Below is the new Missiontimer 3 Chronograph H3 Ocean. It shares the same basic case and features as the Auto, but is powered by a Swiss Quartz caliber. Its price is 579�.



To be honest I have only just recently discovered the brand this year, so know little about them. But their website looks very professional and the watches look good if not a little typically 'tactical-like' Luminox, Traser etc.

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BREITLING Diver BLUEs

All BLUE, the Superocean Heritage Chronograph 46 . . .



True BLUE, the Chronomat 44 . . .



Code BLUE, the Superocean Chronograph II . . .



A hint of BLUE, the Superocean 44 . . .



Into the BLUE, the Superocean 42 . . .

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STEINHART Ocean TWO

By TLex Introducing the all new Ocean Two from Steinhart - developed by them over the course of several years.



It is a watch that is made up many fine details both sporty and elegant. Far less derivative than it predecessor and a whole lot more evolved. I must admit I really like it!



The new Ocean Two comes in 3 different color versions: Ocean Two Orange, White and Yellow each with their own distinct look.



The partly polished, partly satin finished 43mm x 13mm case has been constructed from high-grade Stainless steel. It features:



a screwed and engraved caseback and crown, a domed Sapphire crystal with double anti-reflecting coating on its inside, a 120-click unidirectional rotational divers bezel and a water-resistance of 300m / 990feet / 30atm.



The crown is color coded to match. The bezel is with a Sapphire crystal inlay with SuperLuminova markers. Both the crown and bezel have polished knurled edges. The bezel with 6 additional scoops.



The dial is made up of multiple parts. The hands, applied markers and date surround have been polished. The markers are applied with BGW9 SuperLuminova.



The watches are powered by an ETA 2824-2 Swiss Made, automatic movements 25 jewels and hacking seconds.



However they will also be available with Soprod A10 movements with exhibition casebacks sometime this year as a further option!

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EXT�tico JUNTOR Al 7075 BLUE

By TLex This pretty blue bezel belongs to the EXT�tico Juntor.



Its case will be constructed from Aluminum 7075, a specialized material used for high-end bike to missile cases.



The bezel has been anodized blue, but theoretically any number of colors could be used.



The Juntor will be offered in a number of different case finishes and materials.



You can read about them HERE. The BRONZE version looks amazing!



See live images of EXT�tico DIVER N�1 #7, read about the new REGULADOR or follow the embedded link below to discover EXT�tico's full collection of dive watches . . .

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TEMPEST Viking V2.0 PROTOTYPE

� OceanicTime

Stay tuned for full details coming very soon . . .

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BLANCPAIN Fifty Fathoms Chronographe Flyback Quanti�me COMPLET

By TLex When THIS was released in March 2010, I have to admit I found it a little busy � however on reflection and 3 years on I might add (and after seeing the video) I�m all over this watch. This particular model of the Fifty Fathoms collection houses a complicated 448-part movement.



It has been fitted with a host of wonderful Blancpain movement innovations. The moon phase complete calendar mechanism is based on the caliber F185 movement and it offers the capability of �risk-free� setting of any indication regardless of the time of day or night. Beautifully brilliant!

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UHREN von UHR UHR442

By TLex Something cheap 'n' cheerful! The not too imaginatively named (new) UHR-442 from UHR von Uhren boasts: a generous 46mm Stainless steel case, a Sapphire crystal and a Swiss made automatic mechanical movement. It costs just 349euro.



Further features include: a unidirectional rotational divers bezel, 200m / 20amt of water-resistance and a screwdown crown and caseback. The watch is powered by the (not so) ubiquitous Swiss made ETA-2824 automatic mechanical movement.



The black dial is with luminescent hands and markers. There is no text or branding on the dial other than the word 'Automatic'. Dimensions include: 46mm diameter x 14mm thick x 53.5mm lug-lug. The overall weight of the watch is 231g.



The watch comes on a Stainless steel bracelet with a divers 'UHR' signed deployment clasp. Not a bad looking watch really, a little boring if I'm honest, but at a fair price. Was it expecting too much that the bezel be aligned properly, though!



More info. HERE . . .

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ARMIDA A5 1000m NEW

By TLex Let's get all the references about circular saw blades and Ninja shurikens out the way with! Armida have released a new version of their A5 Diver. The main case is the same as the previous version, so that's 44mm x 17mm with a lug-lug of 53mm, a lug width of 22mm and a water-resistance as per its name.



The case is fitted with: an HEV, a screwdown crown and caseback and a 3.5mm double domed Sapphire crystal with AR-coating on its inside. Under the hood of the new A5 1000m is a Swiss made ETA 2824-2 with 25 jewels and a power-reserve of 40hrs. The dial has new hands and markers. Swiss C3 lume has been used for them and the 12hr bezel marker.



The watch comes on a 22mm steel bracelet plus an additional rubber divers strap. Price is 699USD inc. international shipping.



Whilst the new bezel design is a little polarizing - it might be an acquired taste; it does offer something new and interesting for those who want just that! Follow the link HERE for more details . . .

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