Clock Movements Used by Sligh

Sligh clocks have long captivated enthusiasts with their timeless beauty and precision. As a manufacturer of high-end grandfather clocks, Sligh chose top-quality movements to maintain the accuracy and charm of their timepieces. Therefore, understanding these movements is crucial if you're looking to repair or restore a Sligh clock. In this article, we’ll explore the most common clock movements used by Sligh, along with a brief description of each, to help you better understand their features and importance.

Understanding Clock Movements

Clock movements, also known as clock motors, are the mechanisms that drive a clock’s timekeeping functions. As a result, they are the most essential part of any timepiece. Sligh used movements from several renowned manufacturers, all of which are known for their quality and craftsmanship. Below, we have outlined the most common clock movements Sligh used, as well as a brief description of each.

List of Clock Movements Used by Sligh

Hermle Movements

Description: Hermle, a leading German clock movement manufacturer, has been producing high-quality mechanical clock movements since 1922. Many luxury clock brands, including Sligh, rely on Hermle movements because of their precision and reliability.

Features: Hermle movements offer precision, durability, and reliability. You’ll often find them in various clocks, such as grandfather clocks, wall/mantle clocks.

Types: Hermle provides a range of movements, including time-only, time and strike, and time, strike, and chime configurations. Consequently, they offer versatility for different clock types.

Common Models: Models like the Hermle 451-050 and 1161-853 frequently appear in Sligh clocks.
Kieninger Movements

Description: Kieninger, founded in 1912, is another prominent German clock movement maker, known for its intricate and well-crafted movements. In fact, high-quality clocks often depend on Kieninger products for their superior performance.

Features: Kieninger movements ensure smooth operation and often work best with clocks featuring longer pendulums, such as grandfather clocks. They deliver accurate timekeeping over long periods, making them a reliable choice for Sligh clocks.

Types: Kieninger offers both spring-driven and weight-driven movements, making them versatile for different clock designs.

Common Models: Popular models include the Kieninger HTU and RWS13.
Seth Thomas Movements

Description: Seth Thomas, a historic American clockmaker, has been producing clock movements since the early 19th century. Especially during the mid-20th century, their movements gained popularity for their robust design and timeless functionality.

Features: Seth Thomas movements provide classic American design and exceptional durability, which makes them suitable for both antique and modern clocks. As a result, their simplicity and reliability make them a sought-after choice.

Types: Seth Thomas offers both mechanical and quartz movements, and you’ll commonly find them in older Sligh clocks.

Common Models: The A300-000 and ST-124 are common Seth Thomas models in Sligh clocks.
Urgos Movements

Description: Urgos, a German clock movement manufacturer established in 1920, is well-known for its high-quality chiming clock movements. Many collectors and clock enthusiasts appreciate Urgos for its superior craftsmanship.

Features: Urgos movements excel at producing rich and resonant chimes, which makes them perfect for high-end grandfather clocks. Sligh frequently used Urgos movements to add intricate chiming sequences to their clocks.

Types: Urgos movements typically operate with weight-driven mechanisms, allowing them to play traditional melodies like Westminster, Whittington, and St. Michael’s chimes.

Common Models: The UW03083 is an example of Urgos movements commonly found in Sligh clocks.
Quartz Movements

Description: Quartz movements, unlike mechanical ones, rely on batteries to function. These movements became popular in the late 20th century due to their accuracy and minimal maintenance requirements. Sligh used quartz movements in many modern clocks because of these advantages.

Features: Quartz movements provide precise timekeeping with minimal maintenance. They are especially useful in modern Sligh clocks where convenience is a priority.

Types: Many quartz movements are time-only, but some also include time and chime functions, offering a convenient option for contemporary timepieces.

Common Models: The Q-1308 is a widely used quartz movement in Sligh clocks, known for its accuracy and reliability.

Why Knowing the Clock Movement Matters

Understanding the movement in your Sligh clock is essential for proper maintenance and repair. Each movement type has unique components and requires specific care. As a result, whether you're a clock enthusiast, collector, or someone restoring a family heirloom, recognizing the movement can make a significant difference when:

Ordering replacement parts: Identifying your clock’s movement ensures you order the correct parts for repairs.
Performing repairs and maintenance: Some movements need specialized tools or expertise for cleaning, oiling, and repair. By knowing your clock’s movement, you can ensure proper care.

How to Maintain and Repair Your Sligh Clock

Regular maintenance plays a key role in keeping your Sligh clock in top working condition. Cleaning and oiling the movement prevents wear and tear, ensuring the clock’s longevity. At Clockworks, we offer professional [clock cleaning](https://www.clockworks.com/product-category/clock-tools/oiling-and-cleaning), oiling, and [repair services](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-repair-service.html) to help you care for your Sligh clock.

Maintenance Tips:

Dust your clock regularly to prevent dirt buildup in the movement, as this can affect performance over time.
Oil the movement every 2 to 3 years to maintain smooth operation and avoid internal damage.
If your clock stops or runs inconsistently, don’t hesitate to seek professional servicing to identify and fix potential issues.

When to Replace a Clock Movement

Sometimes, replacing a clock movement is necessary if repairs can no longer restore it to full function. Fortunately, Clockworks stocks a wide range of movements, including many of the models listed above. Replacing the movement breathes new life into your clock and ensures accurate timekeeping for years to come.

Conclusion

Sligh clocks are cherished for their craftsmanship, and the quality of the movements they use plays a major role in their longevity and performance. Therefore, whether your Sligh clock contains a Hermle, Kieninger, Seth Thomas, Urgos, or quartz movement, knowing how to care for it will help keep your timepiece running smoothly for generations. For clock movement replacements, along with cleaning, oiling, and repair services, you can rely on the expertise of Clockworks.

For further assistance, contact us at clockworks@clockworks.com, or visit clockworks.com for more information.

Updated on: 11/12/2024