How to remove a Quartz Clock Movement
Knowledge Base
About Quartz Clock Movements Tabs
Quartz Battery Clock Movement - Replace or build clocks with the compact single AA battery quartz clock movement - Clockworks
Quartz MovementsQuartz removalQuartz installationWhat to measureMeasuring post lengthsDefinitions
Please view these informational tabs to learn about time only quartz clock movements.
This note explains quartz clock movement removal from the case. The following does not apply to quartz units made in Germany or inserts. To remove the movement you will need access to the back of the clock and the front side of the clock dial. There are so many case designs it would not be possible to cover all of the different variations. The clock case went to together so it comes apart. It may take a bit of probing but there is always a way to take it apart because it went together.
There are many case designs and styles and there is no way for us to know how your specific clock went together. Most of the time the removal process is very easy but of course there are some instances where it is not user friendly. Thus, it is on the users end to be able to access the dial and movement area to continue with the swap out.
Quartz clock movement removal always needs the hands to come off first. There are two reasons for this. First, you need to have access to the hardware that mounts the movement. Second, there is no way to take get the movement out of the clock if the hands are still on it. They certainly will not fit through the hole in the clock.
Quartz clock movements have two styles of minute hands. One style has a nut that holds it in place and the other style is a friction fit. The friction fit has no nut and just pulls off with a twist and pull. The second style has a minute hand nut to secure the minute hand. Removal is done by turning the nut to the left with needle nose pliers. Once the nut is loose it only requires fingers to unscrew it.
In a Quartz clock Movement removal task, the hour hand is only a friction fit. Thus, the hour tube tapers down on the movement, meaning it is wider on the low end of it. This makes the hour hand friction fit only. Just twist the hand and pull it toward you until it comes off.
The second hand pulls straight up and off if the clock has one.
The content of this website is copyright by Clockworks and written by James Stoudenmire in year 2020
In essence, this is a quick step by step practical guide for the quartz clock movement installation. The first step is to get the old unit out of the way. Of course, this is done by removing the hands from the clock.
Then remove the hex nut that is on the post where the hands were. In essence, the movement will fall out the back of the clock dial. On occasion, the movement will have glue holding it in place. So, if this is the case, very gently pry the movement off of the back of the clock with a screwdriver. Now it is out of the way and installation of the new quartz clock movement bought from Clockworks can be done. Likewise, Quartz clock movement installation is usually very easy. Altogether, these are the assembly instructions for the time only quartz clock movement into the clock case.
1. Place the steel hanger over the threaded post (optional)
2. Place black rubber washer on the post next (optional)
3. Start mounting the movement by putting the post through the dial
4. Then on the front of the dial, slide the brass washer onto the post of the movement.
5. Put the hex nut on post and tighten so it holds the movement to the back of the clock face.
6. Push hour hand on the post by friction fit
7. Put the minute hand on the post
8. If using a second screw the doughnut on to hold the minute hand in place. Then install the second hand now by friction fit. The post just sticks onto the pin at the end of the post.
9. If not using a second hand just secure the minute hand with the pretty cap nut.
Naturally, this applies to all battery operated clock movements available on Clockworks. For example, chiming quartz, time only, and high torque. Of course, the exception to this would be clock inserts.
The content of this website is copyright by Clockworks and written by James Stoudenmire in year 2020
Please select the post length when ordering a new quartz clock movement. Of course, when doing quartz clock movement measuring, remember the post will need to be able to go through the thickness of the dial face. Also remember that the dial may or may not have a wood backing to it. With a wood backing the clock dial or face would be thicker and thus would need a longer post. Clockworks offers multiple post lengths on quartz clock movements for this reason. In other words, the post has to be long enough to go through whatever thickness we are calling the dial.
Clockworks offers multiple post lengths for quartz movements. When completing a quartz clock movement measurement, you will need to measure the post on the old movement. This is so it can match up with the new quartz movement. To clarify, the post is the part that goes through the dial (face) and mounts from the front and what is in a quartz clock movement measurement. This applies to all Clockworks quartz movements, including chiming quartz, and time only quartz movements.
When working on a quartz clock movement measurement the post has to be long enough to go through whatever thickness that the clock face/dial, might be. The length of the threaded portion of the post/shaft, is the measurement needed. The threaded shaft needs to go through the dial/face of the clock from the back to the front. It needs to be long enough for a small hex nut to screw onto it. It can’t be too long or the hands will not move correctly. Clockworks has a variety of quartz clock movement lengths to accommodate a variety of different materials since some are wood and some are metal and some are plastic, etc.
The content of this website is copyright by Clockworks and written by James Stoudenmire in year 2020
Above all, when replacing a quartz movement it means measuring quartz post lengths. Subsequently, the post will stick out through the front of the clock dial. Of course, there needs to be enough threads sticking out for the hex nut to be put on. Hence, the movement will be held in place to the back of the dial (clock face) and will not move. Sometimes if the clock has glass over the face it is possible for the post to hit it. Therefore it is important to measure the quartz post length correctly. In other words, if the post hits the glass, the hands will not be able to move. Thus making the clock not work.
With that being said, find the correct quartz post length by using the chart below. So remember, the threads on the post need to be at least 2/16 longer than the thickness of the clock dial. To clarify, a clock dial is the face (also called the thing with the numbers on it). As always, email us if there is any question.
If replacing a movement and not building a clock, it is easier to measure the quartz post length of the old movement. Before measuring, remove the movement first by taking off the hands and then the hex nut. Next, measure the length of the post that has the threads that the hex nut was on. In short, only measure the fat part of the hand shaft that we call a post. Also, never include the part that the hands go on when you measure the post length. All in all, the new unit needs to be the same post length as the old movement. Overall, this applies to all quartz clock movements available on Clockworks such as chiming quartz and time only quartz.
1/16 inch thick
3/16 inch thick
5/16 inch thick
9/16 inch thick
3/4 inch thick
3/16"
5/16"
7/16"
11/16"
15/16"
The content of this website is copyright by Clockworks and written by James Stoudenmire in year 2020
Of course, you can easily replace a movement by familiarizing yourself with these simple terms and words. These Quartz clock movement definitions are the most common phrases and meanings related to the[](/clock-movement/chiming-pendulum-quartz-clock-movements.html> quartz clock movements.</a></p></div></div><div class=)
[
](/clock-movement/chiming-pendulum-quartz-clock-movements.html> quartz clock movements.</a></p></div></div><div class=)
The [clock face](/clock-parts/clock-dials.html) that the battery movement post will go through is a dial. This is the face of the clock with the numbers on it. Dials are available in two styles, Arabic (regular) numbers, or Roman (XII for 12) numbers. [](/clock-parts/clock-dials.html)Dials also come in many shapes and sizes. Larger dials may require a High Torque clock movement instead of a Low Torque unit. A High Torque unit is mandatory when the dial is over 10 inches wide. This is measurement is from outside the 9 directly across the face to outside the numeral 3. This is the time track diameter.
The post is the part that has the threads that mount the movement to the back of the dial with a hex nut on the front. They all come 5/16 wide, except for the QU22 unit. The QU22 has a 7/16 wide post, unlike the rest of the quartz units. The lengths are variable and are chosen upon ordering the clock movement.
A six sided nut, this is the nut that attaches to the post threads that go through the dial from the back to the front. It secures the movement to the back of the clock dial. This should be tightened enough so the movement will not turn if the clock case gets moved.
Included, but optional in use, is the steel part that allows the clock to hang on the wall. This slips over the post with the threads before the movement mounts to the back of the dial. Therefore you would have the hanger at the top of the movement and will allow it to be hung on the wall. Usually made of steel, they are sometimes aluminum. All of the time only quartz clock movements will come with this hanger, but not all of the pendulum units.
Sometimes called pointers, needles, arms or hands, these are the things that point to the time. In short, the hour and minute indicators that tell you what time it is. Therefore, to order the clock hands, measure the length of the minute hand. Measure from the center of the mounting hole to the end of the minute hand. Similarly, the hour hand is proportionally smaller and comes with the minute hand as a set. Moreover, the minute hands we sell for the quartz units have an oblong mounting hole and the hour hand has a round hole. This is known as the American standard "I" shaft style. Comparatively, China uses a different style. Their style has a round mounting hole in both the hour and the minute hand. All of our American style quartz clock hands fit all the quartz clock movements we sell. They are the standard "I" shaft as described.
The optional skinny pointer that ticks out the seconds. The mount on the quartz second hands are just a press and friction fit. There is a post that sticks out of the backside to mount it. This tube fits over a pin that is inside of the quartz clock movement hand shaft post. Thus, the second hand post fits down into the end of the hand shaft and mounts via friction fit. There are two styles of time only quartz clock movements, step motion and continuous sweep motion. So the step unit will run this second hand in a jumpy one second interval. Then the continuous sweep movement runs the second hand in a fine, constant scrolling sweep motion around the dial instead.
The content of this website is copyright by Clockworks and written by James Stoudenmire in year 2020
Last Updated: 2 months ago in
About Quartz Clock Movements Tabs
Article sections
Quartz Battery Clock Movement - Replace or build clocks with the compact single AA battery quartz clock movement - Clockworks
Quartz MovementsQuartz removalQuartz installationWhat to measureMeasuring post lengthsDefinitions
Please view these informational tabs to learn about time only quartz clock movements.
Quartz Clock Movement Removal
This note explains quartz clock movement removal from the case. The following does not apply to quartz units made in Germany or inserts. To remove the movement you will need access to the back of the clock and the front side of the clock dial. There are so many case designs it would not be possible to cover all of the different variations. The clock case went to together so it comes apart. It may take a bit of probing but there is always a way to take it apart because it went together.
Getting access to the dial area
There are many case designs and styles and there is no way for us to know how your specific clock went together. Most of the time the removal process is very easy but of course there are some instances where it is not user friendly. Thus, it is on the users end to be able to access the dial and movement area to continue with the swap out.
Clock hand removal
Quartz clock movement removal always needs the hands to come off first. There are two reasons for this. First, you need to have access to the hardware that mounts the movement. Second, there is no way to take get the movement out of the clock if the hands are still on it. They certainly will not fit through the hole in the clock.
Quartz Clock Movement Removal - Minute hand
Quartz clock movements have two styles of minute hands. One style has a nut that holds it in place and the other style is a friction fit. The friction fit has no nut and just pulls off with a twist and pull. The second style has a minute hand nut to secure the minute hand. Removal is done by turning the nut to the left with needle nose pliers. Once the nut is loose it only requires fingers to unscrew it.
Hour hand
In a Quartz clock Movement removal task, the hour hand is only a friction fit. Thus, the hour tube tapers down on the movement, meaning it is wider on the low end of it. This makes the hour hand friction fit only. Just twist the hand and pull it toward you until it comes off.
Second hand
The second hand pulls straight up and off if the clock has one.
The content of this website is copyright by Clockworks and written by James Stoudenmire in year 2020
Quartz clock movement installation
In essence, this is a quick step by step practical guide for the quartz clock movement installation. The first step is to get the old unit out of the way. Of course, this is done by removing the hands from the clock.
Then remove the hex nut that is on the post where the hands were. In essence, the movement will fall out the back of the clock dial. On occasion, the movement will have glue holding it in place. So, if this is the case, very gently pry the movement off of the back of the clock with a screwdriver. Now it is out of the way and installation of the new quartz clock movement bought from Clockworks can be done. Likewise, Quartz clock movement installation is usually very easy. Altogether, these are the assembly instructions for the time only quartz clock movement into the clock case.
Sequential order of installation
1. Place the steel hanger over the threaded post (optional)
2. Place black rubber washer on the post next (optional)
3. Start mounting the movement by putting the post through the dial
4. Then on the front of the dial, slide the brass washer onto the post of the movement.
5. Put the hex nut on post and tighten so it holds the movement to the back of the clock face.
6. Push hour hand on the post by friction fit
7. Put the minute hand on the post
8. If using a second screw the doughnut on to hold the minute hand in place. Then install the second hand now by friction fit. The post just sticks onto the pin at the end of the post.
9. If not using a second hand just secure the minute hand with the pretty cap nut.
The movement installation is now complete
Naturally, this applies to all battery operated clock movements available on Clockworks. For example, chiming quartz, time only, and high torque. Of course, the exception to this would be clock inserts.
The content of this website is copyright by Clockworks and written by James Stoudenmire in year 2020
Quartz clock movement measuring
Please select the post length when ordering a new quartz clock movement. Of course, when doing quartz clock movement measuring, remember the post will need to be able to go through the thickness of the dial face. Also remember that the dial may or may not have a wood backing to it. With a wood backing the clock dial or face would be thicker and thus would need a longer post. Clockworks offers multiple post lengths on quartz clock movements for this reason. In other words, the post has to be long enough to go through whatever thickness we are calling the dial.
What to measure
Clockworks offers multiple post lengths for quartz movements. When completing a quartz clock movement measurement, you will need to measure the post on the old movement. This is so it can match up with the new quartz movement. To clarify, the post is the part that goes through the dial (face) and mounts from the front and what is in a quartz clock movement measurement. This applies to all Clockworks quartz movements, including chiming quartz, and time only quartz movements.
Length depends on dial thickness
When working on a quartz clock movement measurement the post has to be long enough to go through whatever thickness that the clock face/dial, might be. The length of the threaded portion of the post/shaft, is the measurement needed. The threaded shaft needs to go through the dial/face of the clock from the back to the front. It needs to be long enough for a small hex nut to screw onto it. It can’t be too long or the hands will not move correctly. Clockworks has a variety of quartz clock movement lengths to accommodate a variety of different materials since some are wood and some are metal and some are plastic, etc.
The content of this website is copyright by Clockworks and written by James Stoudenmire in year 2020
Measuring quartz post lengths
Above all, when replacing a quartz movement it means measuring quartz post lengths. Subsequently, the post will stick out through the front of the clock dial. Of course, there needs to be enough threads sticking out for the hex nut to be put on. Hence, the movement will be held in place to the back of the dial (clock face) and will not move. Sometimes if the clock has glass over the face it is possible for the post to hit it. Therefore it is important to measure the quartz post length correctly. In other words, if the post hits the glass, the hands will not be able to move. Thus making the clock not work.
Use the chart if building a clock
With that being said, find the correct quartz post length by using the chart below. So remember, the threads on the post need to be at least 2/16 longer than the thickness of the clock dial. To clarify, a clock dial is the face (also called the thing with the numbers on it). As always, email us if there is any question.
Measuring quartz post lengths if replacing a clock
If replacing a movement and not building a clock, it is easier to measure the quartz post length of the old movement. Before measuring, remove the movement first by taking off the hands and then the hex nut. Next, measure the length of the post that has the threads that the hex nut was on. In short, only measure the fat part of the hand shaft that we call a post. Also, never include the part that the hands go on when you measure the post length. All in all, the new unit needs to be the same post length as the old movement. Overall, this applies to all quartz clock movements available on Clockworks such as chiming quartz and time only quartz.
Dial Thickness
1/16 inch thick
3/16 inch thick
5/16 inch thick
9/16 inch thick
3/4 inch thick
Size Post Needed
3/16"
5/16"
7/16"
11/16"
15/16"
The content of this website is copyright by Clockworks and written by James Stoudenmire in year 2020
Quartz-Battery Clock Movement Definitions
Of course, you can easily replace a movement by familiarizing yourself with these simple terms and words. These Quartz clock movement definitions are the most common phrases and meanings related to the[](/clock-movement/chiming-pendulum-quartz-clock-movements.html> quartz clock movements.</a></p></div></div><div class=)
[
Dial =
](/clock-movement/chiming-pendulum-quartz-clock-movements.html> quartz clock movements.</a></p></div></div><div class=)
The [clock face](/clock-parts/clock-dials.html) that the battery movement post will go through is a dial. This is the face of the clock with the numbers on it. Dials are available in two styles, Arabic (regular) numbers, or Roman (XII for 12) numbers. [](/clock-parts/clock-dials.html)Dials also come in many shapes and sizes. Larger dials may require a High Torque clock movement instead of a Low Torque unit. A High Torque unit is mandatory when the dial is over 10 inches wide. This is measurement is from outside the 9 directly across the face to outside the numeral 3. This is the time track diameter.
Post =
The post is the part that has the threads that mount the movement to the back of the dial with a hex nut on the front. They all come 5/16 wide, except for the QU22 unit. The QU22 has a 7/16 wide post, unlike the rest of the quartz units. The lengths are variable and are chosen upon ordering the clock movement.
Hex Nut =
A six sided nut, this is the nut that attaches to the post threads that go through the dial from the back to the front. It secures the movement to the back of the clock dial. This should be tightened enough so the movement will not turn if the clock case gets moved.
Hanger =
Included, but optional in use, is the steel part that allows the clock to hang on the wall. This slips over the post with the threads before the movement mounts to the back of the dial. Therefore you would have the hanger at the top of the movement and will allow it to be hung on the wall. Usually made of steel, they are sometimes aluminum. All of the time only quartz clock movements will come with this hanger, but not all of the pendulum units.
Quartz Clock Movement Definitions - Hands
Sometimes called pointers, needles, arms or hands, these are the things that point to the time. In short, the hour and minute indicators that tell you what time it is. Therefore, to order the clock hands, measure the length of the minute hand. Measure from the center of the mounting hole to the end of the minute hand. Similarly, the hour hand is proportionally smaller and comes with the minute hand as a set. Moreover, the minute hands we sell for the quartz units have an oblong mounting hole and the hour hand has a round hole. This is known as the American standard "I" shaft style. Comparatively, China uses a different style. Their style has a round mounting hole in both the hour and the minute hand. All of our American style quartz clock hands fit all the quartz clock movements we sell. They are the standard "I" shaft as described.
Quartz Clock Movement Definitions - Second Hands
The optional skinny pointer that ticks out the seconds. The mount on the quartz second hands are just a press and friction fit. There is a post that sticks out of the backside to mount it. This tube fits over a pin that is inside of the quartz clock movement hand shaft post. Thus, the second hand post fits down into the end of the hand shaft and mounts via friction fit. There are two styles of time only quartz clock movements, step motion and continuous sweep motion. So the step unit will run this second hand in a jumpy one second interval. Then the continuous sweep movement runs the second hand in a fine, constant scrolling sweep motion around the dial instead.
The content of this website is copyright by Clockworks and written by James Stoudenmire in year 2020
Last Updated: 2 months ago in
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