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# The Difference Between Time-Only and Time-Strike Movements

### What’s the Difference Between a Time-Only and a Time-Strike Movements?

So, if you’re restoring a clock or building one from scratch, you’ll eventually need to choose the correct movement. Specifically, there are two common options available, **time-only** and **time-and-strike** movements. While they may appear similar at a glance, the internal function and external features differ significantly. Ultimately, understanding these differences can help you make the right purchase for your project.


[![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/9/5/9/1/9591a3f915bf7800/time-only-mechanical-kit_10kvqqt.jpg =461xauto)](https://www.clockworks.com/product/time-only-mechanical-clock-kit)
###                                                     Click on the picture to shop Time-Only Mechanical Clock Movement Kit on Clockworks.com





[![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/9/5/9/1/9591a3f915bf7800/ansonia-replica_xwlw2.jpg =282xauto)](https://www.clockworks.com/product/ansonia-clock-movement-replica)
###                                               Click on the picture to shop Ansonia Clock Movement Replicas on Clockworks.com


### What is a Time-Only Clock Movement?
To begin with, a [**time-only movement**](https://www.clockworks.com/product/time-only-mechanical-clock-kit) is the most straightforward type of [mechanical movement](https://www.clockworks.com/product-category/clock-movements/mechanical-movements). So, as the name implies, it only keeps time. Thus, meaning it drives the hour and minute [hands](https://www.clockworks.com/product-category/all-clock-parts/clock-hands/mechanical-clock-hands) but does not chime or strike.
#### Now, Let’s Explore The Features of Time-Only Movements:
* **Two gear trains**: One for the escapement and one for the hands.
* **No chime or bell function**.
* **Silent operation**—ideal for bedrooms, libraries, or offices.
* **Simpler design** and **longer runtime**, often 8-day or 31-day.
#### Next, The Best Uses:
* [Antique](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-movement/antique-clock-movement-replica.html)-style [Wall/Mantel](https://www.clockworks.com/product-category/clock-movements/mechanical-movements/mechanical-clock-kits/wall-or-mantle-clock-kits) clocks.
* Office clocks where chimes might be disruptive.
* DIY clock builders who want a clean, quiet mechanism.
### What is a Time-and-Strike Clock Movement?
Now, a [**time-and-strike movement**](https://www.clockworks.com/product/ansonia-clock-movement-replica) not only tells time but also strikes a bell or gong to mark the hour—and sometimes the half-hour.
#### Of note, The Key Features of Time-and-Strike Movements:
* **Three gear trains**: Timekeeping, striking, and motion works.
* **Audible strike**: Usually a gong, bell, or rod.
* **Hour count**: Strikes correspond to the number of hours (e.g., 3 strikes at 3 o’clock).
* **Optional half-hour strike**: A single chime at the 30-minute mark.
#### Now, the Best Uses:
* [Grandfather clocks](https://www.clockworks.com/product-category/clock-movements/mechanical-movements/mechanical-clock-kits/grandfather-clock-kits) and [Wall/Mantel clocks](https://www.clockworks.com/product-category/clock-movements/mechanical-movements/mechanical-clock-kits/wall-or-mantle-clock-kits)
* Restorations of vintage clocks that originally struck the hour.
* Collectors who want both function and tradition.
### Visual Comparison of Movements:
To help clarify, here’s a basic side-by-side diagram-style breakdown:
| Feature | Time-Only Movement | Time-and-Strike Movement |
| ---- |
| Tells Time | Yes | Yes |
| Strikes Hour or Half-Hour | No | Yes |
| Number of Gear Trains | 2 | 3 |
| Noise Level | Silent | Audible Strike |
| Complexity | Simple | More Complex |
| Best for Quiet Settings | Yes | No |
| Requires Bell or Gong | No | Yes |
### How to Choose the Right Movement
So, when selecting a clock movement, ask yourself the following:
* **Do I want sound?**
If no, go with time-only. If yes, then consider time-and-strike or [triple-chime](https://www.clockworks.com/product/triple-chime-grandfather-clock-kit).
* **Am I repairing a clock or building one?**
Now if you are replacing a movement in a striking clock, you’ll need time-and-strike to match the original function.
* **Do I have space for a chime rod or bell?**
Naturally, strike mechanisms require room for hammers and chimes.
* **Am I okay with winding more parts?**
Of course, time-and-strike movements usually require winding of two mainsprings: one for time and one for strike.
#### Additionally, There are Tools You May Need:
* [Clock hand puller](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-hand-puller-tool)
* [Mainspring winders](https://www.clockworks.com/product/webster-clock-mainspring-winder-unwinder)
* [Bushings](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-bushing-assortment)
* [Oil](https://www.clockworks.com/product/high-grade-nye-clock-oil) and [cleaning solutions](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-cleaning-solution-formula-67-one-gallon)
Of course, you can find these in our [clock tools section](https://www.clockworks.com/product-category/all-products/clock-tools/page/2).

[![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/9/5/9/1/9591a3f915bf7800/clock-tools_1afs0xs.jpg =693xauto)](https://www.clockworks.com/product-category/all-products/clock-tools/page/3)
###                                                              Click on the picture to shop Clock Repair Tools on Clockworks.com


### Troubleshooting Tips
**Q: My time-and-strike clock only strikes once no matter what hour it is.**
A: Ultimately, this typically indicates the rack and snail mechanism is not resetting correctly. So you may need to manually realign the rack.
**Q: My time-only clock runs fast or slow.**
A: Simply adjust the [pendulum bob](https://www.clockworks.com/product-category/all-clock-parts/clock-pendulums/clock-pendulum-parts) up or down. Therefore, raising it speeds up the clock; lowering it slows it down.
### In Summary: Time-Only vs. Time-and-Strike
| Question | Time-Only | Time-and-Strike |
| ---- |
| Want quiet operation? | Yes | No |
| Need chimes or bells? | No | Yes |
| Replacing a chime clock movement? | No | Yes |
| Building a new, simple clock? | Yes | No (unless striking is desired) |
So whether you’re restoring a family heirloom or building a new piece, knowing the difference between these movement types will ensure your clock works—and sounds—just right.
In addition, for more guidance or to speak with a technician, visit [**www.clockworks.com**](https://www.clockworks.com/) or email us at [**clockworks@clockworks.com](mailto:clockworks@clockworks.com).**