Parts of a Clock and How to Figure out What you Need

A clock is a device used to measure, keep, and indicate time. The clock is one of the oldest human inventions, meeting the need to measure intervals of time shorter than the natural units: the day, the lunar month, and the year.

Devices operating on several different principles have been used over the millennia.

A sundial shows the time by displaying the position of a shadow on a (usually) flat surface, which has markings that indicate hours.

A water clock uses a flowing liquid to measure time.

In a mechanical pendulum clock, an escapement mechanism causes a weighted pendulum to swing back and forth, driving a gear train that turns the Clock's hands.

In electromechanical clocks, an AC drives the Clock movement. All modern clocks use oscillating systems. Inside the clock case are gears driven by a motor and power source that creates the turning of the clock motor shaft and pendulum.

Terms when Building a Clock

When building a clock, it is important to be careful and precise, especially when it comes to the face of the clock.

The backside of the face is typically where the motor is mounted, which is also known as the case. It is essential that the components of the clock, like the motor, fit correctly inside the case.

For easy access and maintenance, you may want to include a door or opening in the back of the case.

If your clock has a pendulum, you will also need to consider a larger case to hold the pendulum or a hole in the bottom of the case for the pendulum to swing. Use a clock plan as a reference. Clock plans have been tested to make sure their suggested clock parts fit and work properly.

The face will have a hole drilled through the center of it to push the shaft of the motor through. The front side of the face is where you may attach and center the clock dial. Measure the thickness of your clock face and clock dial, this will give you a measurement to use in searching for the proper clock movement shaft length.

The most important thing to know when you're building a clock is the terms for clock parts. It will make your search for them a lot easier and if you understand them, you're more than likely to order what you need.

Clock Dial

A clock dial is the circular, face-like component of a clock that displays the time. Clock dials come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are typically made out of either plastic or metal. Clock dials must be properly aligned with the movement (the component that powers the clock's hands) to function accurately. This is especially the case when working with chiming movements.

Clock dials can also be square and made of other materials. A Good example of a clock dial that is not made from metal or plastic is a Cuckoo Dial that is made from wood. It has a beautiful look and functions like any other dial.

Clock dials can also have several parts to them if they are a little fancier. They may have a pan, which is usually metal that the dial rests in. The pan can work as a holder for a glass lens cover and brass or plastic bezel. The bezel is the trim that holds the glass or plastic lens in place.

The bezel dials combinations can be friction fit together or may even contain a hinge to keep everything together.

Clock Movement

In simple terms, the clock movement is what makes everything move on a clock. It operates the hands, it can control the chimes, and operate a pendulum.

Clock movements or motors are made of many moving parts and are often precisely engineered. They help keep time accurate and are commonly protected in a case. Clock movements are also known as calibers of clocks or watches.

The most common clock movements are the quartz clock movements. They are powered by a battery and use an electronic oscillator that vibrates at a precise frequency to keep time.

Clock movements come in all shapes and sizes, from small watch movements to large grandfather clock movements. There are many different types of Clock Movements, each with its own set of clock parts and accessories.

Whether you are looking to repair or restore an existing clock, or build a new one from scratch, understanding the different Clock Parts and Clock Pieces is essential.

There are several different types of clock movements from simple small quartz clock movements, to sophisticated clock movements that can automatically adjust your time, connect to your wifi, do a special record to play and more.

Pendulum vs Non-Pendulum

In the old days, A pendulum was one of the most important components of a clock. The clock mechanisms worked by using gravity to continually rotate an object in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

The motion of the pendulum acted as the "heartbeat" of the clock, regulating its tempo and ensuring that it kept time accurately. The clock movements typically used a lightweight object, such as a small weight or a tiny ball, to power the pendulum. Mechanical clocks still work that way today.

In electrical-driven clocks or battery-operated, the pendulum is now a decorative item. The new clock movements are made made to work with precision just with a battery to power them. If you like the look of the pendulum and disc or bob that sits at the end of the pendulum and your clock has room to fit a pendulum movement in, it's a great option that takes little effort to use.

Non-Pendulum clock movements are simple quartz movements that keep track of the time and can fit in fairly small spaces. These mini quartz clocks are great for basic clocks, unfortunately, there won't be an option to add a pendulum later.

Chiming Movements

Chiming movements make a beautiful sound when a clock strikes the hour. Some make sounds on the hour, some produce a melody on the quarter-hour and then count out the hours. The noise or melody can vary greatly.

When most people think of a clock, they think of the traditional grandfather clock with its Westminster chime melody. This type of clock has been around for centuries and is still popular today. The melody plays every 15 minutes with a full melody and hour count on the hour.

High Torque

There are certain cases where you might need a high torque movement.

High torque clock movements are used when operating clock hands that are over 7 inches long. These movements are perfect for woodworkers who are building large wall clocks. They will automatically adjust for the spring and fall time changes and drive large hands.

If you want to make a large wall clock, then a high torque clock movement is the perfect choice for your project.

Whether you are looking to create a stunning timepiece or simply add some unique style to your home, these movements offer the power and precision you need to make your dreams a reality. Start exploring the wide selection of high-torque clock movements available today and find the perfect one for your next project.

Clock Hands

Clock hands are the components that allow us to tell time.

The minute hand, also known as the long hand, is the hand that rotates around the clock face in small increments of time. It moves one degree for every minute it takes for the hour hand to complete a full revolution around the clock face.

The hour hand, or short hand, is slightly smaller than the minute hand and moves at a much slower pace around the clock face. This allows us to measure increments of hours instead of minutes.

Finally, the second hand is the shortest of all three hands, and it moves at an even faster pace than both of them, rotating around the clock face every second.

Together, these three hands allow us to keep track of time in ever-finer increments, making it possible for us to accomplish all kinds of everyday tasks with ease.

Measure from the center of the dial to just past center of a number on the ring of it. The length is also the radius of the time ring and the length of the minute hands. The second hands may be slightly longer or shorter depending on your preference.

It's Time to Create or Repair Your Clock

Whether you are doing a clock repair on a Seth Thomas, looking for a few repair parts, or wanting a clock kit to build your own clock there are tons of options to choose from.

Clock parts are the essential pieces that you need to build a clock. Clock movements regulate time and power the pendulum, while hands tell time.

There are many different types of clock parts available, so it's important to find the right ones for your project. Clock hands come in a variety of sizes and shapes, each designed for a specific type of clock.

Clock movements can be either pendulum or non-pendulum, and come in a variety of sizes and styles. Choose the right clock parts for your project, and you'll be sure to end up with a beautiful, functional timepiece.

By using an electrical or battery-powered movement you can move away from things like suspension springs that are tricky and can cause problems over time.