The Obsolete Antique Electric Clock

The obsolete antique electric clock

In the 1920’s through the 1950’s there were many mechanical clocks that had an electric motor to run them.

Unfortunately most of those wonderful electro-mechanical shelf clocks have parts that are no longer available. Some of those units were very impressive, combining the electrical motor with a quality brass movement. This then eliminates the requirement of winding the clock for it to function.

Pending doom to the electric clock

If you need an obsolete antique motor, all one can do is throw the clock in the trash usually. However, it maybe possible to find someone to rebuild the coil if that is the issue.

We at clockworks.com do not perform such service however. We found it is often unsuccessful and would need to charge way to much for this to happen. In the end the clock would still be left with a motor that is old and worn. This is found not to be a viable long term solution and ultimately a waist of money.

Alternate units for the obsolete

There are alternate units one may consider if stuck on keeping the clock case. Options include a new wind up movement or switching to a movement that is run by a battery instead. These conversions have a further explanation in more detail in another section.

Quartz units require the center hole of the clock dial to be 3/8 wide. Drilling the 3/8 wide hole in the clock dial may have to be done because many of the electric units have a smaller size hole.

Quartz units have a 5/16 wide post to go through that 3/8 wide dial hole. It is a challenge to convert to a quartz unit, and not always successful. The electric clock movement that is now obsolete can have a replacement with a quality mechanical unit instead.

The obsolete antique electric clock – Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are going with a quartz replacement please know the project can go south. An error in drilling the dial out for example could render the dial useless.

The clock dial is unobtainable so the project is ditched. Left with a wood case with nothing to do. Sad story but it is what it is maybe best to just buy a new clock if it gets to that point.

For a functioning clock and stay high quality a mechanical unit is best. The mechanical unit would not require the drilling out of the clock dial. It will mount to the wood case and be a back wind instead of plugging into the wall.