Round Convex Clock Glass

Clock Dials and Numerals

Clockworks offers a variety of shapes and colors of clock dials and numerals. Of course the dials come in round, square, moon top and more. Many of the round dials have a choice of white, ivory or gold.

Create a new dial out of any type of material and then use the numerals to finalize the look. Most of the numerals are plastic, however we do offer two different sizes of gold aluminum numerals.

These are generally for Grandmother and Grandfather clocks. The aluminum numbers need to have epoxy to hold them in place. They do not have sticky backs like the plastic numerals. Here are some tips to order the correct clock dial and numerals.

Arabic or Roman Numerals

Clock dials and numerals come in either Roman or Arabic. Roman numerals on dials are the kind that have letters to represent the numbers.

For example, the 12 would be XII and five is written as V and so forth. The number 4 was IV in roman numerals, however the new style is IIII.

This new style is popular with clock inserts. However, it is also becoming the norm on all dials. Arabic clock numerals are just the regular numbers where 12 is written as 12. Arabic is all numbers and no letters on the clock dial.

Sizing and Time Tracks

Dials come in many sizes in an attempt to cover many case styles. The sizes in the list are the overall diameter from side to side for each.

Often there is another measurement known as the time track. A time track is the small ring that travels around the just outside of the clock numerals.

In other words, the time track is the measurement of the dial from outside the 3 to outside the 9. Clock hands are usually half of the dial diameter. So clock dials and numerals will come in variable sizes to accommodate various case styles.

Clock Dials and Numerals – Types of clocks

Use these clock numerals on any type of clock dials providing the size is correct and it looks appropriate. We recommend using extra epoxy on the sticky numerals because they tend to fall off easily.

The hardest clocks to find a dial for are the antique mantle clocks. These take a bezel and glass combination that often installs on the dial itself. Use best judgement on what clock dials and numerals look best.

Clock Bezels Description

A clock bezel description consists of the brass part that holds the clock glass in place. It can be confusing to get the bezel and then the flat or convex glass.

To buy the clock bezel and then try to get the correct glass separately to put them all together is not easy. It is best to get the clock bezel glass and dial all together whenever possible.

To get the correct clock bezel, measure the diameter of the hole in the clock where it will sit. These can come with or without a hinge. The ones with the hinge are getting increasingly difficult to supply.

However, there are only a certain number of available sizes for these complete clock bezel units. So even though it is never a recommendation to piece meal the parts, sometimes it is a necessity.

Occasionally individual components need to be bought and then match them all together.

This can get tricky, so call and speak to us directly. That way we can marry the two items together for the perfect clock bezel and glass combination. However, it is also entirely possible that the combination cannot happen. This is especially true with larger clock bezels.

Fitting glass to the bezel

The glass has to fit into the clock bezel and it has to be a perfect fit. It cannot be too small so as to fall out of the clock bezel and not so big it will not fit into the bezel clips. For the proper size glass, measure exactly how wide the glass would need to be from the back of the bezel.

In other words, turn the bezel over and measure across the inside lip of the clock bezel where the glass sits. Remember, the glass tabs have to secure it in place. Get one that will not be too big for the bezel clips and not so small it falls out the front. Again, if there is any question, please feel free to reach out.

Clock Crystals – Glass Variations

Let us explore the variety of clock crystals, because the glass does have many variations. The size options are vast, however the shape requirement may not be available in the size that you need.

The first step is to identify if the glass is square, round, oblong or some other odd shape. If the glass is round, need to determine if it is convex or flat. The following paragraphs will clarify each type.

Round Convex Clock Glass Variations

Clockworks offers a large number of sizes in round convex glass. Convex means that the glass has a slight bubble to it. The glass will not be perfectly flat.

Sometimes people may say it is concave as well. This type of glass that has a bubble is found on many mantle clocks as well as many other clocks. Clockworks stocks almost every size. In addition, most small sizes are available in 1/16 increments.

Please see the product page to see the sizes available and to order the glass. Ordering is simple once you know the size that you need. Just select the size from the order button menu. Measure the round convex clock glass from one side to the other.

It is the overall diameter of the glass. Do not try to measure the side that has the bubble. Trying to do so will result in the wrong size of glass. Turn it over and measure across the flat side.

When working with a clock bezel it is important to order the right size of clock glass. If the glass is too narrow, it will fall out the front.

When a clock glass is too wide, the tabs on the back of the bezel will not be able to fold over to hold it. It needs to be between the extremes. A good fit where the bezel tabs can hold it in place.

Round Flat Clock Glass Variations

Clockworks offers flat round clock glass in many sizes. If the glass needs to be any other size than what we offer, there is a solution. Because it is only flat glass, any local glass shop can cut a circle to whatever size you need.

It will not cost much, and as long as the measurement is correct it will be perfect every time. Sometimes just taking the bezel in is enough for a glass shop to cut it.

Square Clock Case Glass

Again, go to the glass shop for this one. Some glass shops will install the glass on the wooden clock case doors if it is left with them. This is the best way.

The glass will not be found by any clock part supplier. Bringing it to the glass shop will not cost much. Also there are more options available if changing the look or type of glass.

Clock crystal oddities

During the 1950’s through the 1970’s there were some unusual clocks made that had odd shapes for the glass. If the clock glass needs to be convex or any other shape besides round, there is not much hope.

Unfortunately no clock supplier will have this. Another solution is to find a similar clock and use the glass from it. Again, if flat glass can be made to work, a local glass shop is the way to go.