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 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 the current 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, 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 until it comes off.
Second hand
The second hand pulls straight up and off if the clock has one.

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. Sometimes this is straightforward and sometimes it can be tricky.
Of course, this is done by removing the hands from the clock. Some clocks will have a glass bezel that will have to be taken off in order to get to the hands. Every clock is different so thoroughly look your clock over to see how it was put together.
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 post with the threads (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 clock movements that take a battery available on Clockworks.
For example, chiming quartz, time only, and high torque. Of course, the exception to this would be clock inserts.
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 that you need.
The shaft with the threads 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.
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 known as 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 measuring 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"
Pendulum Quartz Clock Movement
Time and pendulum quartz clock movement. Pendulum and hands are sold separately. This is a strong unit that can run hands up to 11 inches long. This length is the minute hand length from the mounting hole to the end. It can run a pendulum length of 16 inches providing it is light weight.
We do offer a pendulum with 3 bob diameter options, which is sold separately. Please note the old hands may not fit the new movement, it is best to get new hands with the new movement. These are also sold separately and come as a pair.
This time and pendulum quartz clock movement will only come with the pendulum if you make that selection. The pendulum is 16 inches (406mm) at its total length, however you can shorten it to whatever length you need. The back of the pendulum rod has notches each inch up the rod, so all you need to do is bend and snap it off at the length you need.
May need new hands for the clock movement
The old hands will usually work on the new pendulum quartz unit. However there are some instances where they will not. If the old unit has an hour and minute hand both with round mounting holes, they will not fit the new movement.
It is best just to get the new hands either way so it does not have to be a concern. They are sold as a pair, but to order the correct size you need to measure only the minute hand. Measure the minute hand from the mounting hole to the end.

About the pendulum
To replace a pendulum quartz clock movement, measure only the length of the post that has the threads on it that uses the hex nut. The section that the hands mount to will extend beyond this measurement by 1/4 inch.

Pendulum Quartz Clock Movement
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"
Movement
Time and pendulum quartz clock movement. Uses a 16 inch pendulum that you can shorten to whatever length (select this option upon checkout).
Hands
Any of the hands Clockworks offers for quartz clock movements will fit this unit. The hour hand will have a round hole and the minute hand would have a oblong hole. The hour hand goes on as a friction fit, then the minute hand goes on the upper post with its nut. You can use a second hand but it is not necessary and is an optional feature. All hands are sold separately and are available here as well.
Pendulum
Also available with this movement is a pendulum that is 16 inches at its longest. However you can shorten it to anything less than 16 inches with ease. The pendulum has three bob diameter options to choose from. The bob is the round disk at the bottom of the pendulum rod.
Please note although this is a pendulum unit, you can use it with or without the pendulum. If you do not use the pendulum you can just lock the pendulum swinger to one side and not use it. Keep in mind the pendulum and hands are sold separately.
Mounting Post
The post on the movement that has the threads comes in a variety of lengths. This is the fat part that has the threads and takes the hex nut. This post length is what we measure, the actual part that the hands go onto sticks out another ¼ inch beyond this measurement, but we do not count that in the measurement.
There are many post lengths available for this unit. The posts are all 5/16 wide and fits through a ⅜ wide dial hole.
Features
- Step motion
- Second hand optional
- Optional 16 inch Pendulum
- Takes one AA Battery
Instructions
- Mount movement to the dial with the hardware that comes with the movement
- Hang the pendulum
- Install the hands using the hardware that comes with it
- Insert AA battery into the movement
Hi, I need a replacement clock movement for Seth Thomas A0360012 820. Cat # 2334 (2334-001). 1981. I was told Pendulum Quartz Clock Movement QU3 would be OK, do you agree? I actually do not want it to chime at all.
Seems like a good plan indeed
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have a Danbury anniversary clock with a uts german no jewel 01248 1632 movement ( as best I can see ) is a replacement available?
There is no replacement for that one
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Can I use a chime-pendulum or quartz movement as a replacement in a grandmother closk?
Yes please see this link and read the details
https://www.clockworks.com/product/mechanical-to-quartz-floor-clock-conversion-kit
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Hi. I have a Seth Thomas Regulator wall clock that works but the ticktock noise is very loud. We are considering replacing the wind-up movement with a battery. The existing minute hand is about 4 1/2” long. The clock face is tin. I think that your QU3 movement with 3/16 stem should work with the clock face but the pendulum may not have enough room to swing. The disc on the pendulum is 2 1/4” wide. Is this the proper replacement?
Maybe best to use the smallest bob. If it still wacks the sides, try some duct tape over the pendulum swing magnet on the movement.
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have a Howard Miller Magdalene Wall Clock. Dimensions: H 32.75 in, W 26.25 in, D 2.25 in. I need a movement and Pendulum. Will this work for me? TY
What are the numbers off of the back plate of the clock movement itself? If it is hard to get to, usually you can stick a cell phone up behind the movement and get a picture of the numbers. Or through the side access panel if there is one.
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
How long will the unit run on a AA battery? Is there a unit that takes a bigger battery to last longer?
It goes for maybe 2-3 years
Do not have a time / pendulum only unit that takes a C battery, maybe they exist not sure. They do not exist here however
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Hello,
I have a Bulova B1839 mantle clock, needing replacement movement. The original movement includes a pendulum and a second hand. Assuming i use the “Time-Pendulum Clock Movement” shown above, how do i remove the second hand from the orignal movement ? I try to turn the cap over the second hand, counterclockwise, but this does not seem to losen the cap. Thanks in advance for your help,
Usually just friction fit, just pull it straight off
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have a Bulova battery operated wall clock which is about 45 years old. It has a pendulum and a 31 day calendar. It stopped last week so I replaced the battery and now it runs way too fast! (2-3 minutes per hour). Adjusting the pendulum does not help. Is there a replacement mechanism available for something this old?
Sorry do not have the quartz calendar units
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Hi several months ago I got a battery clock and separate pendulum movement. Clock still perfect, pendulum until about two months ago perfect. It stops every two to three days. Last weekend I replaced batteries. Today leveled clock. I’ll give it a few days. Anything else you suggest? Thanks and happy new year.
[email protected]
Is the clock level front to back?
Is there anything rubbing anywhere?
Is the bob wacking the sides of the clock case?
Is the pendulum in the unlock position?
Please check these things before we call the movement defective
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have just installed a QU40 movement in a case. It keeps perfect time and the chime is terrific. HOWEVER, the pendulum will not work.
Quartz movement no swing on the pendulum, please check the following.
Is the clock level front to back?
Is there anything rubbing anywhere?
Is the bob wacking the sides of the clock case?
Is the pendulum in the unlock position?
Please check these things before we call the movement defective
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have an Elgin Schoolhouse quartz movement with pendulum that just stopped keeping time. The pendulum quit working several years ago, but it continued keeping time. I’ve tried replacing the size D battery. The only number I can find on the movement is CL1509. It might have been manufactured in 2006. Is there a replacement pendulum movement available?
Thanks,
Doug M
Hi,
Many people request a quartz movement that they want to replace and give the numbers off of the movement wanting to match it up with the exact same unit. This unfortunately is not how replacing a quartz movement goes, unless you are replacing a Hermle chiming movement. You can tell if your clock is a Hermle chiming movement because it will take two C cell batteries and it will have the numbers similar to 2215 or 2114. So if the clock is not made by Hermle and you still want to replace it then you would need to match the movement up by what functions the clock has instead of going by the numbers. There are so many different manufacturers of quartz movements and there are so many made, it is impossible for us to have a reference of them all.
For Chime Movements or Pendulum Movement See this link
https://clockworks.com/clock-movement/quartz-specialty-clock-movements.html
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have a battery Regulator wall clock but it is unmarked. The time/pendulum quartz movement no longer works. But the Westminister/Hour Strike still works.
Pendulum Quartz Clock Movement QU3 via your website looks similar to the works I need but does not have the 2 wires (black and red) to connect to the chime works. The current works is Takane. There is a label on back M 2265KI. It is a cheap clock but still pretty and I would like to fix it. Can you help. Thanks
Best to email some pics of what you have there to us at clockworks@clockworks.com and ask this same question in that same email
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Great movement and service!
Glad it worked out well
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have an old wall clock, no name on it, just numbers. A2/20 on top and two arrows crossing on the bottom , back side.
Is this clock quartz or mechanical? Sounds like mechanical. What do you need for it?
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Have an older 2215, 8 inch pendulum, and while the movement “ticks” and the pendulum works, the hands do not move. I am thinking something failed in the drive (the problem developed while clock was on the wall – was not dropped or banged around) so suspect I have to replace the whole unit. Is this the best new movement for a 2215 replacement?
Hi
The 2215 pendulum units, and the 2115 non pendulum units are now obsolete and no longer made. Same with 2214 and 2114. There was some problematic issues with these units and they are now discontinued.
We do have a couple alternate units however.
1. QU30 pendulum or non pendulum unit. This one still plays two songs, has volume control, its made by Seiko instead of Hermle, and it can have a pendulum also.
2. QU40 pendulum or non pendulum unit. This one has four chime options and the sound quality is most equivalent to the Hermle units. It has the Westminster and Ava Maria options just like the 2215 / 2115 units.
Both of these units can be found at this link
https://clockworks.com/clock-movement/quartz-specialty-clock-movements.html
However the hand shaft (The shaft that the clock hands go onto) is measured differently than the Hermle units. Instead of a long nut that mounts the movement from the front dial side, these instead have a threaded post that will go through the dial from the back to the front of the dial.
You only need to determine the thickness of your clocks dial face material, and get a post length that is longer than that thickness.
Here is a chart to help you.
If you measure the Hermle quartz units hand shaft length in MM, these are the compatible post lengths that will fit your clock case and dial.
Hermle Hand Shaft Length // Replacement units post size needed
16mm = 5/16 inch post length
21mm = 9/16 inch post length
26mm = 3/4 inch post length
Another thing to mention is you need new hands also with your new clock movement. This is because the Hermle hands do not fit easy on these units. If you insist on using the Hermle hands, sometimes people are able to make them work by filing them some. The hands will be offered to you upon checking out on the website with the new unit.
One more thing to mention. The Hermle units are shaped in a unique way and the replacement units I am offering to you are not the same dimensional. Please be sure to notice the measurements of these units and check your clock case to be sure it will fit into it before ordering.
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
My pendulum hits the walls of my wall clock. I have a quartz movement
Some duct tape over the magnet that swings it usually slows it down some. The only other solution is maybe there is a smaller bob diameter to try, from this link
https://www.clockworks.com/product/quartz-clock-pendulum-bob
James
Thanks for the tip. Solved the same problem for me.
Great Job ~!
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
What is the total shaft length?
The shaft on quartz clock movements extend out from the threaded post length by 1/4 inch. So a 5/16 post would end up being 9/16 over all with the extended portion that actually holds the clock hands.
For Time Only movements (No chime, No pendulum) See this link
https://clockworks.com/clock-movement/quartz-clock-movements-time-only.html
For High Torque movements that are time only (No chime, No pendulum) See this link
https://clockworks.com/clock-movement/high-torque-quartz-clock-movements.html
For Chime Movements or Pendulum Movement See this link
https://clockworks.com/clock-movement/quartz-specialty-clock-movements.html
James
I have a #2215 pendulum movement that stopped keeping time. Replaced batteries did not help. Pendulum swings and chimes sound, but no clock hand movement. Can the movement be repaired or need replacement?
I have a 30″ face Quartz 9.5″ Pendulum with 11/16″ threaded post, 3/8″ dial hole. Hands= 14″Hour, 10″ second.
Sounds like a nice clock for sure.
Do you have a question?
James
Can you suggest as movement for a Seth Thomas 2334-003 drop octagon clock please? I need the movement hands and pendulum please
Am trying to replace movement for a Linden Quarts pendulum clock that is mounted to a glass plate. Can you tell me what the overall height and width are for this movement?
Sorry do not have the parts for that one. Best to contact Linden or whoever made the clock.
James
What does 16″ pendulum mean: to the top of bob, middle, or bottom?
It is the rods length in its entirety. From tip to tip when off the clock.
James
What does 16″ long pendulum mean? Is it to the top of the bob, middle, or bottom?
That 16 inch can be shortened to whatever length that is less.
Cannot find the nut to hold the minute hand
Found it!!
replacement battery pack for a expo model 869
Replacement unit for E698-123 or E687-238 Seth Thomas wall clock from General Times Corp – A Talley Industries Co Thomaston, Conn dated 9-26-1977
Replacement movement for a Hermle Quartz 2213