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How to Convert an Antique Clock From Electric to Battery

Sir Francis Ronald invented the electric clock in the year 1841. These clocks use electricity to rewind the main spring or to drive the pendulum. Antique electric clocks are often valued by collectors. However, they can be noisy and their restrictive wiring may increase the risk of fire, especially if the insulation has worn out. Converting your antique electric clock to a battery-operated one will improve the quality of your clock and add modern, easy-to-maintain components to it while retaining the antique outer appearance.

Things You'll Need

Battery clock movement
Screwdriver
Pliers
Glue gun

Instructions

- 1
  Unplug the clock carefully and place it on a table. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws that join the protective glass with the front panel and the face of the clock. In some clocks, the glass may be screwed to the front panel and face with the help of a decorative ring. Remove the screws from the front and back before removing the glass. This will give you access to the hands of the clock.
- 2
  Use your forefingers and thumb to gently remove the hands from the stem of the movement. Use pliers if the hand has been attached to the clock movement with screws.
- 3
  Remove the clock movement which includes the gears and motor of the clock. You may use a carpenter̵7;s knife to cut any glue that binds the movements to the clock.
- 4
  Choose a clock movement that fits your clock. Most clockworks or movements will have certain numbers inscribed on the back plate of the movement. These numbers will help you determine the clock movement that is right for you. These are different from the model number of the clock. The movement should fit the hole of your clock. Since the clock is an antique, you may want to retain the original hands. Hence, make sure that the clockwork is compatible with the hands of the clock.
- 5
  Slide the movement into its position and tighten the screws using a screwdriver. Slide the hour and minute hand into the shaft of the clockwork pointing to the 12̵7; o clock position. You may also apply some glue to the edges of the movement to fix it in its position.
- 6
  Fix the protective glass back to the clock and tighten it with screws and decorative ring. Make sure that all the parts of the clock and the protective glass have adhered properly before fixing the clock back onto the wall.

Antiques