How to Remove a Quartz Clock Movement

A quartz movement can be removed from its case for maintenance or replacement.

Quartz movements brought the art of hobby clocks into full swing with small, battery-operated mechanisms that could be installed in virtually anything, from washboards to wooden ships. Major clock manufacturers also offer wall, shelf and floor clocks equipped with quartz movements. The movement batteries usually last a year or more, but when new batteries are installed and the clock remains inoperative, the need to remove the quartz mechanism arises.

Things You'll Need

• Flat-head screwdriver
• Phillips screwdriver
• Needle-nose pliers
• Combination pliers

Instructions

1. Inspect the clock to determine how to access the quartz movement. If the dial and hands of the clock are behind a framed glass door, open the door. If a back panel secured with screws exists that requires removal, use the appropriate screwdriver to remove the screws.

2. Remove the pendulum. If your clock has a pendulum, raise the pendulum up and out of the suspension rod loop to remove.

3. Remove the sweep-second hand. If the clock has a sweep-second hand, grip both sides of its center hub with your thumb and forefinger. Pull the hand straight out off its arbor.

4. Remove the minute hand. Hold the minute hand in place while turning the hand retaining nut. Turn the nut counter-clockwise to remove. If the nut is tight, remove it using needle-nose pliers, and then slide the hand off the center shaft.

5. Remove the hour hand. Gently move the hour hand from side to side, gripping its center hub while pulling the hand forward off the center shaft.

6. Remove the movement-retaining nut and washer. Turn the nut counter-clockwise with the combination pliers. The quartz clock movement is now free and can be removed from the clock case.

References

• ClockWorks: Quartz Time Only
• Factory Direct Craft: Short Stem Quartz Clock Kit with Hands