How to choose a clock movement

Whether you are making a new clock or repairing an old one, start with three checks to choose a movement and compatible hands.

1Measure the dial thickness

Measure at the centre hole where the movement shaft passes through the dial. If the back is recessed, measure the remaining material at that point.

For a flat 6 mm dial with no recess, movements rated for dials up to 6, 8, 12 or 20 mm fit; a model rated up to 3 mm does not. Also check that the shaft length suits your design.
Total shaft length and permitted dial thickness are different measurements. The mounting hardware also needs space.
An uneven dial or raised numerals that the hands must pass over may require a longer shaft. Check the hole diameter and space for the case in the product description and dimension images.

t — the dial material thickness at the shaft hole only. Do not include the washers or nut. Schematic side view; not to scale.

2Identify the hand fitting

If you are reusing old hands, inspect their mounting holes and compare their dimensions with the new movement description. A round hole or flat-sided opening is the first clue.

Roundshaft

Round minute-hand fitting; the hand pushes onto the shaft.

Compatible hands: Roundshaft

Roundshaft

Euroshaft

The minute hand is secured with a nut and has a flat-sided mounting hole.

Compatible hands: Euroshaft or I-shaft

Euroshaft

I-shaft

The minute hand is secured with a nut; compare the specific fitting dimensions.

Compatible hands: I-shaft

I-shaft

I-shaft hands also fit Euroshaft movements

All our I-shaft hour and minute hands can also be used with Euroshaft movements. I-shaft hands have a slightly larger minute-hand opening and a slightly smaller hour-hand hole than Euroshaft hands, but they are compatible.

The comparison covers hour and minute hands. Check the shaft diameter for a seconds hand separately.
When buying everything new, choose a compatible movement and hand set.

3Check the hand length

Measure minute-hand length L from the centre of the shaft to the tip. The rear section or counterweight is not included in this length.

For a clock 300 mm in diameter, the minute hand is usually no longer than 150 mm. The exact length depends on the design; it must clear the frame and other parts.
Check the selected movement’s permitted hand length and load. Long or heavy hands may need a high-torque movement.
Check the space under the glass. After assembly, the hands must move freely in every position without touching one another, the dial or the glass.

L — from the shaft centre to the tip of the minute hand.

A few more things to check

Ticking, sweeping or quiet?

A ticking movement advances the seconds hand in steps; a sweeping seconds hand moves smoothly. If quiet operation matters, choose a model specifically described as quiet. A sweeping seconds hand alone does not guarantee complete silence.

Mounting parts and hanger

Roundshaft movements include a plastic washer, metal washer, nut and assembly instructions. Check the individual product page for the exact contents and quantity pricing. If you plan to hang the clock from the movement and it has no built-in hanger, choose a suitable metal hanger.

Cover the shaft centre

If the hand set has no seconds hand, choose a compatible seconds hand or cap to cover the shaft centre. Movements with a minute-hand nut may use a closed nut made for that model.

Before ordering, check

Dial thickness and hole size match the movement.
The movement and hands are compatible.
Hand length, load and available clearance are suitable.

Still unsure?

Contact us with the dial thickness, minute-hand length and the old movement’s model name or a photo. A close-up of the hand fittings is also useful.

Movements and hands are not on display at our office. Please view and choose them on the website.

Call: +371 22304223