Electric English Clock Systems LTD Clock
 

Hi,

I'm looking for more on the clock mentioned above. It currently has an electric mechanism and I'm considering converting it to quartz.
Thanks.

Re: Electric English Clock Systems LTD Clock
 

Why not service/repair the existing mechanism? Mains synchronous clocks are very accurate, and there are no batteries to buy.

Re: Electric English Clock Systems LTD Clock
 

I agree with Paul, servicing the original movement is a far better option, it’s always a shame when a quartz movement is fitted, it would also devalue it too.

Re: Electric English Clock Systems LTD Clock.
 

I have no way of testing the original mechanism, I also believe it may be faulty.

I'd be willing to give it a go but I think it's all seized up due to being idle since some time during the 70's

Re: Electric English Clock Systems LTD Clock
 

What matters is whether the clock's coil has continuity. You can easily check this with a cheap Digital Multimeter (DMM).

Re: Electric English Clock Systems LTD Clock
 

Synchronous clock mechanisms are actually pretty simple. There's just an electric motor and a gear train. They're much easier to work on than traditional mechanical clocks, and will tolerate fairly inept repairs.

That said, fitting a quartz movement is certainly better than chucking the whole thing in a skip.

Re: Electric English Clock Systems LTD Clock
 

Even if the coil is faulty it can be re-wound - there are a couple of folk on here who can do that. The rest of the movement is fairly simple and will last far longer than any quartz junk!

Re: Electric English Clock Systems LTD Clock
 

Yes, this is the Smiths "De Luxe" movement which was in production from the 1930s into the 1960s.

They rarely need more than a complete stripdown, clean and lubrication to get them running perfectly again.

Re: Electric English Clock Systems LTD Clock
 

Thanks for the insight guys!
Just wondering what the best way of testing/running the mechanism?
I'm being very careful as it involves 240v mains!!

Re: Electric English Clock Systems LTD Clock
 

The clock should have a mains lead with a miniature 2-pin plug that fits into the back of the motor unit. If you don't have the special plug, you can do a quick test by using a choc block connector to make the connection. Screw one side of the connector onto the pins on the back of the clock, then screw a mains cable onto the other side. Choc block connectors are available very cheaply from electrical / DIY / hardware shops. They come in different sizes. Choose a suitable size to fit your clock's power terminal pins.

Note the choc block solution is OK for temporarily testing the clock, just make sure you do not touch any exposed part of the clock's power input pins or any metal parts on the choc block while it's connected to the mains. You must make sure any live parts will be covered up and inaccessible once the clock is permanently installed, and that the mains cable will be secured against being pulled out easily.

The clock should start running as soon as mains power is applied. If nothing seems to be happening, listen for a faint humming noise coming from the back of the clock. That means the motor coil is good. Usually the clock works will just need cleaning and relubricating to get it going again. No hum and it's likely the motor coil has failed - this can be checked with a multimeter.

Re: Electric English Clock Systems LTD Clock
 

Good idea with the 'choc block' actually. Never thought of that! Just wondering which side is the live?
Thanks again

Re: Electric English Clock Systems LTD Clock
 

It doesn't matter in this case. The mains live and neutral connections are just connected across the motor.

Re: Electric English Clock Systems LTD Clock
 

Thanks Paul, I'm going to wire it up later on and see how it goes :)

Re: Electric English Clock Systems LTD Clock
 

Success! Oiled up and running like new. Just need to get a permanent power supply sorted for now and somewhere to put it as sockets aren't easily accessible :)

Re: Electric English Clock Systems LTD Clock
 

Well done, you’re a horological hero!

Re: Electric English Clock Systems LTD Clock
 

Indeed, it's much better to preserve the old movements in these than rip them out. They go on forever with a bit of TLC. Many of them have run continuously for over 70 years without problems.

Re: Electric English Clock Systems LTD Clock
 

I had some past experience from my younger years but haven't touched anything like this in a long time, it's given me a new lust ;D

Re: Electric English Clock Systems LTD Clock
 

Let's hope so :)

Re: Electric English Clock Systems LTD Clock
 

Well done! A good result and another vintage clock saved from quartz conversion.

English Clock Systems was a division of Smiths English Clocks (SEC) specialising in clocks and timers for industry, offices, factories and schools. Reliability was more important than saving a few pennies off the cost, so they tend to be well-made. Some of the later electric clocks (and modern quartz clocks) use plastic gear wheels which are cheaper but don't last as long.

I currently have a 1930s Smiths and a 1951 Smiths "Westland" electric clock in use at home, both over 70 years old and were still working when I got them, as well as a 1970s Metamec electric "sun-ray" wall clock. Over the years I've built up quite a collection of electric clocks as well as some electromechanical ones, for example where an electric motor rewinds a spring, or an electromagnet propels a pendulum or balance wheel. Huge numbers of electrical clocks were produced from the 1930s to the 1970s until mass-produced quartz clocks took over in the 80s. Consequently they can often be bought very cheaply in car boot sales etc. The clock cases are also like a time capsule, reflecting the fashions of the day. Be warned - collecting and restoring them can become addictive!

Re: Electric English Clock Systems LTD Clock
 

Excellent, far better than the quartz option!