Help in identifying Smiths Sectric clock movement - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

LRS0001 · 26th Jul 2013, 11:24 am

Hi All

Usually in the phone and radio groups, but today I have a question regards a Smiths clock movement which I am having trouble identifying. (see pics)

Had a good look through ‘Barrie's virtual Clock Museum’, which is a fantastic resource of information, but was unable to place this movement. Looks like a R 47 is scratched on the movement cover which could denote its year 1947.

Does anyone here recognise this? If yes, has anyone rewound one of these to a lower/safer A/C voltage?

Many thanks in advance.

LRS

Nickthedentist · 26th Jul 2013, 11:28 am

Yes, that's the "Bijou" movement, introduced just pre-war.

Nice, stylish clock.

If the coil is intact, just use it as it is. Use a 1A fuse in the plug and ensure it's in an RCD protected socket, and all will be well.

Nick

LRS0001 · 26th Jul 2013, 3:10 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nickthedentist

Yes, that's the "Bijou" movement, introduced just pre-war.

Nice, stylish clock.

If the coil is intact, just use it as it is. Use a 1A fuse in the plug and ensure it's in an RCD protected socket, and all will be well.

Nick

Many thanks Nick

I’m usually into the old industrial/public clocks – Smiths English Clock Systems, Brillie, etc…, but saw this and thought I’ve not seen a Smiths like this before; especially with the Skyscraper hands.

I will follow your suggestion as I want to retain the original movement, but don’t what to get zapped with 240v due to old wiring, although the movement does look very clean with no obvious signs of age related deterioration to the dangerous bits.

LRS

Nickthedentist · 26th Jul 2013, 8:07 pm

Oh yes, DO keep the original movement, whatever you do!

As the flex is obviously new(ish) and the case plastic, the risk of shock is low so long as you keep the cover on.

The hand set looks like it has its original, insulating knob.

However, the rear cover screw looks non-original, as they used to have a plastic, knurled head to them, again, to reduce the risk of shock. It might be worth covering yours with a neat circle of insulating tape to afford some protection.

Some more Bijou info here: https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...ad.php?t=84115

Nick.

Mike Phelan · 27th Jul 2013, 8:59 am

Worth mentioning that I always fit a 3-core mains lead to any synchronous clock, but it's up to you.
There's not much distance between the stator coil and the surrounding metalwork!

Nickthedentist · 27th Jul 2013, 7:18 pm

I do too, usually, Mike, but this one is virtually double-insulated by virtue of its Bakelite case, insulated hand set knob, and (missing) insulated cover-retaining screw.

It's a real squeeze to attach an earth wire but it can be done, esp. if you use 0.5mm2 "3 Amp" flex.

N.

26th Jul 2013, 11:24 am	#1
LRS0001 Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Reading, Berkshire, UK. Posts: 49	Help in identifying Smiths Sectric clock movement Hi All Usually in the phone and radio groups, but today I have a question regards a Smiths clock movement which I am having trouble identifying. (see pics) Had a good look through ‘Barrie's virtual Clock Museum’, which is a fantastic resource of information, but was unable to place this movement. Looks like a R 47 is scratched on the movement cover which could denote its year 1947. Does anyone here recognise this? If yes, has anyone rewound one of these to a lower/safer A/C voltage? Many thanks in advance. LRS Attached Thumbnails

26th Jul 2013, 11:28 am	#2
Nickthedentist Dekatron Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Oxford, UK. Posts: 17,846	Re: Help in identifying Smiths Sectric clock movement Yes, that's the "Bijou" movement, introduced just pre-war. Nice, stylish clock. If the coil is intact, just use it as it is. Use a 1A fuse in the plug and ensure it's in an RCD protected socket, and all will be well. Nick

26th Jul 2013, 8:07 pm	#4
Nickthedentist Dekatron Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Oxford, UK. Posts: 17,846	Re: Help in identifying Smiths Sectric clock movement Oh yes, DO keep the original movement, whatever you do! As the flex is obviously new(ish) and the case plastic, the risk of shock is low so long as you keep the cover on. The hand set looks like it has its original, insulating knob. However, the rear cover screw looks non-original, as they used to have a plastic, knurled head to them, again, to reduce the risk of shock. It might be worth covering yours with a neat circle of insulating tape to afford some protection. Some more Bijou info here: https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...ad.php?t=84115 Nick.

27th Jul 2013, 8:59 am	#5
Mike Phelan Dekatron Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Near Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK Posts: 4,609	Re: Help in identifying Smiths Sectric clock movement Worth mentioning that I always fit a 3-core mains lead to any synchronous clock, but it's up to you. There's not much distance between the stator coil and the surrounding metalwork! __________________ Mike.

27th Jul 2013, 7:18 pm	#6
Nickthedentist Dekatron Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Oxford, UK. Posts: 17,846	Re: Help in identifying Smiths Sectric clock movement I do too, usually, Mike, but this one is virtually double-insulated by virtue of its Bakelite case, insulated hand set knob, and (missing) insulated cover-retaining screw. It's a real squeeze to attach an earth wire but it can be done, esp. if you use 0.5mm2 "3 Amp" flex. N.