Sectric clock repair - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

biggles123 · 28th May 2017, 9:36 pm

Hi

I've been given an old Smiths Sectric clock. I would like to try and get it working again but I'm stuck on how to remove the mechanism from the face without damaging either. Picture attached (hopefully). The motor is very firmly attached. The face is a bit scratched so I'm guessing that someone has attempted to remove it previously.

Any suggestions ?

Thanks.

Nickthedentist · 29th May 2017, 10:53 am

Hello and welcome.

That uses the "Bijou" movement.

First, you need to remove the hands, which are a friction fit on their arbors but which may not have been removed for 75 years. Apply a single drop of PlusGas or similar penetrating fluid and allow it to work for a few minutes. Certainly don't spray with WD40. Then, holding it near its centre, carefully rotate the minute hand back and forth while pulling slightly. Once this is off, do the same for the hour hand. Take great care not to bend or break the hands. Resist the temptation to use levers!

Then there is a threaded boss which must be unscrewed to release the movement and its mounting bracket from the wooden case. You can grind a large screwdriver (or an old kitchen knife) to make a suitable tool, or you can use a slim pair of snipe-nose pliers end-on. As you can see though, it's easy to scratch the face if you're not careful.

Nick.

biggles123 · 31st May 2017, 5:49 am

Many thanks for the reply, much appreciated. Will give it a go.

28th May 2017, 9:36 pm	#1
biggles123 Retired Dormant Member Join Date: May 2017 Location: London, UK. Posts: 2	Sectric clock repair Hi I've been given an old Smiths Sectric clock. I would like to try and get it working again but I'm stuck on how to remove the mechanism from the face without damaging either. Picture attached (hopefully). The motor is very firmly attached. The face is a bit scratched so I'm guessing that someone has attempted to remove it previously. Any suggestions ? Thanks. Attached Thumbnails

29th May 2017, 10:53 am	#2
Nickthedentist Dekatron Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Oxford, UK. Posts: 17,845	Re: Sectric clock repair Hello and welcome. That uses the "Bijou" movement. First, you need to remove the hands, which are a friction fit on their arbors but which may not have been removed for 75 years. Apply a single drop of PlusGas or similar penetrating fluid and allow it to work for a few minutes. Certainly don't spray with WD40. Then, holding it near its centre, carefully rotate the minute hand back and forth while pulling slightly. Once this is off, do the same for the hour hand. Take great care not to bend or break the hands. Resist the temptation to use levers! Then there is a threaded boss which must be unscrewed to release the movement and its mounting bracket from the wooden case. You can grind a large screwdriver (or an old kitchen knife) to make a suitable tool, or you can use a slim pair of snipe-nose pliers end-on. As you can see though, it's easy to scratch the face if you're not careful. Nick. Attached Thumbnails Last edited by Nickthedentist; 29th May 2017 at 10:58 am.

31st May 2017, 5:49 am	#3
biggles123 Retired Dormant Member Join Date: May 2017 Location: London, UK. Posts: 2	Re: Sectric clock repair Many thanks for the reply, much appreciated. Will give it a go.