Klockit has served the horological community for over five decades, establishing itself as a primary source for enthusiasts and professional clockmakers alike. Founded in 1970, the organization focuses on providing the components necessary to build, repair, or restore timepieces of various scales. The catalog serves as a technical bridge between woodworking craftsmanship and the precision of timekeeping mechanics. By offering a vast array of quartz and mechanical movements, the company enables individuals to create functional art pieces that serve both aesthetic and practical purposes in the home. The inventory reflects a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in movement replacement, ensuring that even discontinued or vintage models can often find a compatible modern alternative. This dedication to the craft has solidified the brand’s position as a leader in the niche market of DIY horology, catering to a diverse demographic ranging from hobbyists to industrial designers who require specific mechanical solutions for their custom timekeeping projects.
The depth of the Klockit inventory extends beyond simple replacement parts, encompassing a full spectrum of specialized hardware required for sophisticated assembly. From high-torque quartz motors designed for oversized gallery clocks to delicate mechanical chimes that replicate the sounds of historic European timepieces, the selection is curated to meet specific technical requirements. Each product category is organized to help users navigate the complex variables of shaft length, mounting styles, and hand compatibility. This systematic approach reduces the margin of error for makers, providing the data necessary to ensure a perfect fit for every project. The catalog includes detailed specifications for pendulum lengths, swing arcs, and chime sequences, offering a level of detail that supports successful project completion. Whether one is embarking on a first-time assembly or conducting a complex restoration of a family heirloom, the resources available provide a comprehensive roadmap for achieving precision in timekeeping and maintaining the longevity of mechanical and electronic clocks.
Quartz Movement Technology and Application
Quartz movements represent the modern standard for reliability and low-maintenance timekeeping. The catalog features a wide array of these electronic mechanisms, which utilize a crystal oscillator to create a precise frequency for time measurement. For those repairing modern wall clocks, the standard quartz motor is the most common requirement. These units are typically powered by a single AA battery and are valued for their silent operation and consistent accuracy. However, selecting the correct movement requires attention to the shaft length, which is the measurement from the movement case to the tip of the threaded portion where the hands attach. A shaft that is too short will not penetrate the clock dial, while one that is too long may cause the hands to sit too far from the face.
High-Torque Motors for Large Scale Projects
When working with clock hands that exceed seven inches in length, standard quartz movements often lack the necessary power to move the hands consistently against gravity. The catalog addresses this through high-torque quartz motors. These specialized units are engineered with robust gears and higher voltage outputs to handle the weight and wind resistance of oversized hands used in gallery or outdoor clocks. These movements are essential for professional makers creating focal-point wall decor, as they prevent the common issue of the clock losing time or the minute hand stalling at the six-o’clock position. The technical specifications for these motors include maximum hand weight and length ratings, allowing for informed selection based on the specific dimensions of the project.
Radio-Controlled and Atomic Accuracy
For users who prioritize absolute precision, the catalog offers radio-controlled or atomic movements. These units synchronize with the signal from the NIST radio station WWVB in Colorado, automatically adjusting for Daylight Saving Time and ensuring the clock remains accurate to the second. This technology is particularly useful for commercial environments or for individuals who prefer a set-and-forget solution for their timekeeping needs. The inventory includes various shaft lengths for these atomic units, making it possible to upgrade traditional clock cases with modern, self-adjusting technology without altering the external appearance of the timepiece.
Mechanical Movements for Traditional Craftsmanship
The mechanical movement section of the catalog caters to the purists of the horological world. These mechanisms rely on physical energy stored in springs or weights rather than batteries. The selection often includes movements from renowned manufacturers like Hermle, known for their German engineering and durability. Mechanical movements are categorized by their chime sequences and the duration they run between windings, such as 8-day movements. These components are intricate, involving a series of gears, escapements, and hammers that strike tuned rods to produce melodic tones. Understanding the mounting requirements for these units is vital, as they require specific internal clearances within the clock case to function properly.
Chime Sequences and Pendulum Lengths
A significant draw of mechanical clocks is the auditory experience provided by the chimes. The catalog offers movements featuring the classic Westminster chime, as well as more complex triple-chime options including Whittington and St. Michael melodies. Each movement is paired with specific pendulum requirements. The pendulum length is not just an aesthetic choice; it is a functional necessity that dictates the timing of the escapement. The catalog provides the precise pendulum drop measurements, which are calculated from the center of the movement’s hand shaft to the bottom of the pendulum bob. This data ensures that woodworkers can design or select a clock case that accommodates the necessary swing arc and vertical space required for the mechanical components to operate at the correct beat.
Weight-Driven vs. Spring-Driven Mechanisms
Mechanical movements are further divided by their power source. Weight-driven movements, often found in grandfather clocks, use the force of gravity on suspended weights to drive the gear train. These require a tall case to allow the weights to descend over the course of a week. In contrast, spring-driven movements use coiled mainsprings, making them suitable for mantel and bracket clocks where vertical space is limited. The catalog details the specific winding key sizes and mounting brackets needed for both types, ensuring that restorers can find the exact hardware to bring a vintage clock back to life. The technical documentation provided helps in identifying the correct replacement for older movements that may no longer be in production.
Aesthetic Components: Dials, Hands, and Pendulums
Beyond the internal mechanics, the catalog provides an extensive range of external components that define the visual character of a clock. The dial is the face of the timepiece, and the selection includes everything from simple aluminum discs to ornate, brass-etched plates with moon phase indicators. Dials are available in various diameters and materials, with options for Arabic or Roman numerals. When selecting a dial, it is crucial to match the center hole diameter and the spacing of the winding holes to the movement being used. The catalog simplifies this process by offering suggested pairings for movements and dials, ensuring a professional-looking finish for the completed project.
Selecting Compatible Clock Hands
Clock hands are more than just indicators; they are precision-balanced components. The catalog features hands in various styles, such as Spade, Serpentine, and Modern, available in finishes like black, brass, and white. There are two primary mounting styles for quartz hands: I-shaft and press-fit. I-shaft hands have a rectangular hole for the minute hand and are secured with a small nut, while press-fit hands are pushed onto a friction-fit shaft. The catalog provides detailed measurements for hand length, which is measured from the center of the mounting hole to the tip of the minute hand. This precision ensures that the hands do not overlap the numerals or hit the edge of the clock case during their rotation.
Pendulums and Decorative Accents
For clocks featuring a pendulum, the catalog provides various bob sizes and rod lengths. Pendulums serve both a functional role in mechanical clocks and a decorative role in many quartz models. Quartz pendulum movements use a separate motor to swing the pendulum, which does not affect the timekeeping accuracy but provides the classic rhythmic motion associated with traditional clocks. The inventory also includes decorative accents like corner spandrels, hinges, and finials, which allow woodworkers to add the finishing touches to a custom-built case. These small details are often what distinguish a high-quality, handcrafted timepiece from a mass-produced item.
Complete Kits for Woodworkers and Hobbyists
For those who may not have the tools or desire to design a clock case from scratch, the catalog offers complete clock kits. These kits range from simple wall clocks to complex grandfather clock projects. Each kit typically includes the pre-cut wood components, the movement, dial, hands, and all necessary hardware. This approach is ideal for hobbyists who want to focus on the assembly and finishing process. The kits are available in various wood species, such as oak, cherry, and walnut, allowing for a range of aesthetic finishes. The instructions provided are detailed and technical, guiding the user through the assembly of the case and the installation of the delicate movement.
Educational Resources and Technical Support
Recognizing the complexity of horology, the catalog serves as an educational resource. It includes troubleshooting guides, measurement charts, and assembly tips that are invaluable for both beginners and experienced makers. Topics such as how to properly oil a mechanical movement, how to adjust the beat of a pendulum, and how to troubleshoot quartz motor issues are covered in detail. This commitment to information sharing ensures that customers are not just purchasing parts, but are also gaining the knowledge required to use those parts successfully. This technical support is a cornerstone of the brand’s reputation for authority in the clockmaking field.
Specialized Tools for Clock Repair
Repairing or building a clock requires more than just standard household tools. The catalog features a selection of specialized horological tools designed for precision work. This includes hand removers, which allow for the safe removal of clock hands without damaging the dial or the movement shaft. Other essential tools include movement clamps, oilers, and specialized lubricants designed specifically for the high-pressure environments of clock gears. By providing these professional-grade tools, the catalog enables enthusiasts to perform their own maintenance and repairs, further extending the life of their timepieces and fostering a deeper connection to the craft of horology.
The Klockit Catalog stands as a definitive resource for anyone dedicated to the precision and artistry of horology. By providing high-quality components and detailed technical specifications, the inventory empowers makers to create lasting timepieces that combine mechanical reliability with personal craftsmanship. The transition from a collection of parts to a functional instrument of time is made possible through the rigorous standards and diverse selection maintained by this specialized supplier. For those seeking to begin a new project or restore a cherished timepiece, the full range of products and expert guidance is available through the Klockit Catalog.