Clock Repair Kit

How it works

The Smiths Pin Clock is a fascinating combination of mechanical and electrical techniques. The clock is based around a traditional clockwork mechanism with a rotating balance wheel and hairspring. The balance wheel rotates backwards and forwards at a fixed rate of five times per second and it is this motion which is used to regulate the timekeeping of the clock.

In order to maintain the oscillation of the balance wheel, the clock has to be provided with energy to overcome the losses in the mechanism. In a traditional clockwork mechanism this energy is provided by a mainspring wound by a key, but in this case the energy is provided electrically. A small solenoid coil consisting of thousands of turns of fine wire is mounted close to the balance wheel. Two shaped metal `pole pieces’ pass through the centre of the coil and are positioned so that their ends are very close to the edge of the balance wheel. When the solenoid coil is energised by an electric current a magnetic field is created and this provides a `kick’ which maintains the oscillation of the balance wheel. For the clock to operate correctly the electric current to the solenoid coil has to switched on for a very brief period at exactly the right point in the movement of the balance wheel. This is achieved by using a tiny set of electrical contacts which brush against a small pin projecting from the underside of the balance wheel – hence the name `Pin Clock’.

Will it fit?

How to tell whether your clock can be repaired using the Clocks4Classics Clock Repair Kit

1. Check the Clocks4Classics repair list
This list shows all the car clocks which have been previously repaired using the Clocks 4 Classics repair kit. If your car is on this list then the clock will be repairable. If your car is not listed then please use the instructions below to check whether the kit is compatible with your clock.

2. Check the manufacturer
Only clocks manufactured by Smiths or Jaeger are repairable with the Clocks4Classics Kit.

3. Check for markings on the clock face
If the clock has a part number and it starts with “CET” or “CTE” then the clock uses a transistorised movement and is NOT suitable for repair with the Clocks4Classics Repair Kit.

4. Check the case screws on the rear of the clock
Look at the rear of the clock. If you see a pattern of four screws as shown below then it will almost certainly be repairable using the Clocks4Classics kit. Please note that the type of screws will vary from clock to clock; it is the pattern and dimensions shown that are important. The photos below show the rear of several of different clocks all of which are repairable. In a few cases only three of the four screws may be present but the dimensions will be the same.

Clock Kit Video Guides

Smiths Clock Pre-Repair Checks

Guides to Fitting the Repair Kit

Smiths Car Clock Repair - Part 1

Smiths Car Clock Repair - Part 2

Volvo P1800 - Bezel Removal

Example Upgrades

XK140

Wolesley4 44

MG TC

Smiths / Jaeger front adjusting movement

Clock Repair Kit Fitting Instructions

​There are two sets of instructions available. The first covers the "standard" Smiths / Jaeger movement and the second covers the later mechanism which has the adjustment knobs on the front of the clock.
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Kit Fitting Instructions

Kit Fitting Instructions Front Adjusting Clocks

Other useful documents

Clock Installation and Usage Tips

Jaguar Mk 2 Clock Removal

Hands Removal and Replacement

Wiring with Battery Isolator Switch-NegEarth

Wiring with Battery Isolator Switch-PosEarth