Does your classic car have a non-functioning dashboard clock? If so, the original clock can be converted to a modern quartz, battery-powered movement while carefully preserving its patina, originality, and character. The photographs below show a small selection of clocks removed from classic vehicles in a broken or non-working state, professionally converted, and returned looking exactly as they did before. Visually unchanged, each clock benefits from the added convenience of a modern, reliable quartz movement.
The converted clock is powered by a Lithium LR1 battery, offering an approximate three-year lifespan before replacement is required. This provides years of accurate, hassle-free timekeeping, without placing any load on the vehicle’s electrical system or draining the car’s battery.
Before completing the online Quote form, please watch the embedded video below, which answers most of the common questions raised by potential customers.
Video – What to Expect
This short four-minute video has been produced to help potential customers understand how classic car clock conversions are carried out. Rather than repairing the original broken electro-mechanical movement, the process involves replacing it with a modern, reliable quartz movement, complete with its own stand-alone battery power supply.
Watching the video will answer most common questions about the conversion process. The video features two classic car clocks:
- A smaller Kienzle clock from a Triumph Stag
- A larger red clock from a Ford Thunderbird
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Examples of Classic Car Clock Conversions
Car Clock Conversion Service – all examples featured here were converted from electro-mechanical or clockwork movements to quartz for less than £150. Scroll down for a video example of a Rover 75 (1948) clock conversion, or read this BLOG covering a recently converted Jaguar E-Type clock. A Ford Escort clock has also been successfully converted — this Escort MK2 clock was converted to quartz. As with many classic car clock conversions, this example required the 3D printing of three separate components to securely mount the new movement within the very narrow original steel case. Here’s an example of a VW Beetle Clock Repair / Conversion
Ferrari or Triumph – no problem
The two clocks shown below are both POST REPAIR. The clock on the left is a Vegla Borletti from a Ferrari 308. The clock on the right is a Kienzle clock from a Triumph Stag. In both cases – the original hands have been carefully adapted to fit the new 1.5V powered Quartz movement.
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Classic Car Clock Case Studies
Here’s a few specific car clock case studies – these examples give a good idea of the work undertaken to repair the many different styles and designs of classic car dhashboard clocks:
Please note : A majority of these conversions render the external time adjustment system redundant / inoperable. The time adjust dial(s) are kept in-situ to maintain the original appearance of the clock only – they have no functional purpose. If the time needs changing – the easiest way to achieve this is by removing the power from the clock until the “clock time” synchronises with the “real time”. To make this easier to facilitate I fit a REMOTE battery holder on a 30cm extension lead (now with a convenient ON/OFF switch).
Example : Jaguar E Type Clock Conversion
Jaguar E Type Clock AFTER repair / conversion
Classic Car Clocks Recently Repaired / Converted
This is just a handful of the dozen of dashboard clocks from vintage cars I have had the pleasure of repairing / converting to quartz over the last few years. With the introduction of 3D printing it has been even easier to convert these classic car clocks to quartz without losing any of their external originality / patina. I also have access to some fantastic luminous hand coatings. I use Swiss C3 Super Luminova either modern green – or – tropical patina (it looks slightly brown in daylight but super bright green glow at night)
VW Beetle Clock Repair / Conversion
Another example – this time a VW Beetle Clock Repair – the clock has been converted from electro-mechanical to Quartz. That means it now runs from standalone 1.5V (LR1 / MN9100 lithium) battery. Time is now controlled via the ON/OFF switch conveniently located on a 30cm cable between the clock and the battery. Just tuck the battery and switch away behind the dashboard and you’re good to go. These quartz movements are extremely accurate and the battery should last over 2 years.
Keeping it Original
The aim when converting any dashboard clock is to maintain the external character and patina of the dashboard clock while, at the same time, adding accuracy and convenience. The quartz movements used to replace the old elecro-mechanical units are high quality, German made mechanisms. The objective is to return your clock looking, as far as possible, like it did when it arrived. But inside is a different story. It’s out with the broken clockwork or electro-mechanical movement and in with a modern, reliable one – powered by a single LR1 battery. If you are interested in this process – here’s a post I wrote when converting the clock from a classic Jaguar E-Type
Video – A Rover 75 Clock (1948)
The clock, originally part of a 1948 Rover 75, underwent a successful conversion to a modern quartz (battery) movement for a customer’s satisfaction. Despite the update, its appearance remains reminiscent of its 1948 design, now offering improved timekeeping accuracy. Employing a UTS carriage clock mechanism, the conversion also involved adapting the hands to suit the new movement. Additionally, two black inner and outer dial bezels were 3D printed to securely hold the dial in place and provide ample space between the glass and hands. More about this classic Rover 75 clock conversion here.
Vintage Smiths Car Clock Converted to Battery
Several components 3D printed for this conversion including two internal “frame rings” to secure the movement inside the casing. The finished clock looks IDENTICAL to how it looked BEFORE the conversion. The external winder and time adjustment rod is still present and can be turned – but it is non-functional. If you have a car clock you want converting to QUARTZ please contact Tristan. Please note – if the customer wants easy access to the battery, it can be fitted inside a REMOTE battery holder on a 30cm extension lead. This is useful for 1) battery change (every 2-3 years) and 2) GMT to BST – simply remove the battery for the required time rather than remove the clock for time adjustment
Jaeger Clock from an MG Magnette
Here’s another example of a Jaeger clock from a 1950’s MG Magnette. These clocks are mounted in the headlining of the car. I had to 3D print an internal frame to hold the movement and bond it to the external housing.
Classic Volvo P1800 Clock Repair / Conversion
A Volvo P1800 classic car clock after sympathetic conversion to quartz. Clock controls are now redundant – there for cosmetic authenticity. The clock time is simply controlled by stalling the power via the inline toggle switch. This was a tricky clock to work on as the minute hand comes up at and angle so it travels along the topside of the silver chapter ring – whereas the hour hand travels under the ring … but I like a challenge
Let me Convert your Dashboard Clock
If you would like to start the process of converting a vintage dashboard clock to a battery powered movement – please contact me today. Send me a few pictures of the clock and give me some dimensions ( diameter, depth etc) and I’ll get back to you with a quote.