Mains Clocks to Battery Conversion Service

ClocksUpcycled began by specialising in traditional clockwork to quartz conversions, and has since expanded to include mains power to quartz conversions for vintage electric clocks. This includes the conversion of 240v AC asynchronous mains-powered clocks to reliable, AA battery-powered quartz movements.

As with all clockwork conversions, every mains-to-battery conversion is carried out with great care to preserve the original aesthetic and character of the clock. The goal is to modernise the timekeeping mechanism without compromising the visual integrity or period authenticity of the piece. If you want Atomic Clock accuracy – a German Radio Controlled clock movement can be used – this mechanism synchronises the time every day via the European DCF system.

Examples – Mains to Quartz Clock Conversions

No Obligation Quote

If you have a mains powered clock you’d like converting to Quartz – please use the form below (or the WhatsApp button if you prefer) to get in touch with Tristan

Popular in the 50’s and 70’s

Mains-powered clocks were particularly popular from the 1950s through to the early 1970s, promoted as a modern and accurate alternative to mechanical clockwork. While innovative for their time, these clocks suffer from a significant practical limitation: the need to be positioned close to a 240v mains socket.

For wall clocks—such as the Metamec and Smiths as shown on this page – this often resulted in an unsightly power cable running up the wall, detracting from the clock’s design and the surrounding space. Converting these clocks from mains power to quartz battery operation removes this constraint, allowing greater flexibility of placement while retaining the original look and feel.

Google Reviews

 
 
 
 
  EXCELLENT  
  
 Based on 80 reviews 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Mrs. Colleen Butler 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
I can’t thank Tristan enough for helping me with my 54 years old clock, even the manufacturer wouldn’t repair if,  Tristan did he has saved 3 clock for me over the last few years very carefully packed and not too expensive for excellent service
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Barbara Taylor 
 
 
 
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I have just had my mantle clock repaired by Tristan of Clocksupcycled .
Highly recommended.....
Super service.
Great communication .
Would certainly use again.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 John Maloney 
 
 
 
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First class service and workmanship to give a new lease of life to a clock. Our clock looks exactly as before only with a battery /quartz movement. Highly recommended.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Mark Monument 
 
 
 
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My car clock has been wonderfully up-graded to one that works perfectly now it has a quartz brain, and looks as classic as the car itself. First class job done. Highly recommended.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 bryony jones 
 
 
 
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Fantastic and professional service. I had a well loved and sentimental clock that was upgraded from mains power to battery by Tristan at ClocksUpcycled. The service was exceptional, with wonderful communication and customer service. Highly Recommend.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Penny McKechnie 
 
 
 
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Very helpful, friendly and extremely quick service from Tristan. I posted my clock to him on a Tuesday afternoon and it was back here fully working on the Saturday. It was a simple repair, but it means a lot to me to have the clock back on the wall and working perfectly. Many thanks Tristan.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Thomas Edwards 
 
 
 
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Just received my converted clock back from Tristan. Unfortunately the movement was uneconomical to repair so having it converted to quartz was the best option. 2 quartz movements were installed, one for hours and minutes, the other for seconds. Tristan even 3d printed a hanging bracket invisibly secured behind the makers plaque. He also cleverly added 2 solid brass winders.
Great communication and a fast turnaround.
Thanks Tristan!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Chris Tait 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Tristan is very special in what he does,saving history and converting special timepiece. He does a truly amazing superb job,his contact from start to finish us extremely superb and a rare thing these days.the company he has created is truly fantastic in everyway from start to completion. He has saved three clocks for me from extinction and saved a valuable piece of history, I couldn't be more grateful to him for the truly fantastic jobs he's done on my clocks,they still look completely original, you would never know theve had a conversion.hes the very best in the UK.a fantastic company,I recommend them highly,you won't find a nicer person or company,amazing,ing all round,many thanks Tristan for everything. Kindest regards Chris.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 peter greatorex 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Recently sent an old broken Quartz clock found in a skip, which I sent to Tristan and he was able to check, fix and return to life.
A Very Courteous and Professional service was provided and I was always consulted on aspects I asked him about.
Clock returned and looks pristine.
New internals and battery, case touched up as well .
Turn round time exceptional.
Highly recommended.
Thank you.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 peter wlliams 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Excellent conversion very carefully detailed would strongly recommend well packed very happy with the service and result
  
 
  
 
 
 
   
 
 
 

Freedom from Mains Cables and Sockets

Even when a mains-powered electric clock is still functioning correctly, its reliance on a nearby 240v mains socket can be a significant limitation. Converting an electric clock from mains power to battery-powered quartz offers several clear advantages.

• Safety is improved by removing the need for a permanent mains connection.
• Convenience is greatly increased, allowing the clock to be positioned exactly where it looks best, without regard for socket locations.
• Weight is reduced significantly, which is particularly beneficial for wall-mounted clocks, making them easier and safer to hang.
• Reliability is enhanced through the use of high-quality German quartz movements, powered by a single AA battery. These movements are maintenance-free and offer excellent long-term accuracy.
• DCF Radio Controlled Time Keeping – if you want Atomic Clock accuracy a Radio Controlled clock movement can be installed. This movement utilises the daily Atomic clock signal from Germany (DCF).

Shown below are two further Metamec clocks supplied by a customer for electric-to-battery (mains to quartz) conversion. As with all conversions, the original clock hands have been carefully adapted and retained, ensuring the clocks remain visually unchanged and faithful to their original appearance

Video Examples

Smith Sectric Bakelite Mantel Clock (mains to quartz)

These two short videos showcase what I do at ClocksUpcycled – maintaining as much character and patina of the original clock. The aim with this Smith Sectric Bakelite mantel clock was to ensure 1) the blued steel hands were kept looking original and 2) the clock looked the same from the back as it did before the conversion.

Smith Delhi Bakelite Wall Clocks

Three x Smiths Sectric Bakelite Wall Clocks after conversion from 240v AC mains to AA Battery powered Quartz. All three Smiths Delhi clocks were sent to me from the same customer with a strong desire for them to look just like they have for the last 50 years.

Smiths Mains Power Clock to Quartz

The clock below is POST conversion – from 240v AC Mains power to AA battery Quartz movement. Objective – to keep this old Smiths mantel clock looking just like it always has done. Whenever possible I re-work the case-back so they can be used to cover the replacement Quartz unit. On this clock, the rear Bakelite cover simply pushes over the 3D printed internal holder (white ring, 4th photo).

Do it Yourself – Mains to Quartz?

Ready to start your own clock conversion project? Buy quartz clock movements directly from our online shop and get everything you need in one place. Converting a mains-powered electric clock to a battery-powered quartz clock using a UTS quartz movement can be done as a DIY project, but there are several important factors to consider before starting.

Correct shaft length is critical and depends on the dial thickness and any existing spacers or mounting plates used by the original electric movement. Once the mains movement is removed, you’ll also need to deal neatly with any redundant mounting holes, wiring apertures, or fixing points left behind in the case or dial.

Original hands will often require careful adaptation to suit the quartz shaft, and the new UTS movement must be securely mounted to ensure accurate timekeeping and to avoid misalignment or vibration. Electrical isolation and safe removal of the original mains wiring is also an essential part of the conversion.

It’s not always straightforward — but for a competent hobbyist, it’s certainly achievable. If you’d like to attempt the conversion yourself, we supply the same genuine UTS quartz movements that we use at ClocksUpcycled, ensuring you start with the correct, high-quality component for a successful mains-to-quartz conversion.