Is a favourite vintage clock no longer working, too loud, or simply inconvenient to wind? A quartz clock conversion service offers a modern, reliable solution while preserving the character of a traditional clock. Mechanical (wind-up) clocks can be professionally converted to a quiet, battery-powered quartz movement, eliminating loud ticking and the need for regular winding.
The primary aim of every quartz clock conversion is to combine modern convenience with traditional aesthetics. Original patina, personality, and external appearance are carefully maintained, ensuring the clock looks exactly as it should—just with improved reliability and accuracy.
If a quartz clock conversion is the right solution, an online quote can be requested to start the process quickly and easily. For those without a clock ready to convert, a selection of converted and upcycled clocks is also available to purchase.
If the issue is a faulty battery clock rather than a mechanical one, a dedicated quartz clock repair service is also available for broken or non-working battery clocks.
Whatever the issue, a quartz clock conversion service provides a simple, reliable solution. Clockwork (wind-up) clocks can be converted to a modern, quiet quartz movement, powered by a single AA battery—eliminating winding and improving accuracy. The result is dependable, low-maintenance timekeeping with none of the noise or inconvenience associated with traditional mechanical movements.
Wherever possible, original clock hands are retained, ensuring the character and visual identity of the clock remain unchanged. The goal of every conversion is to modernise the mechanism while preserving the clock’s originality and charm.
A similar conversion process is also available for mains-powered clocks, replacing electric mechanisms with efficient battery-powered quartz movements.
Specialist services are offered for classic car dashboard clock quartz conversions—full details are available on the dedicated page.
The photographs below show customer examples of all three quartz conversion services currently available from ClocksUpcycled.
Clockwork to Battery Conversion examples
Below are examples of recent clockwork to quartz conversions completed for customers. Each clock was originally supplied with its traditional mechanical (wind-up) clockwork movement intact. As part of the conversion process, the original clockwork mechanism is carefully removed and replaced with a modern, quiet, battery-powered quartz movement. This upgrade delivers reliable, accurate timekeeping without the need for winding, while preserving the original appearance of the clock.
Most clockwork to quartz conversions are completed using a high-quality German quartz step movement, producing a very quiet, once-per-second tick. For customers seeking near-silent operation, an upgraded Seiko quartz sweep movement can also be specified, offering almost silent performance.
For further information about clockwork to quartz clock conversions, or to discuss suitability for a specific clock, please get in touch and include a couple of clear photographs to start the assessment process.
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Mantel Clocks Converted to AA Battery Movement
Elliot Clock Video – with “dummy winders” and controls
This short video illustrates the use of a 3D printer to produce internal frames and fastenings for the “dummy winders”. It is almost impossible to spot the difference between the BEFORE and AFTER conversion to battery / quartz movement. This video is AFTER conversion.
Grandfather / Longcase Clock Conversions
Grandfather clock to quartz conversion is a service frequently requested but rarely offered to a high standard. Traditionally, longcase (grandfather) clocks have been difficult to convert due to issues such as redundant seconds hands and compromised functionality. Thanks to a carefully developed solution, longcase and grandfather clocks can now be professionally converted to quartz while maintaining visual balance and originality. This conversion replaces the traditional mechanical movement with a modern, reliable quartz system, delivering accurate timekeeping without regular winding.
All photographs and videos shown on this page feature recent customer commissions, demonstrating real examples of completed longcase clock to quartz conversions.
Longcase Clock POST Conversion to Battery (Video)
This video shows a selection of recent grandfather clock quartz conversions. The active seconds hand adds visible movement, helping the clock retain its presence and sense of life. You may notice the original winding points, retained as dummy winders to preserve the traditional appearance of each clock. Just as importantly, all original clock hands are kept and reused. Each set is carefully reworked to fit modern, high-torque quartz movements, ensuring reliability without altering the clock’s character.
This level of attention to detail ensures every grandfather clock conversion to quartz delivers both visual authenticity and dependable, low-maintenance timekeeping—resulting in a finish that is as satisfying to live with as it is to admire.
Clocks with Winchester Chime converted to Quartz
A common question with clock to quartz conversions is whether a clock can still chime after being upgraded to a modern battery-powered movement. Until recently, the answer was usually no, as early quartz chiming movements often produced thin, unrealistic sounds. That has now changed. New Seiko quartz movements with Winchester chimes offer a remarkably authentic sound, producing a deep, mellow chime that closely resembles a traditional mechanical clock. The result is a chiming quartz clock that retains both presence and character.
These advanced quartz movements make it possible to convert a Winchester chime clock to battery power without sacrificing sound quality or reliability.
Further details about Winchester chime clock conversion to quartz can be found on the dedicated service page.
Can a Mains Powered Clock be Converted to Battery?
A common question is whether a mains powered clock can be converted to a battery-powered quartz movement. The answer is yes. As with other clock conversions, the original asynchronous mains movement is carefully removed and replaced with a modern AA battery-powered quartz movement. Where clock hands are larger or heavier, a high-torque quartz movement is used to ensure reliable operation and accurate timekeeping.
One of the main advantages of a mains to quartz clock conversion is convenience. Battery-powered clocks can be positioned anywhere without the need for sockets, trailing cables, or visible wiring—allowing greater flexibility in placement and a cleaner appearance.
To begin the process, please get in touch and include a few clear photographs for assessment. All clocks shown below are real examples of mains to quartz conversions, completed while keeping the original hands, dial, and glass fully intact.
Converting Classic Car Dashboard Clocks to Battery
For those seeking a classic car dashboard clock quartz conversion, a dedicated specialist service is available. Full details can be found on the linked page. Each conversion is carefully tailored to suit the original design and layout of the clock.
The examples shown below feature a variety of dashboard clocks removed from classic cars, all professionally converted using LR1 carriage clock quartz movements. In every case, the original hands, dial, and glass are retained, ensuring the clock remains visually authentic. Many dashboard clocks require the addition of custom 3D-printed bezels to create the correct spacing between the hands and glass. Where required, this work is fully included in the conversion price.
In the third example shown — the Smiths dashboard clock — Swiss C3 lume was added to the hands at the customer’s request, allowing the clock to glow clearly at night while maintaining a period-correct appearance.
Other Clocks following Conversion to Battery Movement
The clocks shown below were sent in by customers with a shared goal: to continue enjoying much-loved traditional clocks in a bedside setting. While full of character, many older mechanical clocks produce a very loud tick, making them unsuitable for use in quiet rooms.
Each clock has been fitted with an almost silent, modern AA battery-powered quartz movement, providing dependable timekeeping without intrusive noise. This upgrade makes vintage clocks far more suitable for bedrooms and other quiet spaces.
All examples retain their original hands, dial, glass, and external finish. From the outside, nothing has changed—the same patina and familiar character remain—only the internal mechanism has been modernised for quiet, everyday use.
No more winding – quartz battery powered accuracy
I am a HUGE fan of clockwork clocks. That’s why I am a student at the British Horological Institute. Whenever possible I like to see old clockwork movements maintained and restored. However, that’s not always possible. Some people simply don’t like the sound of a ticking clock, some people want 100% accuracy (hard to get in clockwork movement). That’s why I offer this service. Rather than throw an old clock away send it to me for a conversion to AA battery power. I’ll send you the old clockwork movement back, or recycle it and break it down for spares. The modern quartz movements are quiet, accurate and only need a battery change every couple of years.
Do it Yourself Clock Conversion?
Want to try it yourself? If you’re considering a DIY approach and would like to learn more about how to convert a clock to battery power, including the common pitfalls and key things to consider, I’ve put together a detailed guide covering DIY clock conversions, movement selection, and hand compatibility. You’ll also find links to suitable quartz clock movements and information about my hand adaptation service if you’d like your original hands professionally modified. Read the full guide here > DIY Clock Conversion TIPS
Products by Category
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3mm Rubber Spacer for Quartz Movements
£2.50 -
Centre Seconds Hand Caps 6mm -10mm
Price range: £1.00 through £3.00 -
Hand Conversion Service – Conversion to EF or NEF
£35.00 -
Rubber Washer / Spacer for UTS Quartz Movements
£1.50 -
Seiko Westminster Chiming Clock Movement (with Pendulum drive)
£64.99 -
Seiko Westminster Chiming Quartz Clock Movement
£59.99 -
UTS High Torque Quartz Clock Movements
£10.99 -
UTS Quartz Clock Movements
£8.99
SHOP – Vintage Clocks Converted to Quartz
Don’t forget I have a small selection of Vintage Clocks for Sale in my online SHOP. Below is an example of clocks already professionally converted to quartz. These vintage clocks were all sold in our online store. Pop over now and browse our small collection of clocks already converted to quartz. Every clock is different and all clocks retain their original character and patina.
Clocks Currently Available (all AA battery powered)
Examples of Clocks Sold Recently
The clocks shown below have all been sold following a conversion to Quartz by Tristan Haskins. Each clock is 100% unique with its own patina and character by the bucket load. In all cases – each clock keeps its original hands, glass, dial and bezel. When you purchase a ClocksUpcycled vintage clock you are helping the planet – keeping vintage clocks out of landfill – and preserving a little bit of history.
