"The Big Four"

Clockmakers' codes/model numbers collectively indicate whether movements are chain or cable driven, plate measurements, hammer arrangement and handshaft length. Dakota Clock Works has developed “The Big Four” – four simple questions to provide us information necessary to determine the precise replacement movement code/model number.

  
Here’s what you need:

• Pen or pencil
• Piece of paper
• Standard metric ruler

Retrieve the movement from your clock case. If the case must be moved to access the movement, remove the weights and pendulum prior to moving.

As you progress through the questions, write down your answers on a piece of paper. Once you have answered The Big Four, proceed to the Contact-Order Form to submit your information.

Do your best. If you are unable to answer some or all of the questions, it’s okay. Leave the answer field(s) blank, and we will assist you.

Review the diagram below. It illustrates the front, or face, of a clock movement. It is labeled with each relevant part for your convenience. Read each question carefully.

1. Chain or cable?

• The weights powering your movement will either be hanging from chain or cable. Do the weights on your movement hang from chain or cable?

2. Number of hammers?

• Count the total number of hammers on your clock movement.

3. Plate size?

• Measure the length and width, in inches, of the back plate of your movement with a standard ruler.

4. Handshaft measurement?

• Measure your handshaft, in inches (or millimeters), with a standard metric ruler. The handshaft is measured from the front surface of the front plate to the tip of the minute shaft.
• Note:  Do not measure from the surface of the snail.

Notice:  When correctly measured, the bottom of the ruler rests on the front plate, not on the gears or snail. This allows the length of the handshaft to be correctly measured from the front plate to the tip of the minute shaft.

Click on photo for enlarged image.

Notice:  When incorrectly measured, the bottom of the ruler rests on top of the snail and other gears, not on the front plate, as it should. This will result in an incorrect handshaft measurement.

Click on photo for enlarged image.

Proceed to the Contact-Order Form and enter "The Big Four" answers into the specified fields.

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