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Old 21st Apr 2017, 8:16 pm   #1
Radio_Doctor
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Default Smiths Sectric Wall Clock

I have several Smiths clocks and have restored a number. This is a recent purchase. I am delighted with it. Very solid and heavy.
The question I have is that it is different from all the others I have. There is no method of changing the time. I assume the hole in the front is push press to start. Anyone even a Smiths like this? Does it mean you need to start it at the correct time? I have a couple of Smiths catalogues 1949 and a later. Nothing like this in those, suspect this is an earlier clock.
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Old 22nd Apr 2017, 8:22 pm   #2
ThePillenwerfer
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Default Re: Smiths Sectric Wall Clock

If the hole in the front is a push starter it must be possible to open the glass, though I can't see any hinges in the pictures. If so you could push the hands 'round by hand, as you would with a mechanical clock.

It's certainly a nice-looking clock.
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Old 22nd Apr 2017, 8:49 pm   #3
AC/HL
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Default Re: Smiths Sectric Wall Clock

From memory it looks like one we had as a child, except that one had a foot. If so, the glass may be hinged on one side, with a screw through the back at the other.
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Old 22nd Apr 2017, 9:09 pm   #4
Nickthedentist
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Default Re: Smiths Sectric Wall Clock

Very stylish and attractive, Kneale. Not one I've encountered before, so presumably quite rare!

Barrie Smith's info suggests that it must be post-1937 because it is trademarked "Sectric", but not much after that date because it has a prominent "T".

The movement is a variant of the De Luxe, i.e. essentially SEC's second synchonous movement design, introduced in 1933.

A self-starting version was introduced in 1934 and still produced until c.1955, and I suspect this is what you have, the small hole under the centre arbor on the front being for the tell-tale to show if the clock's running.

As to your original question, that's a mystery! I have seen clocks which have been modified or fitted into alternative cases which can sometimes explain anomolies like this. Yours almost has the look of a flush-mounted clock that's been fitted into a simple hardwood case so that it can be used without cutting a recess in the wall... but that doesn't explain the lack of hand-set either.

How big is it, BTW? Presumably about a foot across?

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Old 29th Apr 2017, 5:41 pm   #5
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Default Re: Smiths Sectric Wall Clock

Many thanks and sorry for becoming incognito! Have a big birthday this weekend and preparing was order of the day. It is 12" across and does open (hinged at top). The little window doesn't have an indicator wheel Nick - just a black plate. One other I had thi was used to start.
Never seen a Smiths with no hand adjusting knob. Maybe you do just move the hands from the front?
Tried for better photos an of the catalogues I have.

Many thanks Kneale.
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Old 29th Apr 2017, 7:48 pm   #6
Nickthedentist
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Default Re: Smiths Sectric Wall Clock

Oh yes, if it does open, then you're just meant to move the hands manually. There is a slipping clutch arrangement, so no harm will be done.

I have several non-glazed Smiths wall clocks which are set in exactly this way.

N.
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