DIY Spares & Repairs
Please use this resource to troubleshoot and fix your Newgate or Jones clock. In most cases, a clock can be fixed at home without ever having to be returned to us, saving you time and money.
Battery guidance for slow and stopped clocks
Always use a brand new, high quality alkaline battery. Quartz clock movements are reliable and accurate but they need a truly fresh battery to run properly. A battery that works fine in a remote control or toy often is not strong enough for a clock, which requires steady power to move the hands continuously, especially if the clock has a second hand.
Even batteries that are new but have been sitting in a drawer for a long time may not be fresh enough. Always start with a battery purchased recently from the shop rather than relying on spares from an old pack. If all the batteries in a packet are from the same batch, they may all perform poorly — if one fails quickly, try a different brand before assuming there is a fault with the clock.
Make sure the battery is inserted the correct way around, following the + and - symbols inside the battery compartment. Inserting it incorrectly can cause the battery to overheat or leak. Avoid pushing the battery underneath the terminal, as this may cause a short circuit.
Battery life also depends on the size and weight of the hands. Light, narrow hands use less power and the battery lasts longer. Larger or heavier hands, or the addition of a second hand, increase the demand on the battery.
In almost every case where a clock runs slow or stops, fitting a brand new, good quality alkaline battery solves the problem. Always try this before assuming the movement has failed.
Replacement Movements and Spare Parts
Replacement quartz clock movements are widely available online and inexpensive to buy. In most cases fitting one yourself is a quick job — our guide explains how to measure your clock, identify the right movement, and fit it yourself.
Clock Movement Identification Guide
If you have a warranty claim or a fault with a clock purchased in the last 12 months, please use our Faults, Warranty & Repairs Form rather than sourcing a replacement movement yourself.
We hold a limited stock of replacement movements and hands for a selection of our more recent models, subject to availability. If you would prefer us to supply the parts, pricing is as follows:
Replacement quartz clock movement: £20 including P&P
Replacement pair of hands: £15 including P&P
Replacement movement and hands together: £30 including P&P
To enquire about spare parts, please use our Faults, Warranty & Repairs Form.
Disassembly Guides
The vast majority of Newgate and Jones clocks have been designed for easy disassembly and repair. We have step-by-step video guides covering the four main construction types: metal spring clip, plastic screw, plastic clipped, and solid wood. Visit our dedicated disassembly guides page to find the right guide for your clock.
Clock Hand Removal and Re-alignment
If your clock has been bumped during a move, or the time has been adjusted too vigorously, the hands may have become misaligned or loose. The guide below takes you through how to re-attach and fix your clock's hands at home.
Before watching this guide, please make sure you have also watched the relevant disassembly guide for your clock type in the section above.
Watch: Clock hand removal and re-alignment
Replacing Broken Glass
Accidents happen. If your clock's glass lens has broken, inspect the clock carefully before deciding how to proceed. Check that the case is not too badly damaged and that the broken shards have not damaged the dial. If the clock case is metal, check it is not bent too far out of shape. If the case is acrylic or wood, look for cracking.
If the case is too damaged, unfortunately the clock will need to be replaced. The cost of replacing a broken glass, especially for round pieces, can approach or exceed the price of a new clock. We encourage recycling the clock or its components according to your local council's guidelines.
If the case, dial and hands are otherwise undamaged, a local clock repair workshop may be able to source and fit the correct glass. Picture framers can often cut round glass and may also be willing to help. Costs will vary, and in some cases may be comparable to purchasing a new clock, so it is worth making enquiries first.
Please note that Newgate is not able to accept repair requests for broken glass lenses. This only to clocks with flat glass. Convex glass lenses are custom made for the clock and cannot be replaced if broken.
How to Package Your Clock for Return
Clocks are fragile and easily damaged if not packaged correctly when shipped. The guide below shows how to package your clock safely. Always keep proof of postage when sending your clock.