Frequently Asked Questions

The single most important thing you can do is use the right battery. Always fit a brand new, high quality alkaline AA — Duracell Plus or Energizer MAX are both solid choices. Never use a battery from a pack that has been sitting in a drawer, even if it is mostly unused. Clock movements are more demanding than most household devices and need a consistent, steady current. A battery that is partially depleted will often cause a clock to run slow rather than stop outright, which is why so many people assume their clock has developed a fault when the battery is the real culprit.

Replace the battery at the first sign of the clock losing time — do not wait for it to stop. When you do replace it, buy a fresh pack rather than reaching for a spare from elsewhere in the house.

Beyond the battery, keep your clock away from direct sunlight, which fades finishes and can warp wooden cases, and away from damp or steamy environments. Extreme cold can thicken the lubricant in the movement and affect accuracy. A clock kept in normal indoor conditions with a good battery will run reliably for years.

In the vast majority of cases this is a battery issue, and the fix is a fresh, high quality alkaline AA from a new pack. Even a battery that appears new may not deliver consistent enough power if it has been sitting in a drawer for a while.

There are some tell-tale signs that the battery is the culprit. If your clock has a second hand, watch it carefully. A second hand that struggles on the upward sweep, twitches without completing a full step, or stalls intermittently is almost always a sign of a weak battery rather than a faulty movement. The upward portion of the sweep requires the most power, so a depleted battery will often show itself there first.

It is also worth knowing that not all clocks draw the same power. Larger clocks with bigger, heavier hands require more energy to move them and will drain a battery faster than a small lightweight clock. Clocks with a second hand use more power than those without. If you have a large statement clock or one with a prominent sweeping second hand, expect to replace the battery more frequently than you might with a smaller model.

Genuinely faulty movements are extremely rare.

If a brand new battery does not start the clock, check that it is inserted the correct way around and that the battery contacts are clean and making firm contact. If the clock still does not run, the movement may have failed. On some occasions a new battery can be faulty — try a second one from a different pack before drawing that conclusion.

Dust the clock case with a dry or very slightly damp cloth. Avoid spray polishes, solvents, or abrasive cloths, particularly on painted or lacquered finishes. Keep clocks away from direct sunlight, which can fade colours and warp wooden cases over time, and away from damp environments such as bathrooms, as corrosion can occur. Remove the battery if you are storing a clock for an extended period, as a leaking battery can cause permanent damage to the movement.

Most Newgate clocks are designed for interior use in normal domestic conditions. They are not rated for high humidity environments and should not be used in bathrooms or above kettles or cookers where steam and condensation are a regular factor.

Use the time adjustment dial or knob on the back of the clock to set the hands. Avoid turning the hands directly as this can put stress on the mechanism. Always move the hands forward rather than backwards when setting the time.

Always use a wall fixing appropriate for your wall type and the weight of the clock. If you are unsure what your wall is made of or what fixing to use, a hardware store or a qualified tradesperson can advise. It is worth getting right, particularly for larger clocks.

Most Newgate wall clocks hang from a single point using a keyhole slot or D-ring fitting on the back of the case. The hook or screw needs to sit level, and the clock should rest flush against the wall rather than tilting forward.

The most common mistake is going too small. A clock that looks substantial on a website can disappear against a large wall, particularly in a room with high ceilings or bold furniture. If you are hesitating between two sizes, the larger one is almost always the right call.

As a rough guide, clocks 40cm and above make a genuine statement and work well as a focal point above a sofa, fireplace, or sideboard. Clocks in the 30cm to 40cm range are better suited to kitchens, hallways, bedrooms, and smaller walls where you want presence without dominance, but it really depends on the space.

The old trick of cutting a template from newspaper and holding it against the wall still works better than any amount of measuring. It takes two minutes and saves a lot of second guessing.

On most Newgate alarm clocks, the alarm is set by rotating the button on the back of the clock, separate from the time setting control. Turn it to the desired alarm time, then ensure the alarm is switched on, indicated by a small switch or lever nearby. On digital models, the process varies by model — the full instructions are in the manual for your clock, available at clock instructions.

Check that the alarm is switched on. On most models there is a dedicated alarm on/off switch separate from the alarm time setting. Confirm the alarm time is set correctly and that the display is showing the alarm indicator symbol. Low battery power can also affect alarm function on digital clocks. If the problem persists, the manual for your model is available at clock instructions.

Yes. Manuals for our digital and LED clocks are available at clock instructions. These cover setup, time setting, alarm functions, and troubleshooting for each model.

Most can, and the fix is usually cheaper and easier than people expect. If your clock has stopped or is losing time, a fresh alkaline battery from a new pack solves it in the majority of cases — see the battery question above before assuming anything more serious is wrong.

If the movement itself has definitely failed, that is still not the end of the clock. Replacement aftermarket quartz clock movements are widely available and typically cost between £5 and £15 on Amazon and eBay. You will need the correct shaft length for your clock case and the correct shaft type and diameter for your hands. It is often better to purchase a new movement with a new set of hands, as you are then guaranteed the correct hand compatibility. Our Clock Movement Identification Guide walks you through how to measure your clock and find the right replacement.

For clocks within their 12 month warranty, submit a claim through the repairs and returns form on our website and we will assist from there.

Replacement quartz clock movements are widely available, inexpensive, and quick to source. Amazon and eBay both carry a large range of movements and hands, with most standard movements arriving next day. For clocks outside their warranty period, this is the fastest and most practical route.

You do not need an identical replacement movement — you need one with the correct shaft type, length, and diameter for your clock case. Our Clock Movement Identification Guide explains how to measure this and what to look for when buying. Hands are similarly available in a wide range of styles and sizes to fit standard movement shafts.

For clocks within their 12 month warranty, use the repairs and returns form on our website rather than sourcing a replacement yourself.

Replacing a quartz clock movement is a job most people can do at home without specialist tools, but it is worth taking a moment to prepare before you start.

Wear safety glasses and protective gloves before handling any glass components. If your clock has a glass front, remove it carefully and set it aside somewhere safe. If the glass is cracked or broken, dispose of the broken pieces responsibly, wrapping them securely before putting them in the bin. Some clock cases contain retaining spring clips that should be released slowly and carefully. If you are not confident doing that, a local clock repairer is the better option.

For quartz movements, the key measurement is the shaft length — the threaded section that passes through the clock face to hold the hands in place. Get this right and the rest follows. Our Clock Movement Identification Guide explains how to measure it and what to look for when buying a replacement. Replacement movements are widely available on Amazon and eBay.

Take your time, work on a flat stable surface, and keep track of any small parts as you remove them.

Newgate clocks carry a 12 month warranty from the date of purchase, covering manufacturing defects and faults. The warranty does not cover damage caused by misuse, incorrect battery installation, or normal wear and tear. To make a warranty claim, use the repairs and returns form on our website, where you can describe the fault and upload photos. We will assess and respond as quickly as we can.

Unwanted items can be returned within 30 days of receipt, provided they are unused and in their original packaging including both the branded box and the outer shipping carton. Return postage is the customer's responsibility. To begin a return, visit the returns page on our website where you will find the returns form and address label. If your clock arrived damaged or developed a fault, use the repairs and returns form rather than the standard returns process.

Newgate Clocks was founded in 1990 by Jim and Chloe Read. It began in a flat in Oswestry, Shropshire, making clocks in the UK before later manufacturing in China to bring prices within reach of a wider audience. The brand has always been design-led — every clock is developed by the in-house design team — and the business remains independent and family run after 35 years. Today Newgate is one of the most recognised clock brands in the world.

Newgate clocks are designed in house by the Newgate design team, based at our headquarters in Oswestry, Shropshire. The brand has been British designed since it was founded in 1990. Manufacturing takes place in China, which allows us to keep prices accessible while maintaining the design standards the brand is known for.

Newgate has been designing clocks in Britain since 1990. That is 35 years of knowing what makes a clock work as a piece of design rather than just a timekeeping device — the proportions, the materials, the weight of the hands, the finish on the case. These are not things that happen by accident and they are not things you get from a generic import.

The brand has genuine heritage. Jim and Chloe Read started Newgate in a flat in Oswestry and have spent three and a half decades building a range that interior designers, architects, and homeowners return to precisely because it does not look like everything else.

Yes, and Newgate has built a reputation as one of the most giftable brands in the home and interiors space precisely because a clock is one of those purchases that feels both personal and practical. It is not a candle that burns down or a bottle that gets drunk. It goes on the wall or the mantelpiece and stays there for years.

Newgate clocks are a consistent favourite on wedding lists, and it is easy to see why. A clock is one of the few gifts that works in every room of a new home, suits every taste from bold and graphic to quietly classic, and carries enough visual weight to feel like a proper present rather than a token gesture. They are equally well suited to housewarmings, landmark birthdays, new home celebrations, and Christmas.

The packaging is gift ready, the range is broad enough to suit almost any personality or interior, and the Alarm Clocks collection in particular has become a go-to for anyone looking for something a little more distinctive than the usual options.

Yes. Newgate Clocks supplies retailers and interior designers through a trade account. For trade enquiries, use the Trade Enquiries link in the footer of our website.