'63 R1 Dashboard Clock: button battery?

[DobbM]

Minor thought process here and wanted to see if anyone has tried this. I have a negative battery terminal disconnect, and when used, obviously, the clock stops. 

I was thinking of keeping the power to the instrument for illumination of the clock face, but to get the mechanism (minute and hour hands) to run off a button battery.

Stupid idea? Why didn't I think of that? 

Comments/Suggestions/Thoughts always welcomed.

[Guy]

It will take more than a button battery to run a mechanical clock designed for 12v. Average button 1.5v and even if you put 8 in series to get 12v it wouldnt have the amp/hr capacity to run very long. 

[DobbM]

Point taken. I did another search and this was discussed over here: https://forum.studebakerdriversclub.com/forum/your-studebaker-forum/tech-talk/80418-clock-ideas-replace-or-convert

Sounds like a good winter project.

[Dwight FitzSimons]

DobbM, your idea is sound.  I suspect that the electro-mechanical clocks in our Studebakers would last longer if always powered up.  There are small 12-volt rechargeable or non-rechargeable batteries on the market--just search.

--Dwight

[Mark L]

If you do install a backup battery, you may need to wire it in such a way that it doesn't try to also power the rest of the electrical system. Otherwise, it might drain quickly if something gets left turned on.

[Gunslinger]

I'm just wondering if there's a small enough quartz clock mechanism available form a hobby supplier that would fit inside the clock body and use the factory clock face...and the AA-battery could be mounted outside of the clock body under the dash.  The factory illumination could be retained...just the guts of the clock replaced.  

[Footer]

How deep is the clock body?  Would it be possible to mount a quartz movement with a long shaft on the back of the body?  I have a volt meter in the clock location so I’m just kind of speculating.   Mike