Smith
Updated 24 April 2013.
The company now known as Smiths Group plc produced synchronous clocks from 1931 to 1979. They are usually marked SEC or Sectric on the dial. Movement covers are usually marked ‘Smiths English Clocks’, but later clocks have variations. For further information, and the history of the company, see the following book.
SMITH B. Smiths domestic clocks. Second Edition. Herne Bay: Pierhead Publications Limited, 2008.
The book includes descriptions of Smith synchronous movements, and extensive information on individual clock models, including a picture gallery. However, only about half the clocks I have seen are included in the book. Descriptions of Smith synchronous movements are also included in the following books.
MILES R H A. Synchronome. Masters of electrical timekeeping. Ticehurst, Sussex: The Antiquarian Horological Society, 2011.
ROBINSON T R. Modern Clocks. Their repair and maintenance. Second edition.London: N A G Press Ltd, 1942.
WISE S J. Electric clocks. Second edition. London: Heywood & Company Ltd, 1951.
Special lubricating oil was available for motor bearings.
They also made clocks for other companies, and supplied movements for incorporation into clocks made by other manufactures. For information on these clocks see the Smith Variations page.
To view a clock listed below, and the lubricating oil, click on the link. Model designations in the list, and in descriptions, are from Smith’s book, as are date ranges. The date range for a clock is the range of years during which it appeared in catalogues.
Smith Albury synchronous mantel clock S 99 Smith A
Smith Arundel synchronous mantel clock S 199 Smith A
Smith Autocal synchronous alarm clock S 4 Smith A
Smith Bounty synchronous wall clock S 70 Smith A
Smith Capri synchronous mantel clock S 206 Smith A
Smith Chalfont synchronous mantel clock S 96 Smith_A
Smith Cleveforth synchronous mantel clock S 120 Smith B
Smith Creetown variant synchronous mantel clock S 42 Smith A
Smith Darwin synchronous mantel clock S 154 Smith A
Smith Delhi de luxe synchronous wall clock S 21 Smith C
Smith Delta synchronous mantel clock S 69 Smith B
Smith Derbyshire synchronous wall clock S 229 Smith A
Smith Dickens synchronous mantel clock S 188 Smith A
Smith Durban synchronous wall clock S 13 Smith A
Smith Eltham synchronos wall clock S 198 Smith A
Smith Essex synchronous mantel clock S 5 Smith A
Smith Gibraltar synchronous chiming granddaughter clock (1)
S 24 Smith D
Smith Gibraltar synchronous granddaughter clock (2)
S 60 Smith C
Smith Grenfell synchronous mantel clock S 104 Smith A
Smith Heston synchronous mantel clock S 32 Smith C
Smith Huntingdon synchronous mantel clock S 31 Smith B
Smith Kendall synchronous chiming mantel clock S 174 Smith A
Smith Larkdale synchronous mantel clock S 11 Smith A
Smith Metoclock synchronous wall clock S 58 Smith A
Smith Nell Gwynne synchronous mantel clock S 49 Smith B
Smith Norwich synchronous mantel clock S 159 Smith A
Smith Oakely synchronous wall clock S 109 Smith B
Smith Phillipe synchronous carriage clock S 175 Smith A
Smith Prestwick synchronous mantel clock s-37-smith-a
Smith Radbourne synchronous mantel clock S 59 Smith A
Smith Ramsey synchronous mantel clock S 8 Smith A
Smith Sovereign synchronous mantel clock S 98 Smith B
Smith Sudan synchronous mantel clock S 152 Smith A
Smith Surrey synchronous striking mantel clock S 97 Smith A
Smith Sussex synchronous wall clock S 22 Smith B
Smith Tapton synchronous mantel clock S 118 Smith B
Smith Tees synchronous mantel clock S 162 Smith A
Smith The Harbour synchronous mantel clock S 52 Smith A
Smith Woburn variant synchronous mantel clock S 38 Smith B
Smith Woodhaven synchronous mantel clock (1) S 10 Smith A
Smith Woodhaven synchronous mantel clock (2) S 201 Smith A
Smith synchronous mantel clock (1) S 6 Smith C
Smith synchronous mantel clock (3) S 62 Smith B
Smith synchronous mantel clock (4) S 87 Smith C
Smith synchronous mantel clock (6) S 110 Smith B
Smith synchronous mantel clock (7) S 137 Smith A
Smith synchronous mantel clock (8) S 17 Smith A
Smith synchronous mantel clock (9) S 19 Smith C
Smith synchronous mantelclock (10) S 43 Smith A
Smith synchronous mantel clock (11) S 45 Smith C
Smith synchronous mantel clock (12) S 61 Smith A
Smith synchronous striking mantel clock (13) S 75 Smith A
Smith synchronous wall clock (1) S 48 Smith A
Smith synchronous wall clock (2) S 208 Smith A
Smith synchronous wall clock (3) S 231 Smith A
Advertising clocks
Smith Approved Stockist synchronous wall clock S 165 Smith A
Smith Craven ‘A’ synchronous wall clock S 124 Smith A
Related Item
Lubricating oil S 132 Energol A
November 23, 2010 at 1:04 pm |
I was interested to see your GEC-branded clock with an SEC (Smiths English Clocks) motor.
I have one with an identical movement but it has “Genalex” moulded into the back in place of SEC.
I also have a very similar one marked “British National Electrics Ltd”.
All very odd!
Nick.
November 23, 2010 at 1:08 pm |
Futher to my last e-mail, my Genalex clock is very similar to the one you have listed in another section of your excellent site.
Definitely the same, ubiquitous Smiths (“De Luxe??”) movement, but note that the mains input pins are fixed, not swivelling as in the original Smiths design.
November 23, 2010 at 1:20 pm |
Should you be interested, you can see a portrait of the owner of mantel clock No 3 (S62) here: http://www.dinaspowisbowlingclub.com/PDF/Dinas%20Powis%20Bowling%20Club%20Centenary%20Booklet.pdf
Fascinating and rare to know about a clock’s original owner.
Nick
July 6, 2011 at 7:55 pm |
Looking for a motor for old mantel clock. Motor was Genalex 200-250v50~. Only other marking on it says “made under one or more Eng. pats 366710 387108 412336. Any idea where I might find one. Regards, Daniel
July 7, 2011 at 5:49 pm |
Spares for old synchronous clocks are difficult to obtain. They are only available second hand. Complete movements are occasionally listed on eBay. These are probably removed from clocks that have been converted to quarztz. There is usually no means of determining whether a listed movement is suitable for a particular clock, or if it is in good working order. This also often applies to complete clocks listed on eBay as suitable for spares/repair. I have never seen a Genalex movement listed on eBay. However, some Genalex movements appear to be identical, apart from maker’s marks, to the Smith BM7 movement. These movements have a swivelling two pin connector.
July 11, 2011 at 8:27 pm
Thank you so much for taking the time to pass on this information. Daniel
August 2, 2011 at 2:23 pm |
Thank you for creating this site. I have now found our family clock is a Smith model Gm 30 synchronous granddaughter clock.
Ours has a plaque dated 1935.
It keeps good time but the chimes have stopped. I think the spring must have failed, do you have any other details about the movement so I may track down or make a replacement spring.
Regards
Anthony
August 7, 2011 at 6:33 pm |
Thanks for your comment. The plaque on your clock shows that the model was available much earlier than the date range given by Smith, which was based on catalogues.
I haven’t got any further information on this particular type of movement. Horological suppliers sell springs in a range of sizes so it should be possible to obtain a replacement spring.
If you would like more detailed comment let me know, and I will contact you privately.
Regards
Les
October 25, 2011 at 2:35 am |
Hi I have an old Smith Electric clock that I have not seen a photo of anywhere, what do I need to send you to help ID it
October 26, 2011 at 7:26 am |
If the clock is included in the second edition of Barrie Smith’s book ‘English Domestic Clocks’ then all that is needed for identification is a photograph of the front of the clock. However, there are many Smith clocks that are not included in Barrie Smith’s book, which is based on Smith catalogues. Some of these Smith clocks are ‘mix and match’ with features from two of the clocks in Barrie Smith’s book. I have not been able to identify other Smith clocks that I have examined.
January 31, 2012 at 4:41 pm |
I have a platform movement Alexandra Clark wooden westminster chime clock.. Inside the rear door is written…..incorporating temporarily certain escapement parts of foreign manufacture. The clock looses time no matter how much i adjust the timing wheel. Can i get a new part to regulate the time. It is a SMITHS movement…has K7A 11 stamped on it… TWO JEWELS UNAJUSTED is also written on it.
February 1, 2012 at 8:44 am |
This is a Smith K7A ‘floating balance’ movement, dating from about 1960. Floating balance movements are sensitive to correct lubrication. I suspect that the clock needs cleaning and oiling rather than replacement of a part. I was interested to hear that Alexander Clark made clocks with Smith mechanical movements, as well as with Smith synchronous movements.
June 26, 2012 at 2:40 pm |
Hi = great website. I have a Genalex exactly the same as the S 83 Temco C above. Were Genalex part of Smiths ? Its a lovely little clock and I hoped to be using it but unfortunately it doesn’t work. I am still interested in its history and will try to find someone who might mend it.
June 27, 2012 at 7:20 am |
All the Genalex clocks I have seen appear to have been made by Smith, but branded as Genalex. I do not know the origin of the trade mark, or who owned it. Smith made synchronous clocks for several other manufacturers, and also supplied movements to other manufacturers. Current electrical regulations make it difficult to find professional clockmakers willing to repair synchronous clocks.
January 20, 2013 at 8:44 pm |
Steve G from Lancs
Hi we have just bought a smiths selectric clock today and i have just repaired it and it now runs and keeps perfect time ! It is the same as the s45 mantel clock on your site but the motor cover at the back does not have the plug fitting it has the mains wire going through the back cover and wired to the motor via two screws and washers ! Once taken apart and the dial and glass cleaned as well as the chrome trim polished it looks great just needed the case cleaning as the wood had been covered in some kind of varnish put on with a brush this has been removed using a special varnish remover ( not nitromoors ) and now has a nice french polished finish ready to refit the motor and dial back in once it is all together it will look and work as new ! this is the second smiths selectric clock we have and both are now fully working and will both keep good time ! Cant beat the good old Smiths British clock !