Author: Liz | Technical review date: 2026-09-21
What should you approve before ordering an OEM clock movement?
Approve a clearly identified sample against an agreed specification, using the dial, hands and housing intended for the finished clock. Record the drawing revision, required functions, mounting arrangement and any unresolved points. An attractive sample photograph or a movement that starts running is not a complete approval record.
This checklist is for clock brands, manufacturers and purchasing teams preparing a custom project. Heng-Rong's project information describes a sequence of customer requirements or drawings, engineering assessment, proposal confirmation, sampling and sample approval before bulk production. The checks below are practical preparation guidance; project-specific acceptance limits and commercial terms still need agreement.
1. Define the configuration before requesting a sample
Start with one written configuration sheet. Identify the intended clock function, movement model or proposed version, mounting dimensions and matching hand set. If the housing is still being developed, label provisional dimensions clearly. Separate requirements that are fixed from features that can change after engineering review.
Include front, rear and side drawings where available. Mark the measurement reference surfaces and units. A single shaft-length number does not describe every mounting or hand-fitting dimension. Ask the supplier to identify the total shaft length, usable thread and the relevant fitting positions on the proposed drawing.
Describe the expected use of the finished clock. Record any specific sound, hand-load or timekeeping requirement as a requirement to evaluate, rather than assuming a catalogue category establishes a tested performance level. Ask which requirements can be confirmed for the proposed configuration before committing to sample production.
2. Give every drawing and sample a clear identity
Use a project reference and revision date on drawings, artwork and sample records. Record the supplier's exact model designation and any agreed custom options. Where several shaft versions or hand styles are being compared, give each combination its own reference so the preferred sample cannot be confused with an earlier version.
Keep a change list between revisions. For example, if the dial thickness changes after a sample has been ordered, tell the supplier which drawing has changed and ask whether the proposed mounting arrangement needs review. Do not assume that an earlier approval automatically covers a revised component.
| Record | Information to include | Decision supported |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | Model, version and agreed functions | Which component is under review |
| Mounting | Drawing revision, dial and housing details | Whether the intended assembly fits |
| Hands | Style, fitting, dimensions and identified sample set | Which hands belong to the approval |
| Appearance | Artwork revision, finish and reference sample | Which visible details are accepted |
| Evaluation | Method, conditions, results and open issues | What has actually been checked |
3. Check the complete clock assembly
Evaluate the sample in a representative finished dial and housing, with the intended mounting hardware. Check that the movement can be installed using the agreed method and that the fixing arrangement is suitable. Record any difference between the evaluation housing and the planned production housing.
Fit only the hand set confirmed for that movement version, following its installation instructions. Check clearance between the hands, dial and front cover through their travel. Include rear access for the battery and setting controls. A movement tested separately on a bench does not establish that the complete clock will assemble or operate as intended.
Document observations with labelled photographs and measurements. If a part needs force, extra bending or an unplanned spacer to fit, stop and ask for a review rather than treating the workaround as approved. Any accepted assembly change should be added to the configuration record before production instructions are released.
4. Agree how functional results will be judged
Define the checks and acceptance criteria with the supplier before evaluating the sample. Record the battery or power arrangement specified for the model, the assembled hand configuration, the observation period and the relevant environment. Keep results connected to the actual sample identifier.
If sound, accuracy, power use or a particular hand load matters to the order, request an appropriate evaluation method and a supported limit for that exact version. Avoid adding a universal limit copied from another model. A short observation of one sample should not become a claim about service life, all operating conditions or every production unit.
Separate functional acceptance from appearance approval. A colour or logo approval does not confirm the movement's operation. Likewise, a successful operating check does not approve the artwork, packaging or other visible details. Record each decision explicitly so unresolved items remain visible.
5. Review artwork and packaging as separate items
For a project involving a logo, provide the intended artwork, position and size, and ask the supplier to confirm the proposed application method. Use a revision number for the approved file. Review the actual sample or agreed proof rather than relying on an unlabelled image from an earlier discussion.
Specify which components should be supplied together and how variants should be identified. Ask for the packaging arrangement for the exact order, including any printed box or label requirement. Keep product quantity, packaging quantity and sample requirements separate in the enquiry; do not assume they share the same minimum order or schedule.
6. Close open points before releasing bulk production
Write an approval record that states what is accepted and what remains unresolved. Include the sample reference, drawing revisions, checked configuration, results and approval date. Retain an identified reference sample where practical, together with the corresponding photographs and documents.
When a change is needed, describe it precisely and agree whether a revised drawing, new proof or replacement sample is required. Confirm the final specification and current quotation before authorising production. Ask the supplier to flag later substitutions or design changes for review instead of assuming that a similar-looking part is covered by the original approval.
Frequently asked questions
Can I approve a movement using only photographs?
Photographs can support an appearance review, but they do not establish assembled fit or functional performance. Decide which checks require a physical sample and document the limits of any approval based only on images.
Does sample approval guarantee every production unit?
No. It identifies an accepted configuration and the results of the agreed sample evaluation. Define production inspection and acceptance requirements separately with the supplier.
What if the hands or dial change after approval?
Record the change and request a review of the affected fit, clearance and functional checks. Keep the earlier approval linked to its original configuration until the revised combination has been evaluated.
Prepare your next enquiry
Send the project reference, current drawings, intended function, selected hands, artwork and sample evaluation requirements. Include the planned quantity and packaging needs so commercial details can be confirmed for the actual project. Review the Heng-Rong OEM/ODM service entry and submit the information through the contact page.
Process basis: Heng-Rong supplementary knowledge base, August 12, 2026, entry BR-08. This guide expands that project sequence into a buyer preparation checklist; it does not state universal test limits or guaranteed delivery terms.