Motor Replacement

[BuckeyeBacker1]

Subject: Help Identifying Motor Replacement for ILA Flip Clock/Calendar (Possibly Sankyo or Caslon)

Hi everyone,

I’m working on restoring an ILA flip clock/calendar (battery-operated, single AA, made in Japan), but the original motor has failed — it no longer sends the pulse needed to drive the flip mechanism.

After digging around, I’ve found this same clock rebranded under names like VTG, Tel-Time, and others. Based on the internals and layout, I suspect the motor may be a Sankyo or Caslon 1.5 V pulse motor — possibly one of the sealed “can” types like the Sankyo 401 or 501, or even an Intermatic-style 431 or 551.

Unfortunately, there’s no clear labeling on the motor itself beyond basic voltage info. It connects via a 3-pin connector, and the movement drives the calendar/mechanical gear once per minute. Not a sweep motor — definitely a pulse type.

I’m hoping to find out:

What exact motor this is (based on others' experience with ILA or similar rebrands)?

Whether there are compatible donor clocks (Copal, Caslon, Sankyo, Realistic, etc.) that use the same motor?

If anyone here has a working replacement motor available for sale or trade?

I’ve attached photos below of the clock, motor, 3 pin ribbon and contact ring or connector, for reference.

Thanks in advance for any insight — I know a few of you are absolute legends when it comes to these flip drives, and I really appreciate the help!

Best,
Jeff

[Johan de Jong]

This is a modern film clock that is still being made today (https://www.alibaba.com/product-deta...437535587.html) and sold with all kind of brand names. I suspect the mechanism is similar to the Habitat/Fartech clocks. If you search this forum on either of these names you will find some posts with more information.

The clock consist of two parts: the analog clock and a digital flip clock. The two are completely separate mechanisms.
The analog clock is driven by the quartz motor you show in the picture and that is powered by one AA battery.
The flip clock is powered by two C type batteries (behind cover on the back). Most likely each of the flip clock parts (month, day, date) is driven by an assembly that houses a small DC motor, some gears, and a sliding contact wheel.
The sliding contact behind the analog clock is the switch that provides the trigger for the flip clock to advance the day (am/pm), date and month.

Most common problem is that one of the sliding contacts needs cleaning.

Hope this helps!

[BuckeyeBacker1]

Thank you for your response. You are correct as there are two motors, one for the clock and another for the flip calendar. I did clean the sliding contact (shown on picture) with no luck. Checked continuity between three pin ribbon from clock motor to calendar motor, all good. Checked for voltage (1.5v) pulsing out of the clock motor on the noon and midnight hour at the pins. No signal. The calendar motor is operated by 2 "C" cell batteries which the clock pulse triggers. It also operates when started manually so I know the calendar motor is good. Because I am seeing no voltage spike out of the clock motor at noon and midnight, I have narrowed it down that the clock motor which is supposed to provide the pulse is bad. I can find analog motors all day long. What I cannot find is the make or model of one that provides the pulse twice a day.