How do I open the Copal Model 222

[Dancing Dragon]

The motor stopped working yesterday and I am at a loss on how the clock opens. I don't want to break the plastic. It looks like the clear plastic (That is on the front) pops out on the bottom. But the top will not come off.

Any help would be grateful

[Mackey]

First off, I've never had a 222 in my hands, but I've seen several of the early copals. The early Copals are know for using tabs to hold things together. I'm looking at a model on eBay now where it's pretty obvious that someone attempted to force open the back by prying from the top.

So let's not repeat that mistake.
You could remove the front lens / clear plastic and you would do it from prying carefully from the bottom as you suspected. But I'm thinking that this would not help you, even if you got it off ok.
Look on the bottom


I'm thinking that if you press down on the part of the cabinet at the bottom of the silver label and where it reads "COPAL JAPAN NO (0) JEWELS, you will release the tabs that would allow you to pull the back off. It may be similar to how I opened up the Copal 101 in the following video (at about 2:30)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-HUKwBb0n8

Good Luck and take your time!

[Dancing Dragon]

I found a thread in this forum at https://www.flipclockfans.com/forum/...ing-fast/page2 were in the last pic there is a picture of the same model clock open.

The plastic on this one is so brittle that I don't think it will ever open without breaking up. :-( like you said I am going to take my time

[Mackey]

I'm glad you found that. I'm posting the image again below. I think I may have been right. I can see a ridge on the bottom of the cover. That's where the tab or tabs would hold the clock. I'm pretty sure if you applied pressure on the base, this would release the back. However, see the crack at the top? I think people are messing up by trying to open the back like it was on a hinge. I think you should focus more on pulling the front part of the clock forward instead of trying to remove the back.
Now you've made me want to get one just so I can take it apart. I'd be glad to work on your clock for free just so I can made a video of the process.

click photo above for larger image

[Dancing Dragon]

I sent you a PM.

[Mackey]

Well, I've got Dancing Dragon 's clock in my hands this evening. I was partially right on how to open it. It's a real tough nut to crack. You have to get the knob off before you can do anything. I'll be making a video of the process some time soon. But Dragon, it might not be your clock in the video.... I got one of my own after talking with you. Yours (as I mentioned in PM to you) is now in the "de-yellowing" process.

[Mackey]

Here's how to get that Copal 222 apart ... in one piece (wha?)

[Dancing Dragon]

That Copal is in a lot better shape then mine is. You have a gift when it comes to opening up a clock