As beautiful as German cuckoo clocks are, they do require proper maintenance in order to remain in good working order. This includes cleaning clocks regularly and understanding how to properly wind them. If you take good care of your clock, it will be sure to last you for years to come.
Before making your decision, there is also plenty of information that will help guide you in the right direction. This includes info regarding price, various clock elements, installation requirements, sound options, and more.
Here is all the information you will need to make the right decision as well as important information about maintaining your German cuckoo clock so that it will remain in your family for generations.
Production
We only work with the best manufacturers in Germany to sell you fully authenic, Black Forest cuckoo clocks. In particular, there are six manufacturers that we know and trust to produce these clocks. They are: Anton Schneider, Hekas, Hönes, Hubert Herr, Rombach & Haas, and Trenkle Uhren. Purchasing a clock from these manufacturers also comes with the esteemed VDS certificate of authenticity.
Do keep in mind that quartz movement clocks do not come with a VDS certificate, as they do not meet the requirements for this certification. VDS clocks must have a mechanical clock movement, which quartz movement clocks do not. Additionally, VDS certified clocks must also be produced in the Black Forest region.
Pricing
Before discussing the various elements you can choose from when selecting a cuckoo clock, it is important to understand the pricing of these clocks. More detailed clocks will obviously have a higher price than simple clocks. There are some general guidelines to keep in mind that will help you select a clock that is in your budget. No matter what clock you choose, you can be sure that it will be totally handmade and of the highest quality.
1-day movement clocks are usually less expensive than 8-day movement clocks
Clocks with musical elements are more expensive than those without. More musical tones or melodies are also more expensive than those with fewer tones or melodies.
The more carvings there are, the higher the price will be. If the carvings are hand painted and hand carved also means the price will be higher
Additional hand-carved elements also result in a higher price- such as a roof, cuckoo bird, or clock hands
The overall number and size of the carved elements will help determine the price
Clock size- the larger the clock, the higher the price
Clocks with a night shut-off feature will be more expensive than those without
Styles
As you make your decision about which cuckoo clock is right for you, there are several pieces of information to keep in mind. First, it is important to know that there are two main styles of cuckoo clocks which you can choose from- Chalet clocks and Carved clocks.
Chalet clocks feature a carved house- usually a typical German Alpine house. There are also usually additional complications involved with Chalet clocks, such as moving figurines enacting every day life scenarios. These figurines may be dancing, chopping wood, or drinking beer. There are also usually hand-carved animals as part of the scene and additional elements such as water wheels.
Carved cuckoo clocks typically show popular scenes from nature. There are always numerous animals included- such as birds and deer, as well as trees with intricately carved leaves. Sometimes, a hunting scene is depicted.
Mechanical vs. Quartz Movements
There are two types of cuckoo clocks you can purchase- mechanical movement clocks and quartz movement clocks. The difference has to do with whether or not you want to wind your clock in order for it to continue to operate.
Traditional cuckoo clocks feature mechanical clock movements. These movements have to be regularly wound in order for the clock to continue working. You have the option of either a 1-day movement (which must be wound every day) or an 8-day movement (which must be wound once a week). The movements are controlled by weights which are typically in the shape of fir cones. In order for a cuckoo clock to be a genuine Black Forest clock, the movements have to also be produced in the region (in addition to the clock itself).
Quartz movement cuckoo clocks take away the need for winding and are powered by batteries. While these lack the traditional feel of the mechanical movement clocks, they offer an easier way to have a traditional looking clock in the home without the work of having to wind it. You will find that these clocks are just as high of quality as mechanical movement clocks, it is just a matter of preference and cost when determining which type of clock you desire.
Cuckoo Calls
The cuckoo call is yet another element that epitomizes the German cuckoo clock. Both mechanical movement and quartz movement clocks will have cuckoo calls, although the production of the sound is different.
In mechanical movement clocks, the cuckoo call is produced by the clock’s movement (a separate weight controls the cuckoo call). Two air chambers produce the distinct call which fill with air and “whistle out” according to the time. In addition to the cuckoo call, most clocks will also have a cuckoo bird that moves or flaps its wings when the call is sounded.
Quartz movement clocks also have a cuckoo call, but the call is produced electronically.
Other Musical Elements
There are numerous other musical elements that a cuckoo clock might have in addition to the cuckoo call. If you purchase a Carved Clock with musical elements, it will likely contain popular German folk songs such as “Edelweiss” or “Der fröhliche Wanderer.” If you purchase a Chalet Clock that features beer drinkers, the clock may play traditional songs such as “In München steht ein Hofbräuhaus” or “Trink, Brüderlein Trink.” Should you purchase an 8-day movement clock, music will play at the top of each hour. 1-day movement clocks will play music at each half hour as well as at the top of each hour.
Quartz movement clocks also feature musical elements and will typically play music at the top of each hour. They can contain up to 12 different melodies, where as mechanical movement clocks typically have two melodies.
Clocks will also feature a varying number of tones (as we mentioned previously, more tones typically result in a higher price, but also a higher quality of sound). Usually there are between 18 and 36 tones.
Moving Elements
Many cuckoo clocks will contain at least some moving figurines. These may be animals, dancers, beer drinkers lifting their glasses, wood choppers swinging axes, dancing couples, children, and more. These figurines typically animate and move as music plays. If these figurines are hand carved or hand painted, the price will be higher.
Numerous clocks also feature a moving cuckoo bird in addition to the cuckoo call. The bird may flap its wings or move in and out when the call is sounded.
Types of Wood
The majority of cuckoo clocks that you will find for sale at the Cuckoo Forest are made from Linden wood, which comes from the Linden tree that is local to the Black Forest region where these clocks are produced. Occasionally, Maple wood is used in place of Linden wood.
Night Shut-Off Features
Cuckoo clocks sound every hour or every half hour. During the day, this is a lovely experience. However, many people prefer to have quiet during the night. This is especially important if you have young children who are light sleepers. If you sleep in listening range of your cuckoo clock, you likely want to purchase a clock that has a night shut-off feature.
There are two main options for shutting off the sound at night. The first is a manual shut-off, which you must activate each night by turning a lever that quiets the clock. The other type is an automatic shut-off, which is much more convenient. With this feature, you don’t have to worry about forgetting to turn the lever each night.
Shipping
You have to be very careful when shipping a cuckoo clock, as you do not want to damage the various elements of the clock, such as the chains or the figurines. When shipping, first remove the pendulum. Always make sure the clock chains are pulled up and secure them with a piece of string. You do not want the chains to get twisted or for them to fall off of the inner wheels. Additionally, place a piece of paper in the spiral gong of the clock. Be sure to add a lot of padding (such as newspapers) to secure the clock in place in the shipment box. Do not use small packing elements like peanuts as they could get stuck inside the clock.
Place the clock and the wrapped pendulum in a box. Most of the time, you will not need to ship your weights with the clock (unless you are shipping the clock to a friend). If shipping back to the store for service, include your personal information such as your name, address, email address, and phone number.
Installation
Be sure to consult your user manual when installing your new cuckoo clock. Keep the box your clock arrived in in case you ever need to use it to ship your clock back. There are a few main points to keep in mind when installing your clock, but always consult your manual before beginning the installation process.
First, it is important that you select a secure wall to mount your clock on. Authentic cuckoo clocks can weigh a significant amount, so be sure to find a solid stud in the wall and use that for mounting. You also need to have plenty of space (several feet) below your clock in order to have room for your chains and weights to hang freely. Make sure that you do not turn your clock upside down. This can cause your chains to fall off of the wheels of the clock.
Warranty and Caring for Your Clock
All of our Black Forest clocks come with a 24-month warranty for mechanical parts. It is rare to experience an issue with your clock, but should a problem arise, we will work with you to solve the problem and get your clock back to perfect working order.
To ensure your clock runs for a long time, it is best to have regular maintenance performed on the clock every 5 years or so. This will only help to preserve and extend the life of your clock. Having your clock professionally cleaned and oiled will ensure your clock lasts for generations. The mechanical movements in your clock are meant to last around 30 years, and potentially more if you keep up with regular maintenance. On your end, you can help preserve the life of your clock by not exposing it to extreme temperatures (either hot or cold). Keep your clock indoors and away from dusty or humid conditions.
Should you ever need new parts, you can come back to our website or to the website of your clock’s manufacturer. You may also consider going to a website such as timesavers.com which specializes in clock parts.
Maintaining, Servicing, and Repairing Your Black Forest Cuckoo Clock
When shopping at the Cuckoo Forest you know you are getting an authentic VDS certified clock from the Black Forest region. When shopping online there are plenty of fake cuckoo clocks, but having the VDS certificate helps you to be sure what you are purchasing is authentic.
We only sell authentic cuckoo clocks produced in this region. There are also service stations located around the world that people can go to that are run by VDS remembers, giving you another reason to shop for these authentic products. Should you need a repair, it will be much quicker and easier for you.
Shipping and Installing Your Cuckoo Clock
You have to be very careful when shipping a cuckoo clock, as you do not want to damage the various elements of the clock, such as the chains or the figurines. When shipping, first remove the pendulum. Always make sure the clock chains are pulled up and secure them with a piece of string. You do not want the chains to get twisted or for them to fall off of the inner wheels.
Additionally, place a piece of paper in the spiral gong of the clock. Be sure to add a lot of padding (such as newspapers) to secure the clock in place in the shipment box. Do not use small packing elements like peanuts as they could get stuck inside the clock.
Place the clock and the wrapped pendulum in a box. Most of the time, you will not need to ship your weights with the clock (unless you are shipping the clock to a friend). If shipping back to the store for service, include your personal information such as your name, address, email address, and phone number. If there are any numbers on your weights, include this information as well.
Be sure to consult your user manual when installing your new cuckoo clock. Keep the box your clock arrived in case you ever need to use it to ship your clock back. There are a few main points to keep in mind when installing your clock, but always consult your manual before beginning the installation process.
First, it is important that you select a secure wall to mount your clock on. Authentic cuckoo clocks can weigh a significant amount (some are over 20 pounds), so be sure to find a solid stud in the wall and use that for mounting.
You also need to have plenty of space (as much as 6 feet) below your clock in order to have room for your chains and weights to hang freely. Make sure that you do not turn your clock upside down. This can cause your chains to fall off of the wheels of the clock.
Maintenance
Thankfully, there is not a lot of regular maintenance involved with a cuckoo clock. These clocks are well-designed and handmade, which results in a quality product that is meant to last for numerous years.
To extend the life of your clock, it is recommended that you have your clock professionally cleaned and oiled every 3-5 years. This should be performed by a genuine clockmaker and will help your mechanical movements last longer. Movements are made to last for 30 years or more, and regular maintenance can help extend that several more years.
Warranty and Repairs
All of our Black Forest clocks come with a 24-month warranty for mechanical parts. It is rare to experience an issue with your clock, but should a problem arise, we will work with you to solve the problem and get your clock back to perfect working order.
Once your warranty has expired, you have several options for getting your clock repaired. You can contact your local clockmaker for help servicing your clock, but should you need replacement parts, you will likely have to go online to find them. Feel free to visit our website or the website of your clock’s manufacturer. You may also consider going to a website such as timesavers.com which specializes in clock parts. If you have a VDS certified clock, you can also contact a VDS service partner in your area.
FAQs
Q; I have unpacked my clock, but the cuckoo and the music does not work.
Answer
Make sure you consult your user manual when unpacking and installing your clock. If you are still unable to get the sound elements to work, check these elements:
1. Check the bellows inside the clock and make sure the clamps have not been removed
2. Is the cuckoo’s door unlocked? If not, the call will not sound. There is a piece of wire that secures the door for shipping purposes. Make sure that wire is pushed to the side.
3. If you have a night shut-off clock, make sure the clock isn’t set to shut off mode. This is the most common reason why clocks will not sound. Find the location of your switch (typically either on the left side of the clock or underneath the clock) and make sure it is fully in the on position.
Q; My clock does not cuckoo at the half hour or hour mark, but at other times.
Answer
This does not mean there is a problem with your cuckoo, but rather with the minute hand of your clock. All you need to do is reposition the hand to the proper time. Loosen the nut holding the hand in place, adjust the hand, and retighten the nut.
Q; My cuckoo clock is calling the wrong number of hours (for example 6 calls at 8:00)
Answer
This does not mean there is a problem with your cuckoo, but rather with the hour hand of your clock. You can set your hour hand by pulling at the hand shaft. Pull the hand at the attachment point and pull it towards the minute hand. Once it is loose, reposition the hand to the correct hour and push it back in place towards the dial. Keep pushing until it’s tight. For wooden hands, you might need to use a tiny amount of super glue to attach the hand again.
Q; My clock is running too slow or too fast.
Answer
This is a common problem that is usually addressed in your user manual in the initial set up section. The time for your clock is determined by the clock’s pendulum. Should you need to adjust a clock that is too fast, move the pendulum disc down. For a slow running clock, move the disc up. A 1/8 inch movement is equal to 3 minutes.
Q; My clock has stopped.
Answer
This most likely means you need to adjust your clock on the wall. If the pendulum is not able to freely swing, this can result in the clock stopping. Make sure you hear the constant ticking sound of the clock. Slight movements left or right should get the clock to start ticking again.
Q; The door stays open after my cuckoo calls.
Answer
This is usually an issue with the wire located at the back of the clock. Open the clock from the back and you will see the wire that goes from the bellows (which produce the call) up to the cuckoo bird. This wire isn’t connected to the cuckoo but should stop under its tail. However, during shipping, the wire might get pushed above the cuckoo which would block the door. If that is the case, simply turn the wire so it is back in a place where it needs to be under the tail.
Q; One of my chains is off of its wheel.
Answer
A chain is off a wheel if the weights drop to the floor. This will require you to remove all your weights and pull your chains all the way up. Make sure you tie the chains with wire or string up near the bottom of the case so that they all do not fall off their wheels.
Remove the clock from the wall and open it from behind. Turn the clock upside down to try and get the chain back on the wheel again.
A Review of This Year’s Winner & a Look Back in Time
Cuckoo Clock of the Year 2017:
It’s an exciting time in the cuckoo clock world!
The Black Forest Clock Association (Vds) has announced it’s coveted
“Cuckoo Clock of the Year.”
The 2017 winner is an exquisite
August Schwer!
This beautiful clock perfectly depicts everything cuckoo clock lovers and makers holds dear.
Beautifully crafted scenes of typical Black Forest life, stunning details on the figurines and delightful movement that brings the entire piece to life.
The Black Forest Clock Association (VdS) has 70 members including manufacturers, suppliers and clock dealers.
It’s important to them that the impeccable craftsmanship that goes into every Black Forest cuckoo clock be on full display in the choice of the winner.
This year’s clock from August Schwer is no exception!
Here’s a look back at the past August Schwer winning designs:
2016
This clock displays a mastery of woodcarving and intricate design. Click here to learn more about how an authentic German cuckoo clock is made.
The 8-day-movement clock depicts a woodcutter in the Black Forest and boasts 3 moving elements. The clock shows off with delightful music and dancers!
2015
This beautiful work of art can transport you directly to the Black Forest!
Delicate carving is displayed in the life-like horse towing a cart of wood and the woodman looking on with his blade. This 8-day-movement clock shows off an array of dancers who twirl on the hour.
2010
This 8-day-movement Chalet style clock is incredible!
There are so many details to drink in. Horses, carts of wood, women going about their work and much more. This clock incorporates 3 elements of movement and music to charm the dancers to life.
2009
Wow, where to begin with this gorgeous display of artistry.
This chalet style clock offers an extended scene of Black Forest life with two additional houses on either side of the mains display.
“The figurines and animals are in life-like poses and seem to be ready to jump to life at any moment.”
The intricate woodwork displays a pattern that is beyond compare. There are 3 moving parts to this clock along with small animals like the geese and puppy.
This one also includes a waterwheel that looks like it could turn at any moment.
2004
This incredible clock showcases the fun and fair of Black Forest life.
On the right, you’ll see a team of musicians ready to start the party!
There are also incredible details in the figures faces and expressions. It has 4 moving elements and a brightly colored bird to mark the hours.
Have you ever been to a place that feels like heaven?
A place that makes you ask this to yourself – “Am I dreaming?”
Here, at the Black Forest…
… you can feel like you’re in a wonderland.
Yeah, this is not a dream!
This magnificent view isn’t some kind of CGI graphic, it’s real!
The Black Forest is well-known for being the best place in the world for creating cuckoo clocks. The Black Forest Cuckoo Clock is also famous in Germany and all around the world.
However, the region itself is a popular tourist destination, especially during winter.
Thinking of taking a trip here?
Come the winter months this area turns into a beautiful landscape that promises snow and plenty of fun outdoor activities.
While here in the Black Forest, you have plenty of hiking trails you can explore, including some set tours that will take you to some of the most beautiful areas in all of the region.
Is hiking not your style?
No worries.
Why not hit the slopes for some skiing or snowboarding? Whether you are a pro or just a beginner, you can find your place here in the Black Forest. Complete with training for new athletes and ski jumps and cross-country opportunities for the pros, there is something for everyone.
Come evening time, the region comes to life and is illuminated with lights and makes for a picturesque backdrop while you eat dinner and enjoy the evening.
Planning a visit during the Christmas season?
You are in for a real treat!
Visit one of the many Christmas markets and other planned festivities during the season for a truly unforgettable and magical experience.
The fun doesn’t end on Christmas Day, either.
For several days after Christmas, the region experiences the Christmas Magic of Triberg, where tons of lights light up the city during the final days of the year. Don’t forget to buy the Christmas cuckoo clock here.
Make sure you stay around for the final night!
And don’t miss out the fireworks near the Triberg waterfalls.
A trip to the Black Forest during winter, and in particular Christmas time, is something you will not soon forget. Come enjoy the snow, beautiful scenery, and wonderful festivities the Black Forest has to offer!
Hallo, we have redesigned our old website and changed our web hosting on October 20, 2021 Therefore, the previous review software we used is no longer compatible. These review videos were shot directly from the review system we used previously. We had to flash them very quickly because these reviews contain customer emails, and we don’t want to disclose them.
Below are some screen shots of our reviews. Customer emails were blurred out for privacy.