|
What does 8 day movement and 1 day movement
mean?
There are basically 2 types of movements for cuckoo clocks.
The 8 day movement needs to be wound only once a week. You can
recognize a clock with 8 day movement by the larger pine cones
(weights).A cuckoo clock with 1 day movement runs for about 30
hours, before you have to wind it again.
Remember to
hang the clock high enough (about 6 1/2 feet high), otherwise
you have to wind it more frequently.
There are also battery operated cuckoo clocks, however they
are not considered authentic Black Forest cuckoo clocks.
What movement-type is right for me?
If you are puting your cuckoo clock in a place, where you
won't be every day, you might want to go with a 8 day clock,
so you don't have to reset the clock every time you aren't
able to wind it. Usually 8 day clocks are more expensive than
1 day clocks, because of the bigger movement, and they tend to
be more intricately crafted as well. So if you don't mind
winding your cuckoo clock once a day, a 1 day movement is a
good choice, otherwise a 8 day movement is the way to go.
Is it difficult to rewind a cuckoo clock?
It is actually very simple and takes only a couple seconds.
Simply pull smoothly on the little ring on one side of the
chain, until the pine cones are all the way up. (I personally
support the weights for 8 day clocks with one hand, while I
wind it with the other.
What are the different styles of cuckoo
clocks?
There a basically 2 main styles, the carved
and the chalet style. Carved style cuckoo clocks usually have
traditional carvings attached to the case, often themes
inpired by nature like animals and leaves. Chalet style cuckoo
clocks look like alpine houses, and often feature moving
figurines and animals.
Why do some cuckoo clocks have 2 pine cones and others
have 3?
Authentic Black Forest cuckoo clocks are
mechanical clocks (no batteries required). One pine cone
drives the time, the 2nd drives the cuckoo bird and cuckoo
sound, and if there is a 3rd weight, it will drive the musical
movement. So a cuckoo clock with 3 weight plays music, and
sometimes features moving figurines as well.
How difficult is it to initially setup a cuckoo
clock?
It is quite simple, please refer to the
manual section to see the setup instructions. The most
important thing to remember is, to hand it on a strong nail
(driven in a stud) or screw (picture hangers don't work).
Why are cuckoo clocks more expensive than other wall
clocks ?
Cuckoo clocks are are still hand made today, and it takes a
lot of skill and men power to make these mechanically driven
wonders of engeneering. Cuckoo clocks often feature intricate
carving work made by German master carvers, which make a
cuckoo clock a piece of art rather then a time piece.
Unfortunately the declining value of the Dollar is partially
responsible for high prices as well.
How long do these clocks last?
The movements in these cuckoo clocks are engeneered to last
at least 30 years. If you maintain them right, you will be
able to pass them down to your kids or grandkids.
Do these clocks require a lot of maintanance?
Occacionally dust the clock, and carefully clean it on the
outside with a damp cloth. Occationally open the lid in the
back and remove dust and other build up. Get the movement
oiled every 3-5 years.
I want the real thing. How do I recognize an original
Black Forest Cuckoo Clock?
All original Black Forest cuckoo clocks carry a certificate
of authenticity by the Black Forest clock association. In
order to receive this certificate, a cuckoo clock has to
operate mechanically, has to be handmade in the Black Forest,
and all major parts have to be from the Black
Forest. | 
