The party has started

woodencuckoo

10 Facts to Remember about Cuckoo Clocks

10 Facts to Remember about Cuckoo Clocks

With over 200 years of experience and craftsmanship, the history of Black Forest cuckoo clocks is extensive. For those who are just learning to enjoy these German masterpieces, here are a few fun facts: Hekas, Hubert Herr, and Rombach & Haas are well known and respected manufacturers of authentic German Cuckoo Clocks. Hekas is the youngest, founded in 1938, while the other two are from the 19^{th century. All three are legends in cuckoo clock making and are in the third, fourth, and even fifth generation of ownership.}
Smallest mechanical cuckoo clock in the world is from ^{Hubert Herr. It's only 5.25 inches tall and can fit in one hand.}
The ^{widest c HYPERLINK "http://www.house-of-black-forest-clocks.com/attractions.asp?UID=25789745147"uckoo clock in the world is the Hornberger Uhrenspiele. It's in the 1997 Guinness Book of World Records. It's approximately 11.5 m (37.7ft) wide and 10.8m (35.4ft) high, with a chimney sweep, musicians, mechanical waterwheel and more.}
The world's largest clock is in Triberg, the Black Forest Region. It took half a decade to build and has a total weight of six tons. The cuckoo is 4.5m (14.76ft) long and weighs 150kg (330 lb.). Visitors can take a tour of the clock and see the inner workings at Uhren-Park.
Most expensive cuckoo clock is the world-time-clock built in 1787, which is located in the Furtwangen Clock Museum
The musical movements in all Black Forest cuckoo clocks are from Switzerland based brands, Reuge or Jobin.
The mechanical movements are manufactured by SBS under the brand name Regula.
All cuckoo clocks come with a night shut-off. You can have the manual switch or you can set the automated shutoff that has a default shut off time of 10pm – 7am. Just check the instructions that come with your clock.
All authentic Black Forest clocks come with a warranty that means if anything goes wrong, you will have convenient access to a specialist in Black Forest clocks. After the warranty is up, the company that sells you the clock may provide replacement parts at special prices or you can find a Black Forest clock specialist in your area for a fee.
Cuckoo clocks do need assembly out of the box but the instructions are very easy to follow.
　

What to Consider Before You Buy a Cuckoo Clock
If you've wanted to buy a cuckoo clock but have been a little nervous, here are a few answers to help put your mind and ease?





Where should I buy my cuckoo clock?

Look around and you'll see sites like eBay filled with cuckoo clocks for sale. An authentic cuckoo clock for sale must originate from the Black Forest in Germany. That doesn't mean you have to fly to Germany to get them; that would be incredibly expensive, of course. Research the sellers of the cuckoo clocks, check reviews, customer feedback, and look at the pictures. The one thing you should see is the VDS Verein die Schwarzalduhr certification that proves the clock is an authentic Black Forest clock.



How often does the clock need to be wound?

That depends on whether you get a 1-day or 8-day clock. The 8-day cuckoo clocks tend to have bigger weights and you'll only need to wind them once a week. The 1-day cuckoo clocks need to be wound daily. You need to make sure that you wind the clocks before the weights have dropped too far or it will stop keeping time. Otherwise, winding a clock is a simple procedure that only takes a few seconds.



Are these clocks safe around children and animals?

Cuckoo clocks are safe around children and pets. You'll need to hand the clock a little higher to keep it out of the reach of both. Since the 8-day clocks have heavier weights, they aren't easy for cats to bat around so they may leave it along. Children and dogs are a different story, especially when the clock makes noise. What you can do is hook the base of the chains at the top of the weight to make it shorter (it will still function just fine) and just keep an eye out.



Where can I get it repaired?



While cuckoo clocks are built for sturdiness and quality, things can happen. If you've tried all the necessary do-it-yourself tactics and you clock still isn't working, you're need to bring in the professionals. The Black Forest Organization has a list of authentic repair shops located around the world. Just visit the site, choose your country and call them to see if they can help you. Make sure you ask for prices and follow the shipping instructions.



One last note: When buying your clock, make sure it comes with the proper paperwork, including the certificate and warranty. It's important that you have that proof to make sure that the clock you're getting is the real thing.

History of Pendulum Clocks: Parts and Complications

Until the 19^{th century, mechanical pendulum clocks were very expensive because they were handmade by individual craftsmen. An} authentic German cuckoo clock, for example, was handcrafted by artisans and clockmakers in the Black Forest region of Germany. To own a handmade clock was to show the world that you were a person of wealth. The industrial revolution changed all of that. The home pendulum clock became a means to organize daily life and businesses used them to schedule work. For nearly 300 years, mechanical clocks were the standard timekeepers.



Parts of a Mechanical Clock
All mechanical clocks have five basic parts Power source – This involves a mainspring or pulley being turned by a weight on a cord or chain.
Gear – Controls the pendulum power and speed
Escapement - Keeps the pendulum swinging using precise impulses
Pendulum – The weight on a rod
Indicator – Known as the clock face. It's the outward record of the escapement rotation

Basic pendulum clocks are used for timekeeping but what many don't realize is that more elaborate pendulum clocks had additional functions called complications. These features went beyond simply displaying the time on the clock face and ranged from simple to complex to rare.
Striking Train – If you've heard a clock strike 12 times at noon that is the simple striking chain complication where the number of chimes equals the hour. More elaborate complications strike every 15 minutes and could even include music.

Moon phase dial – The moon, or lunar, phase is a very accurate lunar calendar that showed the phases of the moon. This complication goes back to about the 1500's. Street and road lighting at night were very rare. If someone wanted to have guests over in the evening, they needed to know when there would have enough moonlight to light the streets. So the creation of the moon phase dial helped to predict when there would be sufficient moonlight as well as when the tides would rise and fall.

Equation of Time – This is an extremely rare complication that measured the difference between the position of the sun and clock time, which varied throughout the year by as much as sixteen minutes more and less. One of the oldest examples of this kind of solar pendulum clock dates back to the early 18th century and ^{resides in the British Museum.}


The history of pendulum clocks is an extensive one and it's amazing how something so simple could revolutionize the perception and use of time.

Troubleshooting your 1-day Musical Coo Coo Clock

Troubleshooting your 1-day Musical Coo Coo Clock
A 1-day musical coo coo clock plays music once every half hour and again every on the hour. There are 1-day clocks also called "two door" or "roof mounted music" clocks that will only play music once every hour. It runs for approximately 30 hours meaning that it needs to wound once a day. Musical cuckoos have three weights: one for the time, one for bird with the cuckoo sound and the third is for the musical movement, which can include dancer figurines.

To set it up out of the box, you first need to remove the two wires and make sure you hang the pendulum and the weights in the proper positions in the bottom. After that it needs to be mounted on the wall in an upright position. Most of the time, installing wall clocks is a straightforward process but there are exceptions.



Running too Fast or Slow

If your clock isn't running at the correct speed and you're hearing the music three times an hour instead of two or one, chances are your pendulum isn't regulated yet. If it's too fast, move the pendulum down. If it's too slow move the pendulum up.



Trouble Adjusting the Metal Pendulum

If you have adjusted the screw but it's still not regulated properly, it may be that the screw was turned in the wrong direction or the disk isn't moving because the spring in the disk is stuck. The best thing to do is to use a gentle back and forth movement on the pendulum disk so that the spring is loosened.



Clock Strikes are Inaccurate

If your clock isn't striking properly every 30 or 60 minutes, chances are there was an error installing the minute hand. You'll need a pair of flat-nosed pliers. Wait until the clock strikes the hour and loosen the screw that holds the hands and the disklets; remember how the items are ordered because they'll need to be put back exactly. If the long hand is riveted to a square rod, adjust it, replace the screws and disklets and test it. If the long hand is not riveted to the square rod, adjust, replace and test. This requires a lot of patience because you're trying to put the minute had in the correct position, which can take time.

Understanding More about the Verein die Schwarzwalduhr

Understanding More about the Verein die Schwarzwalduhr

 

 

For more than three centuries the Black Forest has been known as the home of the mechanical cuckoo clock. However, the mass production of quartz movement cuckoo clock flooded the market and makes the expensive mechanical clocks less attractive. In 1987, in an effort to protect Black Forest as a brand, a special group was formed to create a special designation for clocks that were made specifically in the regions of Triberg and Titisee-Neustadt. Black Forest clock association, "Verein die Schwarzwalduhr" (VDS), endows members with the VDS certificate with seal.

Association members produce over 90 percent of all Black Forest clocks and the certificate is given to clocks that are made of wood from Black Forest, completely mechanical with Swiss movements and adhere to certain standards of quality. The process of creating a cuckoo clock includes four main steps. The carving of the wood surface is central to the process because the wood is outlined and then cut repeatedly until the right design is achieved. Woodcarvers apprentice for three years before attaining the title.

Next, the mechanical movement is made by the clockmaker while the wooden case is built. Finally, all three parts are assembled and adjusted by the clockmaker. Just like woodcarvers, being a clockmaker for Black Forest clocks requires a specialized education. Back in mid-nineteenth century, the Duke of Baden founded a school in Furtwangen, where students could learn the necessary skills to become clockmakers, including math, case-making and clock movement. Today, there are many clock making schools around Europe where students can go through the process of apprenticeship and examination before becoming qualified to work on Black Forest clocks. Because this is such an intricate process steeped in tradition, there is no chance that a quartz or solar clock will ever have the VDS seal.

Nearly 20 years after its inception, the VDS seal was awarded German trademark. The VDS claim that over a quarter of a million clocks with the seal have been sold and all clocks sold after 2006 with the seal, have the ® symbol. The prices of authentic VDS clocks vary but those with an appreciation can visit the German Clock Museum located in Furtwangen. There they can marvel at the world-time-clock, which was built in 1787 and is considered the most valuable Black Forest clock ever made.walduhr
For more than three centuries the Black Forest has been known as the home of the mechanical cuckoo clock. However, the mass production of quartz movement cuckoo clock flooded the market and makes the expensive mechanical clocks less attractive. In 1987, in an effort to protect Black Forest as a brand, a special group was formed to create a special designation for clocks that were made specifically in the regions of Triberg and Titisee-Neustadt. Black Forest clock association, "Verein die Schwarzwalduhr" (VDS), endows members with the VDS certificate with seal.

Association members produce over 90 percent of all Black Forest clocks and the certificate is given to clocks that are made of wood from Black Forest, completely mechanical with Swiss movements and adhere to certain standards of quality. The process of creating a cuckoo clock includes four main steps. The carving of the wood surface is central to the process because the wood is outlined and then cut repeatedly until the right design is achieved. Woodcarvers apprentice for three years before attaining the title.

Next, the mechanical movement is made by the clockmaker while the wooden case is built. Finally, all three parts are assembled and adjusted by the clockmaker. Just like woodcarvers, being a clockmaker for Black Forest clocks requires a specialized education. Back in mid-nineteenth century, the Duke of Baden founded a school in Furtwangen, where students could learn the necessary skills to become clockmakers, including math, case-making and clock movement. Today, there are many clock making schools around Europe where students can go through the process of apprenticeship and examination before becoming qualified to work on Black Forest clocks. Because this is such an intricate process steeped in tradition, there is no chance that a quartz or solar clock will ever have the VDS seal.

Nearly 20 years after its inception, the VDS seal was awarded German trademark. The VDS claim that over a quarter of a million clocks with the seal have been sold and all clocks sold after 2006 with the seal, have the ® symbol. The prices of authentic VDS clocks vary but those with an appreciation can visit the German Clock Museum located in Furtwangen. There they can marvel at the world-time-clock, which was built in 1787 and is considered the most valuable Black Forest clock ever made.

Adding timeless pieces of furniture to the home can make rooms unique and original. There are many items that can add a little piece of history right in the living room, kitchen, bedroom, or anywhere. However, one of the most precious décor items that also serve a common purpose is an authentic German coo coo clock. From their intricate build to their ability to tell time, coo coo clocks are greatly admired objects that everyone should have in their homes at some point. Not only do they provide a vintage touch, but they can also be very useful in notifying the hours of the day.

History

Germany is a country that is very rich in history. Throughout Europe, especially Germany, the origins of the cuckoo bird have been noted. Known for its loud calls during the morning and night, cuckoo birds informed town residents whether it was time to rise for the day and get ready for rest when evening arrived. Since many relied on these birds for important information such as time, individuals came up with a way to utilize them even further. Incorporating these unusual birds into a material item for telling time would soon become one of the most precious inventions and art pieces.

One of Germany’s more unknown contributions is the origin of clockwork and manufacturing. Dating back to the 1600’s, Germans have been constructing clocks purely made of Black Forest wood, making them beautiful works of art. Because of their unique abilities, cuckoo bird replicas were placed inside clocks to bring about a more original way of time telling. Every time a new hour would arrive, cuckoo birds would pop out to relay the message. Because of their high quality wooden makes, German coo coo clocks can last for generations to come and can be passed down through the years.

Still very popular today, authentic German coo coo clocks have now become antique possessions. Many people enjoy the old-fashioned feeling they bring to homes, while also using them as any ordinary clocks. They come in a variety of different designs and colors, allowing them to match any kind of room style. By keeping this antique object mounted on the wall, both homeowners and visitors will appreciate their beautiful designs and carvings, while they can be notified of the time. In addition, they can also have a piece of Germany right in the comfort of any location in the world.

The Timeless Appeal Of An Authentic German Coo Coo Clock

As much as some of us would prefer it not to be, time is a major part of our lives. And being able to keep track of time is something that would be nearly impossible without a good clock in the home. But while digital clocks have risen in popularity, an authentic German Coo Coo clock is something that could be worth adding to your home.

There are a few key things that help an authentic German coo coo clock stand out as a solid option. The first is the heritage. This type of clock has an incredibly long history dating back centuries, and hanging one on the wall of your home is like hanging up a testament to history.

That history is rich with craftsmanship, which is the true hallmark of a German coo coo clock. A basic watch or clock is complex enough, but when you add in the moving parts, intricate carvings, and the movement or movement that occurs on a regular basis, this type of clock truly stands out not only as an excellent time keeper, but as a tremendously impressive work of art.

Another thing that makes an authentic German coo coo clock a worthwhile investment is the fact that it can highlight your personality and your style. Unlike bland clocks that all look the same, these clocks feature numerous designs ranging from classic styles to modern and beyond. Everyone will be able to find a good clock just by looking through a selection of them.

Of course, choosing the right German coo coo clock can be a daunting task simply due to the tremendous amount of variety out there. The style is the first thing that you'll need to look at, but beyond that things like how often you wind it and what it does when the gears set it into motion will matter as well – do you want music to play, or just the distinctive coo coo sound so many associate with them?

Whatever you ultimately decide, there's no doubt that adding a coo coo clock to your home is a move you won't regret. And they also make excellent gifts when you need to give something that they'll truly love and appreciate. The appeal of these clocks is timeless, and there's little doubt that yours will become a favorite feature within your home no matter what type of coo coo clock you ultimately buy.

So you've decided that the time is right to add a wooden cuckoo clock to your home. Congrats! These clocks are stellar works of art that also serve a purpose. With a history that dates back over one hundred years and an instantly recognizable look, it's easy to understand why you would want to add one to your home. But first you need to decide on which clock is right for you.

It's generally a matter of taste – and budget – but there are a few key features that you'll want to look for when you choose your clock. These are the main things that will influence your enjoyment of your wooden cuckoo, so be sure to pay close attention to them.

• Black Forest Approval – Not only do the best cuckoo clocks traditionally come from the Black Forest region of Germany, but they also carry the seal of approval from the Black Forest Clock Association. Be sure you choose a clock that carries this seal of approval in order to get the right clock for your home.

• Wind Mechanism – This is an aspect of clocks that is often overlooked. Simply put, how frequently you wind a clock will influence your enjoyment of it. If you're busy, buying a clock with a one day run time may not be the right call. You'll be able to decide between 1 day run times or 8 day run times.

• Guarantee – There are lots of moving parts in a wooden cuckoo clock, and while they're built to the highest standards the simple fact is that sometimes things go wrong. Choose a clock from a company that offers a warranty or guarantee so you don't have to worry about it. It can be tricky just finding someone to repair your clock, so this is an important thing to consider.

• Action – You'll also want to know more about the action that happens at the top of the hour. Some clocks just emit a gentle coo-coo sound, some play music, and some do both – along with movements like people, animals, and mill wheels all leaping to life. Look at the different actions when you choose your clock.

These are the four main things to think about when choosing a clock. Price will matter as well, but you're better off starting with these four elements and then narrowing down your final choice based on price. The perfect clock for your home is closer than you might think.

Blog: The Basics Of A Black Forest Wood Cuckoo Clock

Blog: The Basics Of A Black Forest Wood Cuckoo Clock
One of the most recognizable clocks in the world is undoubtedly the cuckoo clock, and these clocks have a long history of use that goes back hundreds of years. Originating in Germany, these clocks have been hallmarks of artistry and craftsmanship. That's why it's no surprise that they continue to be such popular types of clocks to this day.

There are plenty of things to understand when looking into buying your own clock, and the first is to ensure that you select a Black Forest wood cuckoo clock. The Black Forest Clock Association is the leading certification organization for fine clocks, and their seal of approval means that a clock has been made to the highest standards. As for the wooden material, that's the traditional cuckoo clock material – you don't want to hang a clock made of plastic or synthetic materials up when you can have the real thing.

For many, the style of the clock they buy will be the single biggest factor in their choice. There are countless designs available, and it's usually fairly easy to find the one that works best for your style and your home.

One of the things you will need to consider is how often your clock is wound. These are traditional style clocks, which means that batteries don't power them. You'll have to wind up your clocks on a regular basis. Usually you'll choose between a 1 day or 8 day clock. 1 days need to be wound on a daily basis, while an 8 day clock will only need to be wound up every 8 days.

Be sure you choose a clock that has the kind of motion you want, too. Nearly all of them will make the familiar coo-coo sound, but some could play music or emit other kinds of noises. It's part of the charm and appeal of a Black Forest wood cuckoo clock, and worth keeping in mind when you select yours.

A great cuckoo clock can change a room or your entire home. It's not only a marvel to look at, thanks to the intricate carvings and interesting designs, but the display it gives when set hours are reached provides a bit of entertainment that can brighten up a day. Spend some time looking at the different options out there and considering which one will fit well in your home. Chances are good you'll find more than a few options that will match you perfectly

The 'In's and Out's" of a great Black Forest Wall Clock.

    The first thing that every one see's when they look at a cuckoo clock is the fine details on the Outside'  which they should because this is where the beauty comes in from the fine lines that are ever so different from clock to clock.
     
  When you see hand carving's and the craftsmanship these clock's offer are so unique that every one is the same but different.
    
  The carvers hand might shake a little when his knife turns a corner, it might hit a hard spot in the wood or his or her hand might be sore from long days and a life time of carving, but what ever the reason this is in YOUR favor because this makes your clock a one of a kind,  they even do all of this just so the clock is not the same as the last one.

  Even when you notice the birds sitting on the leaves or the acorns among the branch's there's a sense in the air and a waiting for the big moment, the arrival of the cuckoo itself.

  Now this cuckoo needs the help of the In's  that's the mechanism this bird needs for the big moment, the moment of truth when all the gears and little bars turn to get this little thing to come out from his house and make these famous sounds "coo coo".

   There are so many functions that take place that I think I'll cover them next time, so for now lets leave it here and remember Happy coo cooing.

  

How To Choose Your Wooden Cuckoo Clock

   When thinking about purchasing a cuckoo clock for your family there are several things that you should think about when before your purchase, things like how much money I want to spend , another how much detail do I want .

   There are so many cuckoo clocks out there that you don't just want to look at one and say "that's it" that's the one for us Lets just cover some of the things that you should look at.
  
   You can buy a clock that offers basically three types of windings or ways they keep time or operate.

   Quartz ,this runs off a battery, but from the outside its looks just like a real
cuckoo  clock it has all the sounds moving people and animals.

   Then there's the Traditional or Modern which the traditional has the looks of hand carvings and birds with forest scenes. The modern has smooth angles and a more subtle style. It's up to you which one you opt for.
  One key factor that one must look for is the(VdS)   seal.
without this seal this is not a real Black Forest Cuckoo clock.

  The Wind  Frequency is another important factor ,they can have a 1 Day wind or a 8 Day wind that means you'll have to pull the weights up using chains that hang below either once a day or once every 8 days. I'm sure what ever clock you'll chose will be the right one for you and your home. And happy coo coo 'ing