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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.
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.
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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).
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Why are cuckoo clocks so expensive?
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.
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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?
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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. |
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