What You Need To Know Before You Buy A Cuckoo Clock {+ GIVEAWAY!}

This ‘What You Need To Know Before You Buy A Cuckoo Clock’ post was first seen at Thrifty Nifty Mommy.  Sponsored by CuckooClocks.com, as always, all opinions are my own.

Have you ever seen a cuckoo clock in person before?  If so, you know the magic they hold.  As a child, I loved seeing the cuckoo clock at my great-grandparents house but they are truly delightful for all ages!  So I was really excited to partner with CuckooClocks.com on this post to bring you some more information about Cuckoo Clocks as well as a giveaway!

What Is A Cuckoo Clock?

When someone mentions a cuckoo clock, they are typically referring to a pendulum-regulated clock that strikes the hours with a sound like a common cuckoo’s call and has an automated cuckoo bird that moves with each note. Some of these birds move their wings and open and close their beaks while leaning forwards, whereas others have only the bird’s body leaning forward.  Sometimes, the clock will have additional moving parts for an even more magical experience.

 

Why Are They So Special?

Cuckoo clock actually date back to the early 1600’s, where the first known description was recorded in 1629.  These special clocks are believed to have originated in southwestern Germany, in an area called Black Forest.  Farmers used logs from the forest to build the clocks to help pay their bills during the winter months.  To this day, clock makers preserve the history by continuing to craft and carve gorgeous cuckoo clocks.  

Another feature that makes these clocks special is the fact that many also play music.  After the cuckoo is done calling on the hour, a short tune is often played.  Watching characters come alive and dance to German folk songs is a must for many collectors who choose to purchase clocks with additional moving parts.

How Long Will A Cuckoo Clock Last?

The movements in these special clocks are engineered to last at least 30 years.  This means if you maintain them right, you will be able to pass them down to your kids or grandkids.  So the investment of a cuckoo clock also means adding a family heirloom that you’ll be able to share with your children or grandchildren.

Cuckoo Clock Styles:

Did you realize there are different styles of cuckoo clocks?  I didn’t until recently.  So I thought it would be good to share these with you so you can determine which clock would best suit your needs and style.

Traditional Style – Also referred to as carved or classic.

This is a classic style that is widely recognized as Germany’s own. They are beautiful hand carved clocks which generally include wildlife and nature in a traditional outdoor Black Forest setting.  Known for their deep carvings and rich stains traditional style clocks reflect their Black Forest origin in two common themes:

• Black forest nature scenes with animals and foliage
• Hunting theme with hunters, game, rifles and often a big stag

Chalet Style – 

The Chalet Cuckoo Clock designs often display finely carved details along with hand painted figurines. The Chalet is commonly associated with animated characters and music but does not always include them.  The beloved cuckoo often appears on the hour to announce a Black Forest ballet. Woodchoppers chop, bell ringers ring, mill wheels turn, or beer steins will raise as happy couples dance to the music.

3 Chalet clock themes are:

• Black Forest House
• Bavarian Beer Garden (Biergarten)
• Swiss Alpine House – 2 themes inspired by:

• • Swiss chalets in the village of Brienz
  • The chalets of the Emmental Valley

Modern Style –

The 21st century has brought forth a new face on the iconic designs by introducing modern characteristics never before seen in the world of cuckoo clocks.  Simple designs, clean lines, geometric shapes, and bright colors adorn this new breed of cuckoo clock.  The past decade has shown a strong demand for this new and contemporary style. Many shapes, finishes and custom works are available in today’s marketplace.

Quartz Cuckoo Clock Swiss House With Music (Turning Dancers TU 4209 QMT HZZG)

While browsing the CuckooClocks.com website, this Swiss House Clock immediately caught my eye.  The variety of details include gorgeous trim, sweet dancers, a dog, man at a table, and remnants of nature; this clock is absolutely stunning in person.

Features include:

• Wood Construction
• Cuckoo Calls On The Hour With Echo
• Battery Operated Movement
• Automatic Night-Off
• Running-Rime Of The Batteries Is About One Year
• Plays 12 Tunes
  • Happy Wanderer, Edelweiss, Dr. Zhivago, Swan Lake, He was beautiful, Lorelei, Home sweet home, Sound of silence, Clementine, The Entertainer, Love theme of the movie, For Elise.

Crafted By:

The Quartz Cuckoo Clock Swiss House With Music is crafted by Trenkle clocks.  They have been manufacturing Black Forest Cuckoo Clocks, Black Forest Clocks, and weather houses in Simonswald in the Black Forest for more than 40 years.  Everything from the clock case to the mechanism and the assembly is done in their factory.  Inside their modern carpentry shop, the screen printed wooden boards are sawed and processed further so that all parts may then be are carefully assembled. The mechanism, among other parts, are hand-stamped. Every clock is meticulously tested and inspected before being sent to the customer so you can be confident that you will be receiving the absolute best!

So tell me, have you considered adding a cuckoo clock to your home?

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Enter To Win

CuckooClocks.com is giving one lucky Thrifty Nifty Mommy reader their very own 5 Leaves Quartz Cuckoo Clock, valued at $188!  Open to the Continental US only, just enter the widget below for your chance to win.  (Each entrant will receive a coupon code by email after the giveaway ends so anyone who doesn’t win can purchase at a discount!)  Good luck!