Most Interesting Facts about Cuckoo Clocks Made in Germany
As the Black Forest is our home, we are proud to be a part of the famous cuckoo clock industry in the Black Forest. Cuckoo clocks are a special part of German history but are not just for people with German heritage. There are many reasons why someone might want a cuckoo clock for their home, but you may be curious about where they came from and want more facts about cuckoo clocks made in Germany. So today, we share with you the most interesting things you need to know about cuckoo clocks.
Where the Cuckoo Clock Originated Is a Mystery
We have to look at written history to know where the cuckoo clock originated. There was mention of what we think of today as a cuckoo clock as far back as 1619 in the inventory of the Prince Elector August of Saxony in Dresden. Then in 1650, a German scholar named Athanasius Kircher wrote about the mechanism of a cuckoo clock in one of his books. So with this information, we call the Bavarian area of Germany the birthplace of the cuckoo clock though some would say cuckoo clocks began in Switzerland.
The Heart of Production Is in the Black Forest
No one knows for certain why the Black Forest became the birthplace of the cuckoo clock. But the theory is that farmers in the area had to come up with ways of making money in the offseason. In 1737, a cuckoo clock was developed by Franz Ketterer, a clockmaker in Schönwald in the Black Forest, which sparked the manufacturing of cuckoo clocks. All the cuckoo clocks we sell are all produced here and made from wood acquired in the Black Forest, and all the clocks are made by hand by several skilled artisans. Watch the video on our “About Us” page to see the production in action.
Authentic Cuckoo Clocks Are Made by Hand
There is an organization in the Black Forest that certifies cuckoo clocks to uphold the same craftsmanship and skill that has been used for centuries. The Black Forest Clock Association includes producers, traders and experts, and it provides certification to clockmakers who meet these requirements — all clocks are mechanical and made by hand in Germany with wood from the Black Forest. There are cheap knockoffs online that are not made by hand, but don’t waste your time with those! If you are going to invest in a cuckoo clock, buy one that is certified.
Cuckoo Clocks Work without Battery or Electricity
The magic that surrounds cuckoo clocks is partly due to the fact that they run using gravity and not batteries or electricity. This was the case in all the first clocks that were invented. The cuckoo clock works as the weights drop over the day and the pendulum moves back and forth, making the clock hands move. These parts are connected to the gearbox inside the clock and all the parts work together to tell the time, make the cuckoo bird pop out and play music if it’s a musical cuckoo clock (which will have a third weight).
Modern Cuckoo Clocks Are Popular Now Too
There are many different types of cuckoo clocks to choose from, with modern styles becoming popular with younger people and hip interior designers. The production of modern cuckoo clocks started in the 21st century and are battery-operated for convenience, so you don’t have to worry about winding them up each day or once a week. Some popular contemporary designs take traditional elements of the carved style cuckoo clocks but paint the wood bold colors like pink, green and red. Or you’ll find very minimalist designs of modern cuckoo clocks that have no decoration other than the cuckoo that pops out. If you are interested in a modern cuckoo clock, we have over 140 styles to choose from.
CuckooClocks.com is the home of authentic Black Forest cuckoo clocks. Add a piece of German culture and art to your home with a cuckoo clock today. Our clocks are unique, certified, and varied — no matter what your taste, we have a cuckoo clock to suit you.
