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The cuckoo clock most people picture: a carved bird on top, grape and maple leaves all around, two pine cone weights and a swinging pendulum. It is the most affordable way to own a real mechanical Black Forest clock, and a good first one if you like the daily ritual of pulling the chains.
On the hour and the half hour the door opens, the cuckoo comes out and calls, along with a gong strike. The call comes from two wooden whistles and bellows inside the case, the way it has been done in the Black Forest for generations. The brass movement runs on two weights for about a day per winding.
Hang the clock on a sturdy screw so the case sits flat against the wall, hook on the pendulum, hang the weights on the chain hooks and give the pendulum a light push. Then listen: the tick-tock should sound even. If it limps, nudge the bottom of the case a little to the left or right until it does. That is called putting the clock "in beat", and it is the reason most new cuckoo clocks stop after a few minutes.
To wind it, pull the free end of each chain straight down, slowly, until the weight is back near the case. Do it once a day. Set the time by turning the minute hand only, clockwise. Let the cuckoo finish calling each time the hand passes the hour or the half hour. If the clock runs fast, slide the pendulum bob down a little; if it runs slow, slide it up.
Before moving the clock, take off the pendulum and the weights. Dust with a soft, dry brush. Stuck on something? Email us a short video of the clock ticking and we will help you adjust it.
Details in our Shipping Policy and Refund & Return Policy.
Shipping & delivery
keyboard_arrow_downFree shipping to the contiguous United States. Orders ship within 1 to 2 business days and arrive in 2 to 5 business days, with tracking on every order. No customs or import fees, nothing to pay on delivery. Each clock ships in two boxes, with the pendulum and weights wrapped separately.
Returns & refunds
keyboard_arrow_down14-day returns from delivery, in new condition, with all parts and the original packaging. Return shipping is paid by you for a change of mind. Arrived broken? Email photos within 48 hours of delivery and we replace it or refund you, with return shipping on us. Refunds are issued within 10 days of receiving and inspecting the item.
Free shipping, no customs fees
14-day returns
Ships in 1 to 2 business days
A quartz clock runs on batteries. A 1-day clock needs its chains pulled every day, an 8-day clock once a week. Our buying guide explains the difference, along with music, night shut-off and size, in five minutes.
We sell clocks by Trenkle, Hönes, Sternreiter and Rombach & Haas, with plain labels on every listing and real help after the sale.
We reply to every email within 24 to 48 hours, Monday to Friday (excluding U.S. federal holidays).
Is shipping free?
keyboard_arrow_downFree shipping to the contiguous United States. Orders ship within 1 to 2 business days and arrive in 2 to 5 business days, with tracking on every order. No customs or import fees, nothing to pay on delivery. Each clock ships in two boxes, with the pendulum and weights wrapped separately.
How long will my order take?
keyboard_arrow_downOrders are prepared in 1 to 2 business days, then delivered in 2 to 5 business days. Every order ships with tracking.
What if my clock arrives broken?
keyboard_arrow_downEmail us within 48 hours of delivery with photos of the box and the clock, and keep the packaging. We send a replacement or refund you in full, your choice, subject to availability, and we pay any return shipping.
Will I pay customs or import fees?
keyboard_arrow_downNo. Your order ships from within the United States, so there are no customs or import fees to pay. Applicable state sales tax, if any, is shown at checkout.
Can I turn the cuckoo off at night?
keyboard_arrow_downEach listing tells you which night shut-off the clock has: an automatic light sensor, a manual lever, or a switch that silences the cuckoo. When the maker does not list one, the listing says so.