You can find German cuckoo clocks for sale all over the world. Finding a quality and authentic clock can be challenging with so many cheap imitations on the market.  Producer standards, practices, origin, and reputation are all important factors in the measure of quality. 

Germany's southwestern region known as the Black Forest or Schwarzwald has been producing authentic cuckoo clocks for nearly 300 years. Schwarzwald is the well established home of the cuckoo clock. Black Forest wood carvers and clockmakers alike are considered to be the best in the world. These past and present craftsmen built the standard by which all coo coo clocks are measured.

In an effort to preserve the art, integrity and standards of fine cuckoo clock making the Black Forest Clock Association was formed.  Also known as VdS or Verein die Schwarzwalduhr, this group of producers, traders, and cuckoo clock experts sought to formalize the strict practices the region is so well known for. Together they created a certification process designed protect the Black Forest tradition and represent quality around the world.

To the credit of association, all authentic Black Forest cuckoo clocks are delivered with an official certificate. The VdS certificate of authenticity represents quality through origin, mechanics, components and construction. A certified cuckoo clock owner can be sure that their clock was built using the same time-tested traditions that have made the region world famous.

Since quartz cuckoo clocks have non-mechanical battery-powered movements, they do not qualify for certification. If purchasing a quartz cuckoo clock is your preference, it is recommend you select one from a producer that also makes certified mechanical cuckoo clocks. They are generally known for quality production.

The fact that a clock is referred to as a Black Forest cuckoo clock does not make it so. To be sure, look for the VdS seal and verify that the clock is a Black Forest original.

Like most things we enjoy in life, selecting the perfect German cuckoo clock comes down to a matter of personal taste.  Choosing a style that is right for you will quickly narrow your search. It keeps the experience fun and interesting. Now let’s figure out which clocks suit your taste and style.

To start with there are two cuckoo clock styles most common among collectors and buyers. They are the Traditional style cuckoo clock and Chalet style cuckoo clock. In addition to those, there are others that offer varying characteristics. They all play an important role in the evolution of the cuckoo clock and are still produced and available today. These styles include the following:

A cuckoo clock’s movement is the mechanism that drives the clock to keep time. The movement affects things like how often your clock must be wound and how you silence it at night. The quality of a cuckoo clock’s movement will also govern the life span, performance and accuracy of the clock.

Selecting a movement may not be the most exciting step in finding the perfect cuckoo clock, but it is certainly one of the most important. 

• 8-DAY MOVEMENT

Requires winding at least once per week
Generally more expensive and higher quality
Uses heavier weights than a 1-day movement

•1-DAY MOVEMENT
Requires daily winding
Is a suitable option for those on a budget
Rarely equipped with automatic night shut-off

 Music has been an important part of cuckoo clock making since the early 18th century. Watching characters come alive and dance to German folk songs is a must for many collectors.

While the tunes are German, the music box is the only part of an authentic cuckoo clock manufactured outside of the Black Forest. Swiss music boxes have been placed in these famous clocks for generations. The Reuge

 Company founded in 1886 supplies many respected Black Forest clock makers and ranks highly among collectors.

Musical tones (notes) range from 18 to 36 notes in most clocks. The more notes a musical movement has the richer the quality of the music. 

Most mechanical clocks play two different songs. The most common are “The Happy Wanderer” and "Edelweiss”. Many Bavarian style chalet clocks will feature German beer drinking songs. 

• Cuckoo clocks that play music have 3 weights
• 8-DAY clocks alternate songs on the hour
• 1-DAY clocks alternate songs on the ½ hour
• Music begins after the cuckoo calls
• Quartz cuckoo clocks generally play music each hour from a selection of 12 electronic melodies

There is nothing that can dampen the experience of owning a cuckoo more than being woken up in the middle of the night by it. Taking time to understand the characteristics of a clock and how to control them is a very important part of becoming a happy cuckoo clock owner. Understanding how to silence a clock as needed is often overlooked.

Let’s cover the basics: 

The two basic cuckoo clock shut-off options are automatic and manual.  

A manual shut-off requires that you manually set a switch to the off position to disable the sound of the clock. The clocks sound will remain off until you manually change the switch back to the on position. 

▶1-DAY cuckoo clocks usually offer manual shut-off only. You will rarely if ever find a 1-DAY clock with an automatic shutoff. Since 1-Day are wound daily the switch is usually set while winding.
An automatic switch can be set to the on, off, or automatic position. When set to the automatic position it will silence the clock automatically for 10 to 12 hours beginning between 8pm and 10pm in the evening.

▶8-DAY clocks generally have a manual shut-off. Many but not all 8-DAY clocks are available with an automatic shut-off option.  Most muscial clocks in the upper price range will include the automatic shut-off feature as standard.

Finding an affordable cuckoo clock is easy. Getting a quality clock that fits your budget and style takes some effort. While affordable, factory made imitations lack the quality and character of an original Black forest cuckoo clock. There is simply no substitute for the real thing. Authentic cuckoo clocks are in their third century of production for good reason.

Unless you are looking for a novelty clock, a collectible Black Forest original is your best bet. These hand-made clocks start at around $150 for a nice 1-DAY cuckoo clock and can reach $3000 or more for a beautifully detailed work of art.

Black Forest cuckoo clocks are designed to suit many different budgets.   

Start with style, adjust based on budget and enjoy the process!