Choosing a Cuckoo Clock

Picking the right cuckoo clock for your house is a major decision. There are many different types, sizes, and levels of detail to decide on when you are looking to make this type of purchase. Depending on the type of clock that you are interested in buying, price range can be very wide. Most high end models are carved from wood and have detailed art work carved into the wood. Some of the lower priced models will be driven by quartz and batteries. There are two different main type of winding methods, the 1 day clocks and the 8 day clocks. Most traditional style clocks are powered by a weight at the end of a chain, although some are still powered by a spring that must be wound up with a key.  This article will try to explain some of the benefits of different types.

One of the biggest factors in the pricing of cuckoo clocks is the method in which the clock is driven. Traditional clocks are driven by a weight that is usually shaped like a pain code, attached to a chain. These types of clocks must be wound up either every 30 hours, or every eight days. Typically 8 day clocks will only chime on the hour, and can be adjusted to not chime at night. Some 30 hour models will chime at every hour and every half hour, but may also be configured to the user’s desire. A Quartz battery powered clock requires no winding, and is highly programmable. Quartz powered models are usually cheaper due to less complexity and material cost. They are normally made from plastic to mimic the parts of a tradition model. 

There are many different sounds that one can get for their cuckoo clock. Traditional cuckoo clocks usually have predetermined sounds because the sound is actually created from a bellow in the clock. Most quartz powered clocks produce a digital replication of a cuckoo and is highly customizable. Many of the sounds that you can find will have background noise like water, or extra birds chirping. Some quartz models will allow you to program the timing, length and volume of chimes. If you are concerned about the chimes waking you up at night, most models can be programmed to not chime during a set period of hours allowing for uninterrupted sleep.

If you intend on buying a traditional cuckoo clock you are going to have to remember to wind it.  If there are days when you are too busy, and might forget or will not be home regularly it is suggested that you get an 8 day model. 30 hour clocks require winding every day, so if you have a very set routine where you could wind the clock every morning they would fit perfectly. Some people enjoy having to wind their clock every morning.