Cuckoo Clock Setup

If you have just purchased a unique traditional Black Forest Cuckoo Clock  CONGRATULATIONS !

We want you to enjoy a lifetime of pleasure with your new clock, but we must firstly ensure you follow these important setup instructions.  When you purchased your clock you would have received some written instructions. We recommend that you read them and the contents of this page before beginning to unpack your new heirloom.

Cuckoo clocks are literally shipped all over the world. Each clock comes in its own specially made carton and rarely suffers any damage during transit. During the production process the clock passed several quality controls to ensure a perfect functioning. We at Black Forest Hill also check the operation of each clock before despatching them. If, nevertheless the clock should not work, please ensure you have followed these instructions before phoning us for assistance.

The clock will be protected with some paper, styrene or a special packing within the cardboard box. Carefully remove the packing in order not to damage the more delicate wooden pieces of the clock. When removing the clock from the carton, it is best to support it by the roof never by the carvings or figurines. Clocks without carvings may be taken out by the bottom panel. Remove the loose accessories such as pendulum, weights etc. Do not open the small paper-bag fixed to the bottom of the clock, this will be done later.

Before you throw away the wrapping material, make sure that you have all the necessary pieces for your new clock. Double check the empty box and place all parts on a table and ensure all parts are there. For example a traditional carved cuckoo clock with oak/wine leaves consists of the following parts:

A carved top piece, a loose deer head and antlers (if you have purchased a hunting clock), a pendulum and weights. Note:If you purchased a clock with music, you will have three weights.

Being careful not to damage the carving, any small figurines, or the clock face and hands, hold the clock with the face downwards. You may require the assistance of another person holding the clock or alternately place the clock face down on a soft towel. (Any breakages will not covered under Warranty)

Turn the locking tab on the back

Remove both the bellows clamps by pulling them from the bellows

You now have to decide where you want to put your new clock. Mark the place where you want to put the clock with a pencil at a height of at least 2 metres from the floor. Put a large screw into the wall stud at an upward angle. Ideally the screw should hang out 1 to 2 cms. If you have a brick wall you will require a plug or dowel to fix the screw.

NEVER use nails as they will not be strong enough to hold the clock, especially when you wind it. NEVER use a picture hook or attempt to hang your clock from a nail or screw that is not located in a wall stud.

HINT! Many clocks have fallen from the wall because of unsuitable or insecure hanging devices.

Place your clock on the wall screw by using the top round hole on the back of the clock. DO NOT hang your clock using the holes in the removable door. Take care to hang up the clock straight.

Never hang your clock in front of a fan or air conditioner or in an area where there is likely to be a wind draught. Wind will invariably stop the pendulum.

Once the clock is hanging on the wall, undo the packet underneath the clock containing the chains and pull out the wire.

Possible knots in the chains should be undone very cautiously. Once undone, each chain should hang all the way down to the floor.

PLEASE NOTE, from now on your clock must NEVER be turned upside down - as the chains may slip off the chain wheels and become jammed inside the clock mechanism. You may require professional assistance to rectify this problem. Costly damage may result by pulling on a jammed chain.

HINT! When small children are around it may be advisable to hang the end of the chain back onto the weight hooks. This will however require you to wind the clock more often. Many clocks have been returned for repairs because children have pulled on the chains.

The clock must be placed in a correct vertical position so that the pendulum can swing freely. Hang the pendulum onto the wire loop in the middle of the long hole at the bottom of the clock case. Then hang the weights on the chain-hooks. See the photograph below. Your clock is now ready for operation.

To set the correct time, turn the minute-hand (longer hand) around to the left. NEVER move the hour-hand (small hand). If you turn the minute-hand around to the right, always wait for the end of the cuckoo-striking on the half and full hour. In the case of a music-clock, always wait for the end of the music. If you have to wind the hands for several hours it is advisable to turn the cuckoo sound off (option available on selected models) so you don’t have to wait every half hour.

The striking mechanism may be switched off on most models. A handle is either at the bottom of the clock or at its left side when hanging on the wall. To silence the clock you have to push the handle up/in. To listen to the sound again you have to pull the handle or push it down. Do not move the silencing handle while the cuckoo calls or the music plays.

To start the clock, gently push the pendulum to one side. The clock is hanging in the correct vertical position when the "tick-tock" of the pendulum is even. (A SPIRIT LEVEL IS OF ABSOLUTELY NO USE) LISTEN for the even "tick-tock" sound, and tilt the clock to the right or left as necessary.

To help you understand, over exaggerate by moving the clock to a noticeable angle and the clock will stop. Slowly moving it back, with the pendulum going, you will notice as the clock becomes straighter, the tick-tock becomes more uniform.

Depending on the model, your clock must be wound up every 24 hours or 8 days by pulling the ring at the end of the chain downwards and raising the weight up towards the clock. If your clock is an 8 Day, lifting the weight slightly as you wind, will ensure your clock mechanism will last for many years.

After approximately 24 hours your clock can be regulated by the moving the leaf up or down on the pendulum to set the correct time. If the clock runs too fast, take off the pendulum and slightly move the leaf/shield down. A good rule of thumb is – move the leaf lower to make the clock slower! And visa versa, move the leaf upwards to make the clock faster. Hang the pendulum back up and allow 24 hours before making further fine adjustments.

Your clock should now be operating perfectly. If it is not, please ensure you have carefully followed these instructions before contacting us.

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