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Have you ever been enchanted by those timepieces that emit a sound mimicking the cheerful chirp of cuckoo birds? This feature traces its origin back to the dense forests of the Black Forest region in Germany. Just like this, the country is known for its rich history of clockmaking, producing highly precise and innovative clocks.
But how did the German wall clocks rise to international fame, and who carries on the tradition today? In this article, we will explore the fascinating history of German timepieces along with the famous brands that still manufacture them today. So, let’s get started!
Germany is known as the birthplace of the famous cuckoo clocks, which are still very popular for their unique design and association with good luck. Here’s everything you need to know about them:
Back in 1730, Franz Aton Keterrer, in the Black Forest of South Germany, built a clock that imitated the sound of the cuckoo bird. He used durable logs for this purpose, as the area had an abundant supply of wood. The cuckoo song was produced by two bellows having distinctive tones.
Cuckoo clocks typically feature two design types to cater to different tastes and preferences.
One is a pure traditional carved style inspired by natural elements, like flowers, leaves, animals, etc. For instance, a clock based on a forest theme would be adorned with intricate carvings of leaves, vines, birds, or other forest animals among the foliage.
The other design blends well with modern spaces, having a chalet style that typically belongs to Southern Germany. These clocks are closely inspired by the architecture and daily life of the German Black Forest region, depicting scenes of mills, pastures, and cottages.
Therefore, you may find elegant carvings of people in traditional dresses, water wheels, or dancers on such timepieces. A common example of this design type is reflected in a bell-ringer clock where a German lady pulls the rope to produce the cuckoo bell.
Cuckoo clocks are either mechanical or quartz, depending upon the number of front doors from where the cuckoo bird comes out. As such, the mechanical clocks have one, while the quartz ones have two doors. Here’s more about how each type works:
A cuckoo clock’s dial is its face that displays the time. It is traditionally marked with Roman or Arabic numerals and has a design that reflects the clock’s style.
For example, the dial of a traditionally styled clock would feature hand-painted flowers or animals. Usually, it’s made of wood carved intricately to match the overall aesthetics of the timepiece.
In modern chalet-style clocks, the dial material typically ranges from metal to glass and sometimes plastic. Meanwhile, the numerals may be replaced with dots for a cleaner look. Some manufacturers also incorporate LED backlighting to enhance visibility and add a modern twist.
The pendulum in cuckoo clocks not only serves a functional purpose but also adds to its charm with elaborate designs.
The chiming system of cuckoo clocks is powered by a set of bellows and pipes, often made from wood and leather. When the clock strikes the hour, its movement triggers the bellows in a way that one creates the ‘cu’ sound while the other produces the ‘ckoo’ call.
These sounds are generated by air being pushed through the pipes, which are tuned to specific pitches. That said, let’s have a look at three different types of chime systems that can be found in cuckoo clocks:
The German box clocks are highly sought after by collectors and investors alike for their superior craftsmanship and rich history. Let’s explore all about them in detail:
Until the 20th century, people preferred to have Vienna Regulator clocks in their homes. However, there was a decline in their popularity with time, especially after World War I.
It was the German box clocks that replaced them, as their modern and less decorative design aligned well with the evolving preferences. Moreover, there were no second thoughts about their durability as these clocks stayed in their best condition for 30 years.
The design of these German wall clocks is quite different from the otherwise popular Vienna Regulators. They embrace a more simple and subtle appearance with common aspects like:
The German box clocks come with two types of movements enclosed in a wooden case, including spring-driven and weight-driven. Also, there are glazed side ports to give a sneak peek into the clock’s movement mechanism.
In spring-driven movement, a coil is used that releases energy upon unwinding to drive the clock’s gear. Contrarily, weight-driven clocks use gravitational force from weights hanging on chains or cables to provide energy to the clock’s mechanism.
Irrespective of this, both movements require occasional winding for precise timekeeping. The run times of these clocks are usually 8 days. However, many who were ahead of their time had that of 14 days.
Usually, the dials on German wall clocks have two colors: white or silver. The engraving of Arabic or Roman numerals for indication of time further enhances their charm. For increased readability, the majority of these clocks have minimalistic black spear or spade hands.
Similarly, the pendulum that can be seen through a glass panel is also usually simple. However, some clocks have ornate pendulums as well. Regardless of this, it is kept adjustable to maintain the accuracy of timekeeping.
The German box clocks either have a chiming or striking feature that produces a melody or rings at different intervals, typically quarter-hour, half-hour, or 1 hour.
To identify which system a clock employs, look for its winding arbors. Clocks with three winding arbors typically chime, while those with 2 of them are striking timepieces.
It was during the 18th and 19th centuries when German clockmakers introduced multiple innovations in their products. This was primarily targeted towards enhancing the accuracy, functionality, and visual appeal of their timepieces.
The 19th century, in particular, was the period of the German wall clock’s industrialization, during which companies like Junghans utilized industrial production methods to manufacture these clocks in bulk.
Moreover, a German clockmaker, Gustav Becker, was even awarded in 1852 for his contributions towards clockmaking. These precisely included the improvements to the clock’s movement mechanism and the development of the free swinger pendulum system.
During this period, German clockmakers also expanded their collection to include a variety of other clock types, such as marine chronometers that helped with navigation at sea.
Considering their popularity, many brands produce German wall clocks. Some of the prominent names include:
Just like German wall clocks, there is a high demand for Amish-made timepieces as well, for their artistic approach and high-quality materials. Amish made wall clocks frequently are fitted with German made Hermle movements. So, if you’re looking to purchase one, browse Old Time Chimes to find an exclusive collection of such clocks, be it for floor, wall, or shelf.
The best part about purchasing with us is that you get to customize the wood and stain – all by yourself. Moreover, we also offer a limited lifetime warranty with free shipping in the USA. Contact us now to order the clock you love, along with your personalization requirements!
