When cuckoo clocks were initially created in the Black Forest of Germany, they were the rock stars of their day. Up to that point, people had been using hour glasses and sun dials to properly keep track of time. When the cuckoo clock burst onto the scene, they were an immediate success.
The story goes that a traveling peddler bought some cuckoo clocks from the Black Forest craftsmen and peddled them throughout Europe. That is how the world came to know about them and to eventually love and treasure them.
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Because a cuckoo clock is an investment worth protecting, there are some techniques you will need to follow in order to enjoy your cuckoo clock for years to come.
First, the wooden outer case of your clock will need to be regularly oiled and dry dusted to keep as much dust off the clock as possible. Dust is the enemy of your clock, so it will be a constant battle between you and the dust. Try to avoid furniture polish or furniture wax as this will cause a buildup on the clock case. You can use a soft cloth for the larger surface areas, and a small, soft brush for the intricate areas. Canned air is also good to help remove the dust from the detailed parts of your clock.
Every three years, your clock will need a good oiling of the mechanism, as well as a professional inspection. While you could learn how to do this yourself, we recommend using the services of a professional clocksmith. Even though it may appear your clock is functioning properly, keep in mind your clock will run long after the damage begins to occur.
How does this happen? No matter what you do, at some point dust will breach the clock case and begin to mix with the oils in your clock's mechanism. This dust and oil mixture eventually forms a paste that starts wearing away at the pivots and pivot holes. Without proper maintenance, these parts will need replacing, rather than just maintenance.
Approximately every three to seven years (depending on the environment the clock is exposed to), your clock will need a complete overhaul. During this process, the movement is taken apart and cleaned. Any worn pivot holes are bushed, the pivots are polished, any worn wires are replaced, and your clock is given a complete "once over" to ensure it's in top working order. No cuckoo clock will run forever. The longer you put off having an overhaul, the more expensive it will cost to have it done.
Perhaps the cuckoo clock isn't the rock star of our day and age, but for those of us who appreciate their unique contribution to the world of timekeeping, it should be important for us to keep our clocks in the best condition possible.