We choose only the best
Before a single part is chosen, there is an idea. A sketch on paper. The inspiration for our clocks comes from the history of the Black Forest, from our staff, from customers – and above all from the nature and the traditions of the region that surrounds us every day.
Only once the idea is settled does the selection of the right components begin. We work exclusively with long-standing partners from the Black Forest – specialists for cases, carved parts and movements who share our quality standards.
No part enters our workshop that we have not held in our own hands and judged to be good.
Everything hangs on the right wire
The movement – mechanical or electronic – supplies the energy. But what makes a cuckoo clock come alive are the wires: they carry every movement to the cuckoo, the music box, the dancers, the sawing wooden figure, the water wheel – and much more.
These wires have to be set perfectly. Too long, too short, too tight – and the cuckoo comes out on the hour but no longer returns to its little door. What looks simple from the outside demands the most precise handwork inside, and years of experience.
Our specialists know every wire, every connection, every possible source of error – and make sure everything runs smoothly before the clock leaves our workshop.
Movement meets case – a clock is born
The regulated movement is now fixed into the case. On mechanical clocks the pipes are added at this stage – they produce the world-famous cuckoo call that has been unmistakable for generations. Clocks with dancers also receive a music box: it sets the figures on top of the clock dancing on the hour.
On electronic movements the cuckoo call, the music and all the movement sequences are already built into the movement – the installation is just as precise, but more compact.
Once everything sits properly, the cuckoo has found its place and every connection is right, the back of the case is closed. The clock is ready for the next step.
The clock comes to life
Now the clock gets its face – and here the paths of the chalet and the carved clock part ways.
On the chalets, our finishing department prepares every single wooden figure with great care. Moving arms are fitted, figures are given their colour with precisely applied paint. Carriages are assembled – with horse and driver. Card players are given cards in their hands. Beer drinkers enjoy their freshly poured beer. All these figures and many more are fixed to the ledges around the clock. Scene by scene it takes shape: bustling life in front of a town hall, a romantic Alpine inn, children at play. The clock becomes a stage.
On the carved clocks, the already produced and lacquered carved parts are finished once more by hand and then fitted to the case. At the very top sits the crest – usually a magnificent stag's head or a handsome bird. The panel on either side shows leaves, acorns and artfully arranged animals. Below hangs the pendulum – it will later set the calm, even beat of the clock.
The journey begins
The finished clock is hung on the wall. Before that, the chains are connected to the characteristic pine-cone weights – they are what bring the movement to life and set the beat going.
1-day movements hang for at least 24 hours, 8-day movements for at least eight days. During that time we watch: does the movement run evenly? Does the cuckoo come at the right moment? Does it return to its little door? Do the dancers play, does the water wheel turn? Only when everything is right is the clock ready. Electronic movements are checked for function and quality and can then go straight to dispatch.
What goes into the box is more than a clock. Careful handwork makes every piece one of a kind – no two are identical. With the clock, a substantial piece of the Black Forest and its history travels to you – wherever in the world you are.
Original Black Forest Cuckoo-Clock
Anton Schneider Söhne is a member of the Verein die Schwarzwälder Uhr (VdS) – the official mark of quality for genuine Black Forest cuckoo clocks. Only makers who demonstrably produce in the Black Forest and meet strict quality standards may carry this certificate.
For you that means: every Anton Schneider clock is a guaranteed original. No import, no imitation – genuine Black Forest craftsmanship with the seal that connoisseurs and collectors trust worldwide.