So No Question Goes Unanswered
Answers to the most important questions about operating, caring for, and understanding your cuckoo clock.
Everything worth knowing about your cuckoo clock - from setting it up for the first time to everyday care.
General
What sets an Anton Schneider Söhne cuckoo clock apart from others?
Our cuckoo clocks are made in the Black Forest - a region with over 300 years of clockmaking tradition. Every clock combines careful craftsmanship with proven mechanics and is built to last more than one generation. We stand for quality you can see, hear and feel.
How long does an Anton Schneider Söhne cuckoo clock last?
With proper care and regular servicing, our clocks are designed to last for generations. Many examples from our workshop have been running reliably in families around the world for decades. What matters is careful handling, following the instructions for use and occasional servicing by a specialist.
Can I switch off the cuckoo call at night?
Yes. Most of our clocks have a manual or automatic night shut-off. With the manual version you move a small lever on the side or underside of the case. Clocks with automatic shut-off detect darkness by means of a light sensor and stop the call on their own.
How do I know whether my clock is “in beat”?
A clock in beat sounds even: tick-tock, tick-tock - with the same interval between the two sounds. If it sounds uneven, the clock is hanging crookedly. Tilt the clock slightly to the left or right until the ticking sounds even, and fix it in that position.
My clock shows the wrong time - what should I do?
Set the time only by turning the minute hand - and only forwards. At every full and half hour, wait until the cuckoo has finished its call before turning further. Never move the hour hand directly.
How do I care for the wooden case of my clock?
Clean the case regularly with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid damp cloths, sprays or chemical cleaning agents. Wood is sensitive to moisture and to strong temperature changes - so do not hang the clock near radiators or in damp rooms.
Can I buy directly from Anton Schneider Söhne?
Yes. You can order our clocks directly here in our online shop - free shipping within Germany and the entire EU, with two years' warranty and our own repair service from the Black Forest. Our clocks are also still available from selected dealers worldwide; you will find an overview on our dealers page.
Is there a factory shop in Gütenbach?
A factory shop is not yet possible - but it is coming in the near future. We look forward to welcoming you to the Black Forest before long. Do stay in touch - we will announce the opening in good time.
Mechanical movement
How often do I need to wind my mechanical cuckoo clock?
That depends on the movement. A 1-day movement has to be wound daily, ideally at the same time. An 8-day movement only needs winding once a week. Always pull the chains calmly and evenly until the weights have reached the top - never with a jerk.
What happens if I forget to wind it?
The clock stops - that is perfectly normal and does not harm the movement. Simply raise the weights again, set the time and restart the pendulum. However, never let the weights sink all the way to the floor, as this puts unnecessary strain on the movement.
My clock runs fast or slow - how do I adjust it?
The rate can be regulated using the pendulum leaf. Slide the leaf upwards if the clock is running slow. Slide it downwards if the clock is running fast. Small adjustments are usually enough - after each correction, wait a day before adjusting again.
How often should a mechanical movement be serviced?
We recommend professional servicing every 5 to 8 years. The movement is cleaned, oiled and checked for wear. Regular servicing extends the working life considerably and prevents more serious damage. Please contact us or a certified clockmaker for this.
The pendulum keeps stopping - what causes this?
The most common causes are: the clock is not hanging straight (not in beat), the weights have sunk too far, the pendulum is bent or is touching something, or the movement needs cleaning. Check the alignment first - that solves the problem in most cases.
Can I oil the movement myself?
We advise against it. The wrong oil, or too much oil, can damage the movement permanently. Cleaning and lubricating a mechanical movement should be carried out by a specialist only. If in doubt, please contact our customer service.
Electronic movement
Which batteries does my electronic cuckoo clock need?
Most of our electronic clocks (also known as quartz clocks) use AA or C batteries - you will find the exact details in the instructions for use supplied with your clock. We recommend branded batteries, as cheap ones leak sooner and can damage the movement.
How long do the batteries last?
In normal use the batteries usually last 12 to 18 months. If the night shut-off is used regularly and the volume is kept at a moderate level, the running time can be longer. Always replace all the batteries together - never one at a time.
The cuckoo no longer calls - what causes this?
Check first: are the batteries flat? Is the night shut-off active? Is the volume control set to zero? In most cases it is one of these. If the clock still makes no sound after a battery change, please contact our customer service.
My electronic clock runs fast or slow - is that normal?
Electronic movements are very precise and should deviate by no more than a few seconds a month. If your clock is clearly running fast or slow, this can point to weak batteries, temperature fluctuations or a fault. Change the batteries first - if that does not solve the problem, please get in touch with us.
How do I set the time correctly on an electronic clock?
Turn the minute hand slowly forwards and wait at every full and half hour until the cuckoo has called. Then continue turning. On electronic clocks with a separate setting wheel you can also set the time more quickly - please refer to the instructions for your clock.
Does an electronic clock also need servicing?
Electronic movements need considerably less maintenance than mechanical ones. The most important point of care: change the batteries in good time and never leave leaking batteries in the movement - this can cause corrosion damage. Otherwise, regular dusting and careful handling are enough.
How do I use the control panel on my electronic cuckoo clock?
Depending on the model, your clock is fitted with one of two control panels:
Simple control panel
A push button to trigger the cuckoo call manually, plus a slide switch with three positions: HI (loud), LOW (quiet) and OFF (deactivated).
Extended control panel
A push button plus three switch positions: Music ON (cuckoo call with melody), Music OFF (cuckoo call only) and OFF (everything deactivated). The volume is set with the Volume button - a short press cycles through the volume levels.