Care of your Quartz Cuckoo Clock

North Coast Imports offers a wide variety of cuckoo clocks - we even have caught up with technology in our offering of electronic, or battery powered cuckoos. These fine clocks are more in tune with modern life yet they offer the old-world charm of the originals.



If you are lucky enough to be a proud new owner of these clocks please pay careful attention to the instructions included with the clock. In addition, the following information may be helpful:

Please do not use Energizer Brand batteries. Energizer uses a plastic covering over its terminals which may impede the contact with the clock movement terminals. Try another brand.

Depending on the model you have, the pendulum leader may need to be freed before use. Pictured below is a sketch of the backside of the clock with the back piece removed.

Check and see if the pendulum leader which hangs from the fulcrum at the top of the movement is to one side. Some models have this pendulum leader secured to remain immovable during shipping. In order for your clock to run properly, this pendulum leader must hang free so that it can move from side to side.

In the picture below you can see how you have to unfasten the pendulum leader from a stationary post. Simply unclip the pendulum leader from this post.



NOTE: in some instances (depending on the type and size of clock you have) this post and clip may not be visible behind the battery pack. If you can see that the end of the pendulum leader is firmly fixed to one side, try moving it to the opposite side to allow it to move properly.

By the way, unlike mechanical clocks, the pendulum on quartz clocks is not an integral feature. Quartz clocks will work perfectly without any pendulum at all.


Here you'll find a treasure trove of historical perspectives that have inspired many of our exquisite products. From the intricate designs to the rich cultural influences, each article will take you on a journey through time and craftsmanship. In addition to revisiting these fascinating stories, we will also provide valuable insights on how to use, care for, and maintain our products to ensure they last a lifetime.

Further Reading list:
Longitude by Dava Sobel
The Turk by Tom Standage
Black Forest Clockmaker and the Cuckoo Clock by Karl Kochmann
Black Forest Clocks by Rick Ortenburger
The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
Connections by James Burke
Rare and Unusual Black Forest Clocks by Justin Miller