Black Forest Clocks

The Black Forest Cuckoo Clock industry started getting really popular in the 18th century. Before that everything was made of wood, even the moving parts, clock face and hands, everything. When the Black Forest Clocks started increasing in popularity the clockmakers started replacing the moving parts with metal or brass. Doing this increased their durability, insured they would last longer and increased their popularity around the world.

Around the end of the 18th century and throughout the 19th century there were new tools and crafts discovered that increased the clockmakers production times greatly. Even though these tools and techniques were implemented the art of handcrafting Black Forest Clocks remained the same as it does today. Over the next 100 years or so the number of clocks one woodcarver could produce was increased by more than 6 times. Black Forest Clocks were very popular at this time and the most popular was the Shield Clock. Like the one at the right. These clocks were popular before the Cuckoo Clock got popular. These clocks were about 50% of the Black Forest clock production during the 18th and 19th century. These beautiful clocks are still very popular today.

During this time the Black Forest Clockmakers were producing around 600000 clocks a year and their customer base had become world wide. This soon caused problems. The clockmakers were working very long hours to make sure their customers would get their orders on time. There just wasn't enough hours in a day to get it all done. The clockmakers were having a hard time overcoming these problems. They soon begin working with wholesale companies to fill the orders. They could concentrate on building the clocks and the wholesale companies helped with shipping and distribution. This led to customers getting their clocks in a more timely manner and made the black Forest Clocks even more popular.

The beautiful black forest clocks are one of the most exported products in Germany. One very popular clock is a cuckoo style clock called the Railway House Clock as seen in the image to the left. The older versions of this clock had a wooden clock face and hands and numbers that were painted white. It also had Fir Cone shaped weights. Today's version features vine leaves and beautifully handcrafted wooden figurines in the shapes of animals and plants, as well as hunters, dancing couples in traditional German attire who dance to the music, a mill wheel that turns on every hour and a farmer who chops wood. The cuckoo is still very much a part of the cuckoo clocks today. He moves his wings and beak and rocks in a back and forth motion when delivering his famed call.

Even though the the clockmakers of the Black Forest have had their share of troubles over the years they still hold the title of the most talented artists in the world today. The beautifully detailed and unique German cuckoo clocks that come out of the Black Forest region are among the most highly appreciated and popular clocks in the world. No matter what it is, a Cuckoo Clock, Grandfather Clock, Wall Clock Desk / Mantle Clock or one of the many other hand crafted Black Forest Creations customers and collectors from all over the world will appreciate the fine quality and beautiful, unique pieces that come from this scenic region in Germany.

If you ever make a trip to Germany be sure to go to the Black Forest region and take a trip on the German Clock Trail, visit the many little museums that are dedicated to the history of clock making and to see that the culture and tradition of those earlier years are still alive in the German Black Forest today. You can even visit some of the clock shops and watch the master carvers in action. You can find a little more about this and see a Cuckoo Clock slideshow at Black Forest Clocks

The name black Forest may make you think of a dark sinister place. Get that out of your mind right now! The Black Forest in Germany is one of the best places you can go to explore some of the natural beauty the country has to offer.

The Black Forest is in the Southwest corner of the state of Baden-Württemberg. The Black Forest borders France, Switzerland, and the Neckar River. The German continental divide lies within the forest which means that the water that drains to the Atlantic is drained by the Rhine River on one side and the water that drains to the Black Sea is drained by the Danube on the other.

This forest got it's name due to the very large volume of Pine trees which makes it look really dark from a distance. Also the nearby mountains cast shadows on the valleys making it look even darker. The town of Freudenstadt in the middle of the Black Forest claims more hours of sunshine than any other town in the country.

The Germans place a high value on their forests and even though wood and timber cutting is a valuable commodity it is highly regulated. Tourism is also very valuable and the forests of Germany especially the Black Forest draw a lot of tourists every year. This is more important than the timber industry hence the strict regulations. For every tree that is cut down another one is replanted.

The black Forest is in an area of heavily wooded mountains and deep valleys. If you are a nature lover you will absolutely love the Black forest. When you see the land and little towns you will think you took a step back in time! Some of the houses and buildings you will find in the Black Forest are over 300 years old.

The Black forest is Host to the makers of the famed Black Forest Clocks These famous Cuckoo Clocks, Grandfather Clocks, Wall Clocks and Mantle clocks are carved and handmade by the master woodcarvers and craftsman of the Black Forest. There are also vineyards and castles throughout the forest that you can explore and taste Wine.

Also near the Black Forest is Baden-Baden, a place famous for its resorts and spas and a perfect place to stop before or after exploring one of the most impressive forests of Germany.

Back in the late 1800's an American songwriter named Henry work was staying at a hotel in England. Their was a Floor Clock there that was broke and had been broke for a long time. He heard the story of the clock and decided to write a song about the it. He called it Grandfather Clock Song. It became very popular and he sold over a million copies of the sheet music for Grandfather Clock Song. Up until he published the song Grandfather Clocks were known as Floor Clocks. After the song came out and became so popular Floor Clocks have been known as Grandfather Clocks.

Black Forest Clocks make all their clocks by hand. This is a beautiful Grandfather clock. A Grandfather Clock makes a fine addition to any home or office. It is a piece of work you will appreciate and admire for years and years to come. To see more Grandfather Clocks check out the slideshow at Black Forest Clocks

The Black Forest Clockmakers also create beautiful desktop and mantle clocks. You can decorate the desk and mantle of your office or home with a beautiful Black Forest Clock. They are all handcrafted and are something that you can appreciate for years to come. The master craftsman make these clocks in more modern styles, older styles, rustic etc..

The clock in this image is a mantle clock. This clock would look great above any fireplace. They also create more outdoor type clocks, these are desktop or wall clocks.

This image is an example of a Black Forest Wall Clock for more of an outdoor setting. I think these are outstanding pieces of work but then I am an outdoorsy type so I really like them. You can go to
Black Forest Clocks and see a slideshow of Cuckoo Clocks, Grandfather Clocks, Wall Clocks and desktop / mantle clocks. While you are checking it out think of the work and craftsmanship that goes into each one. Read the about page to learn a little about a couple of the clockmakers. If you think about it it is really impressive, the time and quality they put into each clock they make. These people are true artists..