1. After removing the clock from the box, unpack each of the items carefully. For now, leave the chains on the bottom of the clock wrapped. Be sure to unwrap each of the other paper bundles as there may be tiny pieces inside. If you have a traditional carved hunting model your box will include the following: clock, top piece, deer head, antlers (left and right), horn bell, pendulum, and either two or three heavyweights. If you have a chalet cuckoo clock, your clock will not include a top piece.
2. If your clock has a deer head with antlers, you may assemble that first. Use the screw included attaching the deer head to the shield. Drive the screw through the hole in the shield and into the back of the head were a hole has been started. Push the antlers into the holes at the top of the head so that they curve up and away from the front and center of the clock.
3. Slide the top piece onto the clock. The top should have two bent pins which correspond to two holes in the roof of the clock. Slide these pins into the holes. You may have to turn the pins so they are perpendicular to the holes. Rather than pins, some clocks have screws that slide into saddles thereby holding the top in place. Some high-end cuckoo clocks have top pieces that attach with small screws. There should already be holes drilled in the top to receive these screws. Be careful not to over-tighten these screws. They should be just tight enough to hold the top piece in place. A fourth method of attaching the top piece also exists; the clips. These are very simple. Simply make sure there is enough tension on these clips and slide them over the edge of the cuckoo roof.
4. If you have a horn bell, push it into the hole near the dial. There may be other little decorative pieces on your clock. Simply slide these pieces over their corresponding pegs. Take a look at the picture on our website and compare your clock. Many clocks have a few decorative pieces which fit on in various ways. If the method of fitting these pieces isn’t completely obvious, please don’t hesitate to contact your dealer for help.
5. Open the back of the clock. There are two wire clips around the bellows. (figure 1) Remove them as well as the paper strip on the coiled gong. (figure 2 Make sure the wire with the loop on the end falls through the slot on the bottom of the clock. (figure 3 and 6) Replace the back of the clock. Fit the bottom edge of the back piece into the groove at the bottom of the clock first, then close the top edge.
6. Hang the clock on the wall. It is best to find a stud to support the weight. Drive a good sized screw in at an angle. (figure 4) To get the full 24 hours, or 8 days out of a single wind, hang the clock about 7 feet from the floor. How high you hang the clock determines how long it will run on a single wind. You may hang the clock as low as you like, but you may have to wind it more often as a result.