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Black Forest icon in danger: Cuckoo clock is fighting for survival!
The Schwarzwald-Baar district is experiencing a cuckoo clock crisis. Tradition, market changes and UNESCO status in focus.
Black Forest icon in danger: Cuckoo clock is fighting for survival!
The cuckoo clock, a real piece of Black Forest tradition, is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year. But despite this proud anniversary number, the heart of the industry no longer beats quite as strongly. As the Swabian newspaper According to reports, sales of mechanical timepieces are in decline, which is not only causing problems for manufacturers but also for regional tourism.
The popularity of the cuckoo clock as a souvenir has also attracted celebrities such as Prince William and Duchess Kate in the past. The US market is particularly important, where many of the handmade watches find their way. The Association for the Black Forest Watch (VdS) estimates annual sales at around 150,000 pieces. But the signs point to a storm: Chairman Jürgen Clute has noticed a significant decline in sales figures, mainly due to less money available to visitors to the Black Forest.
Traditional craftsmanship in danger
The challenge goes even further: some companies have had to close in recent years, which puts additional strain on the craft and the associated culture. To counteract this, the industry is planning to recognize the cuckoo clock as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. This initiative reflects the desire to keep the tradition of the cuckoo clock alive.
The VdS has also created its own seal for verifying the origin of watches in order to emphasize the quality and origin of the products. While the clockmakers are already on the national list of intangible cultural heritage, the production of the cuckoo clock has not yet been included.
Creative innovations and remarkable installations
The threat of decline has also found creative expression. In addition to the classically designed cuckoo clocks, there are now modern versions in bright colors and some that are equipped with quartz movements. Artists like Stefan Strumbel experiment with designs that combine traditional craftsmanship with a contemporary understanding of art. His cuckoo clocks with skull decorations cause a stir.
Another highlight is the world's largest cuckoo clock in Triberg, which houses an impressive 150 kg bird. The extraordinary work not only attracts tourists, but is also a symbol of the heritage and identity of the Black Forest.
The long history of the cuckoo clock is also fascinating. The first significant development dates back to 1850, when Robert Gerwig presented the successful design. Gerwig was not only an engineer, but also a pioneer of railway construction who, among other things, built the Black Forest Railway. In the watchmakers' experience worlds, those interested can experience the unmistakable scent of wood and lacquer and understand how much craftsmanship goes into every watch.
The cuckoo clock - a piece of home that, despite all the challenges, remains an extremely important part of the culture in the Black Forest. The industry and its representatives have a clear plan to lead the traditional clock into a good future, because the love for the cuckoo clock is unbroken and the craft deserves to live on.