Cuckoo Clock Repair Basics

Description: This two-day workshop will present the basics of the modern cuckoo clock, focusing on the one-day Regula 25 movement. The one-day movement is similar enough to an eight-day movement that knowledge learned in this workshop will readily apply to both. The Regula 25 movement is a two-train movement with a time train, strike train, and cuckoo clock actions: the cuckoo bird appears from behind the door and calls “coo” then “koo.” Note that the Regula 25 movement does not have a musical box, nor any other animations that may be found in more complicated cuckoo clocks.

Day 1 of this workshop will be an in-depth study of a new and fully functional Regula 25 movement. This will include both lectures and hands-on study of the movement, held in place by a movement test stand. Actions such as lock, run-to-warning, run, and back to lock will be studied along with the rack-and-snail striking technique. The movement will not be disassembled. Day 2 will focus on either a participant-supplied cuckoo clock (which must be a Regula 25; see below) or a School-supplied clock. Participants’ clocks must be complete with weights and pendulums. The instructors will assess problems the participant’s clock may have and demonstrate proper techniques for movement removal from the case, including removing the cuckoo bird at the top of the clock as well as the bellows, bellows assembly, and linkages.

Please note: The School of Horology has several Regula 25 cuckoo clocks for participants to use in this workshop. However, participants are invited to bring their own Regula 25 cuckoo clock to work on during the workshop. Every attempt will be made to restore a participant’s clock to proper operation. If the repairs/restoration are more extensive than the scope of this workshop, the instructors will develop a plan for future repairs. A personally owned cuckoo clock remains the responsibility of the participant.

The workshop will cover the following topics:

• Understanding the functions of the one-day Regula 25 cuckoo clock
• Learning about the strike sequence (lock, run-to-warn, run, lock)
• Observing and actuating the rack-and-snail striking sequence
• Learning some of the basic diagnostics used for every cuckoo clock
• Learning the common problems found in this type of movement and clock
• Properly lubricating cuckoo clock movements
• Properly and safely removing the cuckoo clock movement and bellows from the case
• Putting the clock into beat and regulating the timekeeping
• And more!

Equipment & Materials: All materials and supplies will be provided. Be sure to bring safety glasses and any magnification devices (visors, loupes) you may need. Safety glasses and magnifiers (visors) can be supplied by the School if needed.

Dates: February 21—22, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Location: NAWCC School of Horology, 454 Poplar Street, Columbia, PA 17512

Instructors: Joel Hagle, Ken De Lucca

Enrollment: Limited to 8 participants

Member Cost: $695.00
Nonmember Cost: $820.00

Email education@nawcc.org or telephone 717-684-8261, ext. 237 with any questions.