Cuckoo clear top and face conversion (Part 2)
- Michael Carew
- Jun 15
- 2 min read
On June 13, I began working on the movement. I encountered several components I had not seen before, including six adjustment points for synchronizing the cuckoo strike and music box.
In a previous post, I inquired, "Does anyone know the make?"
I received a response from a member of a Facebook Clock group: "It is a Baduf cuckoo movement."
As this manufacturer is not widely recognized, I have included some historical context from online research.
The "Baduf" clock movement refers to mechanisms produced by the Badische Uhrenfabrik (BADUF), a distinguished German clock manufacturer located in the Black Forest region. The company was active from the early 20th century and gained a reputation for producing high-quality mechanical time-and-strike movements before transitioning to battery-operated quartz mechanisms.
History and Identification
Era: Early Baduf movements date back to the 1920s, with later models, including quartz versions, produced until the 1980s.
Identifying Marks: The movement backplate typically features a distinctive "B," often enclosed within a crescent moon or a "BADUF" stamp.
Legacy: The company ceased full-scale mechanical movement manufacturing in the late 1970s, although their movements were widely adopted and modified by other brands.
Returning to the task,
It took me eight hours to work through the movement following ultrasonic cleaning. Many of the bushings had been previously replaced, which was well executed and advantageous. The chains were also replaced.
The movement is now operational (although the bellows and gong are not yet installed, it is a promising start).
Next Steps
Create a plexiglass roof (which may appear unconventional)
Create a plexiglass face
Carve hands and numerals
Clean and oil the remaining panels on the case
And address any other issues that arise.
I will provide an update in approximately 2 week.
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