Cuckoo clocks are available in a couple different styles. The first is the carved style, also known as the traditional style. Carved cuckoo clocks feature elegantly hand-carved cases often featuring animal and leaf designs. With the carved style clocks, the only movement of the clock on the hour is the cuckoo bird that emerges from its enclosure and calls out its distinctive call.
The other style of cuckoo clocks is known as the Chalet style. Chalet style cuckoo clocks originated in Switzerland in the late 19th century. As you may have guessed, Chalet style clocks resemble the traditional chalets found in the alpine region of Switzerland and Bavaria. Compared to the traditional carved style, chalet clocks depict various scenes, each featuring lots intricate little details often including woodcutters, dancers, beer drinkers, kissing couples, horses, waterwheels, and many other design elements. Many of these elaborate design features come to life on the hour as the traditional cuckoo bird emerges from its enclosure.
