At Manufacture Reuge, creating a music box or a musical automaton involves numerous production steps, which are all performed by hand. Our mechanical music movements are produced and assembled in our manufacture in Sainte-Croix, in the Swiss Jura Mountains. Designing a music box requires exceptional craftsmanship and a skillset unique to Manufacture Reuge, whose artisans all possess unparalleled expertise. Some of our craftspeople have over 20 years of experience, together they ensure each creation is of exceptional character and unmatched quality.
No, each comb is specifically matched to its corresponding cylinder. Unlike a piano, which comes with all the notes, our music boxes only have the notes necessary to play the melody. However, our music boxes featuring interchangeable movements come with specific corresponding cylinders.
Generally, any melody that can be played on the piano can be performed by a music box. Please send us the musical partition or an MP3 file of your chosen melody. Please note that some tunes may be more difficult to reproduce on a mechanical musical movement. We will assess the feasibility and provide a detailed quote, including costs and production times.
The mechanical movement can only play the melodies in a specific order as indicated on the tune card.
There are no controls for this purpose. However, the resonance can be amplified by placing your music box on a wooden surface, such as a table or hollow piece of furniture, which can enhance the sound vibrations. Manufacture Reuge carefully selects wood types that ensure the best sound quality.
When the box is closed, some of the mechanical noise is dampened. When open, the sound is more intense. It really depends on your personal preference.
No, your music box or musical automaton does not require special maintenance. It is best to not let dust accumulate on the surfaces; to remove it, use a soft, dry cloth. Please do not use any cleaning products and avoid touching the finish, roller, or comb, as applying grease in the wrong place could damage the surface or affect the instrument’s operation. Please avoid direct exposure to sunlight; a dry place, kept at a moderate temperature is ideal.
No, the comb that generates the notes is tuned individually for each melody using a computer file that controls the tuning apparatus. This system sounds each tooth of the comb and compares the vibration frequency with the desired note frequency. This ensures the instrument is perfectly tuned for each melody. A missing tooth may cause a whistling or buzzing noise.
Please send photos of your music box or musical automaton to Manufacture Reuge at adv@reuge.ch. We will check the availability of a similar key and contact you as soon as possible.
Manufacture Reuge does not provide current value estimates for music boxes and musical automatons.
No, Manufacture Reuge does not engage in the repurchase of older music boxes.
Manufacture Reuge offers a 24-month comprehensive warranty against all manufacturing defects, valid from the date of purchase. Please have your warranty certificate and purchase invoice on hand.
Any product of ours that should prove defective due to a manufacturing fault confirmed by our technical service (SAV) will be repaired or replaced free of charge.
The warranty does not cover defects caused by accidents, incorrect handling, improper or abusive use (e.g., shocks, crushing, moisture, exposure to sunlight), unauthorized modifications, or repairs by unauthorized persons. Damage from normal wear and tear, theft, or loss is not covered. Components whose serial numbers have been intentionally erased or whose characteristics have been altered are not covered.
Any servicing and repairs must be done by an authorized Manufacture Reuge service center or retailer. Any intervention by an unauthorized third-party risks causing serious damage to the music box or automaton, particularly to its movement, and will not be covered by the warranty. The same applies to using parts that do not meet Manufacture Reuge’s specifications.
Please complete the return form and include it with your package. Contact adv@reuge.ch for the return form.
Our address:
Manufacture Reuge S.A.
Service après-vente
Quartier du Progrès 37
CH-1450 Sainte-Croix
Suisse
Please inform the carrier that it is a return for repair. Provide the following information:
- VAT number: CHE-105.946.735
- Authorization number: 861
Please note that we cannot perform repairs or a service on products not made by Manufacture Reuge.
Unfortunately, we won’t be able to, as we may not have spare parts for very old music boxes and automatons. However, we will gladly refer you to a specialized restorer to help with this process.
Manufacture Reuge cannot estimate repair costs without prior inspection by our technical service.
Of course. Our workshop is open to visitors by prior appointment only on the first Tuesday of each month, from 2 PM to 4 PM. Please contact us by phone (+41 24 455 22 22) or email (adv@reuge.ch) to arrange for a technician to receive your product.
For any replacements, please contact an authorized Manufacture Reuge retailer. Reuge does not sell spare parts directly.
Manufacture Reuge’s music boxes and automatons are made from various types of wood, except for some models. It is recommended to protect your music box or automaton from sunlight and moonlight, as exposure can alter the wood color. Please install it in a dry place, where it won’t be exposed to high temperatures or humidity.
Our computer system only goes back to 2015, making it difficult to trace older music boxes and automatons made by Manufacture Reuge. We will gladly give it a try, but please be aware that it may take a while before we can get back to you and that we may not be able to provide the information you seek.
Never disassemble, repair, or modify the music box or musical automaton. Do not insert objects or substances into the musical movement, as this will surely impact its operation. Please handle the music box or automaton with care, especially the heavy and large models. Please also avoid any contact with the musical movement, particularly the cylinder, as this may cause oxidation. When cleaning your musical movement or automaton, only use a dry cloth. Please take extra care when handling models with a lid and/or protective glass cover. Manufacture Reuge cannot be held responsible for any loss, damage, or any other consequence related to the operation of your music box or musical automaton.
Please feel free to ask any question on the contact page.
If the mechanism stops before the lid closes, simply rewind the mechanism with the key. The singing will stop, and the lid will close on its own. Do not push the lid down, as this could damage the mechanism.
Currently, all our birds sing the same melody.
The birds sing for about 3 seconds, then pause for about 10 seconds before resuming. In this mode, the running reserve lasts approximately 14 minutes.
The birds will sing until the spring is fully unwound, which takes about two minutes.
The bird will flap its wings, move its tail, and open its beak in time with the melody for 10 to 12 seconds before stopping automatically.
Yes, the feathers used for our mechanical singing birds are all natural. Manufacture Reuge uses feathers from the original stock acquired when Bontems was purchased in 1960, all perfectly preserved, though some are now over 100 years. Today, Manufacture Reuge pays special attention to bird protection and uses only feathers from non-protected species, in compliance with current feather industry regulations.
It is recommended to operate the mechanism at least once a month to prevent any risk of seizing.
Pocket watches come with a choice of two melodies. To change the music, the entire musical movement would need to be replaced, but Manufacture Reuge no longer produces these parts.
No, these are two separate mechanisms: the clock movement is wound with the crown, and the musical movement is wound with a key.
The alarm clock has only one winding key. Turn it gently to the left to wind the singing bird automaton and to the right to wind the clock movement. Do not force beyond the stop point. Once wound, the running reserve allows for a full 7 days of operation.
Should the lid not close at the end of the cycle, please do not close the lid by pressing it down with your finger. Simply wind your tabatière with the key; it will then complete its cycle and close by itself.
Manufacture Reuge does not offer open house days. However, group visits can be arranged to discover the Institute of Mechanical Art, where the manufacture is located. For more information, please contact info@mec-art.ch.