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Left) 14 inch
high example of an early Bulle movement on a circular mahogany base
with battery housed in a central brass pillar. The dial has been skeletonised
to provide an additional visual feature. It comes complete with its
original glass dome. The French makers name is engraved on the face
Bulle-Clock BREVETE S.G.D.G. (Patented 1922)
£820 Fully
restored & guaranteed
The Bulle Clock
Early electro-mechanical clocks fall historically between
purely mechanical movements and the modern battery powered clock.
Between the early purely mechanical movements and the modern battery
power clock come the development of electro-mechanical clocks.
The most popular form of electric clock in the first part of the twentieth
century was the Bulle clock. The initial research on the clock was
done by two Frenchmen, M. Moulin and M. Favre-Bulle, who developed
a prototype immediately prior to the First World War. Their work stopped
after both joined up to serve their country. Unfortunately Moulin
was killed in action. Favre-Bulle survived the war and immediately
afterwards patented the original idea jointly with Moulin’s widow
and his own name. However, having overcome some technical difficulties,
in 1922 Favre-Bulle eventually took out a second patent, this time
solely in his own name. By 1925 the clock was being marketed in Britain
under the name, of The British Horo-Electric. Co. Ltd. although most
of the manufacturing was still done on the continent. Interestingly,
the pendulum swings from the top of the mechanism on two silk straps,
thus avoiding the problem of metal fatigue which would have occurred
on the only flexible moving parts.
The example shown left) from Colin Bent’s showroom comes from
Favre-Moulin’s early 2nd patent in 1922. A glass domes protect
the mechanism. The dome utselves is to be treated with some care as
it forms an irreplaceable part of these beautiful objects. With their
clean uncluttered lines these clocks fit easily into the most modern
of decor and will enhance any room.
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