Bulle Clockette No. 252337 with Floral Elme Glass Dome, c. 1936–1937

Product description

This Bulle Clockette shows that even a smaller clock can have an extraordinary presence.

Beneath its oval, floral-decorated Elme glass dome, the brass-toned dial, delicate construction and swinging pendulum are brought closely together. The dark wooden base provides a calm setting, while the blue coil adds a distinctive accent echoed by the textile trim around the base of the glass dome.

At 27.5 centimetres high, the Clockette is one of the smaller models within the Bulle family. Its appeal comes from the interplay of proportion, materials and movement. The finely decorated flowers on the glass partially overlap the mechanism, while brass components and the pendulum remain visible behind them.

Depending on the angle and the light, either the floral decoration or the construction inside becomes more prominent. Once the pendulum begins to swing, another dimension is added: the clock tells the time while allowing part of its historic mechanism to be observed at work.

A Bulle Clockette from the Art Deco Era

The serial number 252337 is stamped on the movement plate. Based on our Bulle Clock dating table, the clock can be dated approximately to 1936–1937. This represents a probable period of manufacture rather than a documented individual year of production.

The dial is marked “BULLE CLOCKETTE” together with “BREVETÉ S.G.D.G.” and “PATENTED”. The Clockette belongs to the smaller models in the French Bulle range, combining the company's electromagnetic pendulum drive with a compact form.

During the 1930s, clockmakers developed a variety of ways to use electrical energy for timekeeping. The Bulle system combines an electrically maintained pendulum swing with a mechanical mechanism for driving the hands. Its development can be traced to the work of Maurice Philippe Favre-Bulle and Marcel André-Moulin.

The clearly structured mechanism, warm brass and black base reflect the design language of the Art Deco period, while the floral decoration of the glass dome adds a contrasting decorative element. Early electrical technology and decorative glasswork meet here within a remarkably compact design.

The Elme Glass Dome

The oval glass dome by Elme Glasbruk is a defining feature of this Clockette. Its floral decoration combines two different glassmaking techniques: the leaves and sweeping stems were moulded into the dome during manufacture, while the flowers were subsequently cut into the glass. Their finely worked petals and textured centres give the floral motifs an especially delicate appearance.

The decoration extends across the curved dome and in places lies directly in front of the dial and pendulum. As the viewing angle changes, the floral motifs on the glass alternate with glimpses of the mechanism behind them. When the clock is running, the movement of the pendulum remains visible between the decorative elements.

An original blue textile cord surrounds the base of the glass dome. As its colour had faded over the decades, it was re-dyed. The coil, originally black, was painted blue during restoration to complement this trim. This colour adjustment forms part of the clock's present appearance and does not represent the original colour of the coil.

The Bulle System

In a conventional mechanical pendulum clock, the necessary energy is supplied by a wound spring or a weight. In the Bulle Clockette, this task is performed by electrical current, while the pendulum remains the regulating element of the timekeeping system.

The coil is located at the lower end of the pendulum. A fixed curved permanent magnet passes through its opening. A contact operated by the pendulum closes the electrical circuit at the appropriate moment, producing an electromagnetic impulse that maintains the pendulum's motion.

At the same time, the movement of the pendulum is mechanically transmitted to the hands. Electrical drive and traditional mechanics therefore work directly together. The rate can be adjusted using the regulating nut beneath the coil.

The Clockette has a closed dial with black Arabic numerals and a minute track around its edge. The mechanism behind it can be viewed from the sides and rear.

Today, a quick glance at a smartphone is enough to know the time. This Clockette invites a longer look. Around ninety years after it was made, it once again performs the task for which it was created: telling us the time.

The clock has no chime or striking mechanism and is intended solely for displaying the time.

In Our Workshop

The movement was completely dismantled, cleaned, oiled at the appropriate points, reassembled and carefully adjusted. The electrical wiring and pendulum suspension were renewed.

The dial has darkened naturally over time. Because its lettering is delicate, cleaning would risk damaging it. The surface has therefore been preserved in its naturally aged condition.

The existing permanent magnet has been retained. Black neodymium magnets were added to provide additional magnetic support. They remain fitted to the clock and form part of its present technical configuration.

The clock has been undergoing long-term testing since September 2025. It has been adjusted and, based on our observations to date, runs reliably and accurately. This describes its performance during our testing and does not constitute a guarantee of a specific daily rate deviation.

Power Supply and Operation

The clock is powered through a voltage converter which reduces the input voltage to the operating voltage required by the historic movement. The power source connects via USB-A.

The supplied battery holder takes four AAA batteries and connects to the voltage converter. Alternatively, the clock can be powered using a suitable USB-A power adapter. In either case, the movement receives its power through the voltage converter.

Batteries and a USB power adapter are not included.

Written instructions for setting up and operating the clock are included. For reliable operation, the clock should be placed on a firm and as level as possible surface, away from vibration and significant temperature fluctuations.

In the Home

With its compact dimensions, the Clockette can find a place where a larger Bulle clock might require too much space. On a console table, sideboard or desk, it nevertheless retains a distinctive presence.

The dark base, warm brass and floral glass form a balanced ensemble. Leaving some open space around the clock allows these details to stand out. Light falling from the side brings out the decoration of the glass and reveals the pendulum behind it to varying degrees.

Giving this Clockette a new home also preserves a small piece of early electrical clockmaking and allows its story to continue in everyday life.

At a Glance

Manufacturer: Bulle-Clock, France
Dial marking: BULLE CLOCKETTE
Serial number: 252337, documented on the movement plate
Date: c. 1936–1937, approximately determined from the serial number
Period: Art Deco
Type: Compact table or mantel clock beneath an oval decorated glass dome
Glass dome: Elme Glasbruk; moulded floral decoration with cut flowers
Dial: Naturally darkened over time; not cleaned due to the delicate lettering
Movement: Electromagnetic pendulum drive with mechanical mechanism for driving the hands
Function: Time display only, without chime or striking mechanism
Technical addition: Black neodymium magnets fitted to the existing permanent magnet; they remain on the clock
Coil: Painted blue during restoration to complement the textile cord; originally black
Textile trim: Original blue textile cord, re-dyed after the colour had faded
Power supply: Voltage converter with USB-A connection; four AAA batteries in the supplied battery holder or, alternatively, a suitable USB-A power adapter
Height including glass dome: 27.5 cm / 10.8 in
Width: 20 cm / 7.9 in
Depth: 15 cm / 5.9 in
Weight including glass dome: 2.2 kg / 4.9 lbs
Materials: Brass, glass, painted wooden base and textile cord
Long-term test: Since September 2025
Timekeeping: Adjusted; reliable and accurate based on our observations to date
Included: Clock with Elme glass dome, voltage converter, battery holder for four AAA batteries and written setup and operating instructions
Not included: Batteries and USB power adapter

Condition

This is a vintage clock with age-related signs of use and surface wear, as well as renewed functional components. The dial has darkened over time and shows age-related surface marks. Because the lettering is delicate, cleaning would risk damaging it, so the existing surface has been preserved. There is a matt area in the finish of the base.

The movement was completely dismantled, cleaned, oiled, reassembled and adjusted. The wiring and pendulum suspension were renewed. The existing permanent magnet has been retained; the additional black neodymium magnets remain fitted to the clock.

The original blue textile cord was re-dyed. The coil was painted blue to complement it. The colour adjustment, magnetic support and modern power supply are later modifications and form part of the Clockette's present condition.

The product photographs show the actual condition of the clock offered for sale and form part of the description. An interior suggestion clearly labelled as AI-generated is included solely to illustrate one possible way of displaying the clock.

Our Philosophy

We are Lenka and Thomas, and we love old clocks. Not only for their technology, but for the stories they tell. Every clock that leaves our workshop has been restored by us with patience, craftsmanship and great respect for its history.

At AntiguoShop, we believe that exceptional objects deserve a second chance. That is why we give historic clocks a new life – so they can continue to fascinate people and enrich a home for years to come.