Hermle Balloon Clock with Wood Inlays and a Two-Bell Striking Mechanism, 1980s

Hermle Balloon Clock with Wood Inlays and Two-Bell Strike – 1980s

This Hermle mantel clock from the 1980s combines a historic case design with German clockmaking. Its elegantly curved wooden case belongs to the family of so-called balloon clocks: the rounded upper section surrounds the dial, while the case narrows below before widening again towards the base. Fine inlays in contrasting shades of wood follow the contours of the case, while a floral inlay below the dial provides a distinctive decorative accent. The light-coloured dial with black Roman numerals and dark hands is framed by a gold-coloured brass bezel. The combination of flowing contours, contrasting woods, inlays and brass gives the clock an elegant presence despite its compact size.

Its design can be traced back to the late 18th century. Particularly in England, table and mantel clocks with characteristic curved, balloon-shaped cases were produced at that time, often complemented by decorative veneers and inlays. The term “balloon clock” refers to the shape of the case rather than to a particular type of movement.

This Hermle clock takes up that historic design tradition and combines it with the mechanical clockmaking technology of the 1980s. It therefore continues a long tradition of domestic clocks in which timekeeping, craftsmanship and the sound of a striking mechanism come together.

The clock was made by Franz Hermle & Sohn in Reichenbach am Heuberg in southern Germany. The company is one of Germany’s well-known manufacturers of mechanical clocks and movements.

Inside is a mechanical Hermle calibre 130-070 with a floating balance. Unlike a traditional pendulum clock, its rate is regulated not by a freely swinging pendulum but by a balance wheel and hairspring.

The technical principle behind this floating balance is based on the design developed and patented by Hugo Hettich. Hermle manufactured the regulator used here itself, but employed the fundamental principle of Hettich’s floating balance. This construction allows a comparatively large balance wheel to operate with very little load on its bearings. Reduced friction and an even oscillation provide favourable conditions for stable and accurate timekeeping.

For a table or mantel clock, this construction also offers several practical advantages. The clock requires no space for a pendulum and is less sensitive to slight variations in its position than a traditional pendulum clock. After the clock has been moved, there is no pendulum that needs to be put back into beat. Fine regulation also allows the movement’s rate to be adjusted precisely.

The Hermle calibre 130 became a long-lived and successful design within the company’s range. Remarkably, the 130-070 used in this clock continues to be offered as a mechanical movement decades after this clock was made.

The movement is powered entirely by winding it with a key. No batteries or electrical connection are required.

At 28 centimetres (11.0 inches) high, the clock remains compact enough for places where a larger mantel clock would take up too much space. Its appeal comes from its balanced proportions, historic design and carefully coordinated details.

A Sound that Accompanies the Day

An important part of this clock’s character is its mechanical striking mechanism with two bells. On the hour, it strikes the corresponding number of times; on the half-hour, it strikes once.

It is a traditional hour and half-hour strike that makes the passing of the day audible. The gentle sound of the bells complements the steady ticking of the mechanical movement.

You can hear the sound of this clock in the following video:

Video of the Hermle balloon clock with sound:
https://youtu.be/05Qa_HTWW2k

If you would prefer to use the clock without the bell strike, we can deactivate the striking mechanism before shipping. Please let us know when placing your order. The mechanical clock movement will continue to run, and its ticking will remain audible.

In Our Workshop

The case was completely cleaned and restored. Our aim was to preserve its original design and the character of the wooden surfaces.

The movement was cleaned, serviced and professionally lubricated. The clock was then tested over an extended period and its rate carefully regulated. The striking mechanism was also checked and operates reliably.

A Clock for a New Home

This balloon clock combines the design language of historic English mantel clocks with the mechanics of a German clock from the 1980s. It is well suited to a mantelpiece, chest of drawers, console table or sturdy shelf and is particularly attractive where its distinctive curved form can be clearly seen.

For reliable operation, it requires a stable surface and regular winding. Thanks to its floating balance, it is less sensitive to its position than a comparable pendulum clock. A suitable winding key and written instructions for setting up and operating the clock are included.

Following its careful restoration, this Hermle clock is now ready for its next journey through time and for a home where its story can continue.

Option to convert to a modern quartz movement

This clock can be fitted with a modern quartz movement without a chime. A quartz movement with a chime cannot be fitted to this model. If you would like this conversion, simply add the option for a quartz movement without a chime to your shopping cart along with the clock.

At a Glance

Manufacturer: Franz Hermle & Sohn, Reichenbach am Heuberg, Germany
Period: 1980s
Style: Balloon clock; mantel or table clock inspired by historic English designs
Movement: Mechanical Hermle calibre 130-070 with floating balance
Regulator: Balance wheel; construction based on the floating-balance principle developed and patented by Hugo Hettich
Function: Timekeeping with hour and half-hour strike on two bells
Striking sequence: Corresponding number of strikes on the hour; one strike on the half-hour
Striking mechanism: Can be deactivated before shipping upon request
Winding: By key
Height: 28 cm / 11.0 in
Width: 18 cm / 7.1 in
Depth: 9 cm / 3.5 in
Weight: 1.65 kg / 3.64 lb
Materials: Wood, brass and glass
Design: Curved wooden case with decorative inlays, light-coloured dial with Roman numerals
Included: Suitable winding key and written instructions for setting up and operating the clock

Condition

This is a historic clock from the 1980s in very good condition. Age-related signs of use and surface wear may be present.

The case has been cleaned and restored. The mechanical movement has been serviced and subsequently tested over an extended period. The clock runs reliably and the striking mechanism is fully functional.

The photographs show the actual condition and form part of the description.

Our Philosophy

We are Lenka and Thomas, and we love old clocks. Not only for their mechanics, 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 delight people and enrich a home for years to come.