Design
The dark-lacquered, curved base supports the exposed movement, pendulum and light-coloured dial. The large opening at the centre of the dial reveals the mechanism. Above it sits a clear glass dome with intricately cut decoration. Fine, fan-shaped lines converge near the top; faceted, radiating cuts extend across the sides and lower section. Depending on the light, the crisp lines and reflections become more prominent. The decoration has no applied or frosted flowers or tendrils. Glass, brass and the dark base combine decorative appeal with a clearly visible technical construction.
Technology
Inside is an electromechanical Bulle magnetic-pendulum movement. Electromagnetic impulses keep the pendulum moving, and its oscillation is transmitted mechanically to the hands. A coil on the pendulum passes over a curved permanent magnet; a contact closes the circuit at the appropriate moment. The movement operates at 1.5 volts. Based on documented serial-number ranges, serial number 129774 is approximately dated to 1930–1931.
Story
Bulle Clock SN 129774 was sold to Texas, USA.
Manufacturer
Compagnie Générale des Appareils Horo-Électriques (Bulle-Clock)
Boulogne-sur-Seine
· Île-de-France
· France
Bulle-Clock originated in the collaboration between clockmaker Maurice Favre-Bulle and physicist Marcel André-Moulin. Before the First World War, they developed a prototype of an electromagnetically driven pendulum clock. After André-Moulin's death, Favre-Bulle continued the work. In 1918, he filed a patent application jointly with André-Moulin's widow; the patent was granted in 1920. That same year, serial production began at the Compagnie Générale des Appareils Horo-Électriques. Production ceased during the Second World War and resumed in 1946. It ended after Favre-Bulle's death in 1954. An estimated 300,000 to 330,000 clocks were made in various case designs.
