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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Electric clock

Bulle Electric Clock

Partially verified

This electric clock was manufactured by Bulle in France, dating to circa 1925. The timepiece is mounted on a circular wooden base and is enclosed within a protective glass dome. It features an electric impulse movement. The mechanism is designed with a curved magnet positioned to pass through a solenoid at the end of the pendulum. Electrical impulses are received by a metal cylinder located at the back of the clock. The dial comprises a silver-plated chapter ring adorned with arabic numerals. Documentation indicates that M. M. Moulen and M. P. Faure-Bulle of France obtained a British patent for this specific design, numbered 16150 in 1921. The object is held in the collection of Museums Victoria under registration number ST 19414, having been acquired via a loan and subsequent bequest from Mr. John Askew in 1928.

Bulle Electric Clock under a glass dome, circa 1925.
Bulle Electric Clock under a glass dome, circa 1925. — Museums Victoria. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collections.museumsvictoria.com.au
Category
Clock · Electric clock
Maker / attribution
Bulle
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
ST 19414
Source-reported date
circa 1925
Source-reported place
France

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Movement and Mechanism

The timepiece operates via an electric impulse movement. The core of the design involves a curved magnet that oscillates by passing through a solenoid located at the end of the pendulum.

This oscillation is maintained by electric impulses received within a metal cylinder housing situated at the back of the clock unit. The technical design is supported by a 1921 British patent associated with the French inventors M. M. Moulen and M. P. Faure-Bulle.

Evidence for this section
  • “Electric impulse movement.”
  • “A curved magnet passes through the solenoid at end of pendulum. The solenoid receives electric impulses in metal cylinder at back of the clock.”
  • “M. M. Moulen and M. P. Faure-Bulle of France took out a British patent for this clock, no. 16150 in 1921.”

Case and Dial Design

The clock is designed for stationary display, secured to a circular wooden base. The movement and dial are protected by a glass dome, which provides visibility while enclosing the components.

The clock face features a silver-plated chapter ring, upon which arabic numerals indicate the hours. Signatures on the dial confirm the manufacturer as Bulle, with specific patent markings indicating French manufacture.

Evidence for this section
  • “Clock is mounted on round wooden base under glass dome.”
  • “Dial has silver-plate chapter ring with arabic numerals.”
  • “Dial is marked 'Bulle Clock Brevete SGDG Patented' under 12 and 'France' under 6.”

Provenance and History

The clock was acquired by the museum through a loan that transitioned into a formal bequest. The original owner was Mr. John Askew.

The transfer of this item to the museum's collection was completed on October 20, 1928, establishing the clock's inclusion in the institution's science and measurement holdings.

Evidence for this section
  • “Acquisition: Loan & Subsequent Bequest from Mr John Askew, 20 Oct 1928”
  • “Classification: Horology; Clocks; France”
  • “Collecting areas: Science & Measurement”

Open research questions

  • Are there any modifications to the internal solenoid circuitry since the 1928 bequest?
  • What are the specific operational requirements for the electric impulses mentioned?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Bulle Electric Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
ManufacturerBulle“Association: type: Manufacturer, name: Bulle”
Datecirca 1925“circa 1925”
Registration NumberST 19414“Registration number: ST 19414”
Height35 cm“35 cm (Height)”
Diameter22 cm“22 cm (Outside Diameter)”
PatentBritish patent no. 16150 in 1921“M. M. Moulen and M. P. Faure-Bulle of France took out a British patent for this clock, no. 16150 in 1921.”
Dial InscriptionBulle Clock Brevete SGDG Patented / France“Dial is marked 'Bulle Clock Brevete SGDG Patented' under 12 and 'France' under 6.”

Visible details

  • Glass dome covering
  • Circular wooden base
  • Silver-plated chapter ring
  • Arabic numeral hour markers

Research qualifications

  • Exact manufacturing date is an attribution
  • Functionality of electric movement not stated

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Electric Clock - Bulle, France, circa 1925

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record b7cc2e7c11

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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