Bulle Post Your Bulle-Clocks Here

[sophiebear0_0]

Interesting observation about the impact of battery type on electromagnetic clock regulation.

I think there are 2 possibilities here:

1) The under load voltage supplied by the C & D batteries were slightly different. I have often observed that as the battery drains, the amplitude will reduce and the clock will run fast. Note that the model in question does not have an iso-spring to compensate for the change in battery voltage. The clock has the later cobalt magnet that is prone to lose its strength over time.

2) Steel cased batteries may impact the magnetic field and hence impact time regulation. My personal experience is that I have seen it with the small 1/4 second ATO movements where the battery sits very close to the magnet coil. I once made up a battery holder using a steel box and it played havoc with the regulation ! Of course the ATO magnet is a simple N-S magnet, rather than the S-N-S that you find in most Bulles. That said, the cobalt magnet for the clock in question will probably be a N-S magnet. I say "probably" because sometime 2 separate magnets are fitted, creating a N-S-N field.

With the Bulle clock in question, the coil/magnet assembly is quite high on the pendulum rod. So there is quite a distance from the coil/magnet to the battery which is housed in the base. So I would have thought any impact on battery casing would be a lot less than in the case of ATO clocks Personally I would look closer at Point (1) as a possible explanation, but I'm not sure I could totally rule out Point (2) if the battery voltages under load were identical.

It interesting to note that some of the 1/4 second ATO clocks actually has a small magnets mounted on the case, directly behind the main magnet. This was supposed to allow the user to fine tune the regulation.

Apologies for the over-long and meandering response. Hope it makes sense ?

Regards,

Peter

 

[praezis]

It interesting to note that some of the 1/4 second ATO clocks actually has a small magnets mounted on the case, directly behind the main magnet. This was supposed to allow the user to fine tune the regulation.

Peter,
my bigger (1/2-s) ATO clock has magnetic fine tuning, too:



Frank

 

[sophiebear0_0]

Good point Frank. I have a couple of 1/2 second models that have something similar. And of course the Brillie type clocks also have a small magnet mounted about the coil.

The reason why I highlighted the 1/4 second ATO clock is the battery will normally sit between the primary magnet and the small magnet at the back of the case. So it is easy to envisage that this will impact the effectiveness of the fine-tuning magnet. This secondary magnet is not fitted to all 1/4 second movements. I must confess i always try and regulate my ATO's with the rating nut and leave the secondary magnet in the "neutral position". I also try and mount the battery as far away from the magnet where possible - or in a vertical plane and mid-magnet when space does not permit. The approach seems to work ok.

Regards,

Peter

 

[focusrsh_b07732]

The electrical engineer in me has major doubts about the whole D vs C-cell comparison. I don't like guesses.
The Bulle I am restoring won't be done for another month or so (waiting on some materials) but when it is, I'll put an oscilloscope with voltage and current probes on it and measure what it does with different batteries. That should be interesting and fun. I'll report the tests here.
- Carl

 

[Simon Holt]

Good afternoon, all.

I've been working on clocks as a hobby now for about four years. I've never worked on an electro-magnetic movement before, but I've been asked to take a look at this non-running Bulle clock. I've read all 600+ posts in this thread, and learned a great deal – thank you all for your contributions. But after an initial inspection of the clock I do have some questions that I hope someone can help me with.

First things first: the clock is serial number 54039 (which I gather is from 1926, although John Hubby's table is no longer available on the BHI web site):

The clock has been in the owner's family for many years and he reports that he does not know of any work being done on it. He last saw it running about a year ago, so I'm hopeful that nothing is missing and that all I'm chasing is poor electrical conductivity.

Rocking the pendulum manually advances the crown wheel as expected. A meter across the coil shows 1200 ohms, so that's OK. The contact spring had fallen off the fork arbor. I've put that back on but it doesn't look original – it looks longer than the replacements I've seen on sale:

Is that a cause for concern?

My second question regards the fork. I was getting very poor conductivity there until I applied some switch cleaner. It appears to be worn asymmetrically; this frontal view shows significantly more of the riveted-on material on one side than on the other:

Again – is that a cause for concern? Supplementary question: what is that material? It looks like it should be an insulator, but if I've understood the principles of operation correctly it must be conductive.

Incidentally, the work I've done so far (re-connect the contact spring & spray switch cleaner on the fork) hasn't made it want to run. I'm waiting for some additional leads for my multi-meter so I can check the basic functionality of the coil, curved magnetic bar and pendulum but in the meantime I'd like to know if I'm likely to need any new parts.

Simon

 

[focusrsh_b07732]

Does anyone know the gear-train values for an early Bulle? I've searched this entire thread but don't find anything.
What I'm looking for is the # of teeth on the crown wheel, the worm & pinion ratio, etc.
I want this so I can accurately set the rate of the clock without taking hours to sneak up on it. If I know the gear ratios, then it is simple to calculate the correct pendulum period and use electronics from there to measure and adjust it.

 

[praezis]

A Clockette has 10080 bph.

Frank

 

[focusrsh_b07732]

A Clockette has 10080 bph.

Frank

Hi Frank,
Thanks! But I should have specified that I have an early model, like pictured here, and not a Clockette. It beats much slower.
- Carl

 

[focusrsh_b07732]

I finished Bulle #12520, circa 1921. It is happily keeping excellent time.

 

[focusrsh_b07732]

I designed and built a precision DC-DC boost converter for the above clock. It generates a very stable 1.5V from a 8000mAhr NiMh rechargeable battery. The battery and converter fit nicely in the clock where the original 1.5V dry cell would have been. (It's attached with double sided tape.) The converter's quiescent draw is 19.4uA. In other words, during the pendulum period when the fork-toggle is not powering the coil, that is how much current it draws. My measurements and calculations suggest the clock will run well over a year on a single charge. (663 days, actually.) Since the battery is guaranteed to take over 500 charge cycles, well, we'll all be dead for many generations before it needs to be replaced.

I was thinking about doing V2.0 of the regulator if enough people are interested. It would have a precision trimmer so you could adjust the voltage from about 1.4V to 3.5. It also would have precision current sense resistors in case you want to measure the current on both battery and clock sides. With the battery, holder, regulator etc. it would be about $50. You can contact me with a private message if interested.

- Carl Dreher

 

[praezis]

Hello Carl,

what beat rate did you find in the end?

Frank

 

[focusrsh_b07732]

With the clock adjusted fairly well, I record a 884mS period, which is about 4072 beats/hr.

 

[PowerClocks]

Re: Newbie needs help

View attachment 272362 View attachment 272363 View attachment 272364 View attachment 272365 View attachment 272366 View attachment 272367 View attachment 272368 View attachment 272369 View attachment 272370

I thought some of you may be interested in this Bulle curiosity. It looks like a standard Bulle in an oak case with a very Art Deco design. However the movement is very unusual. It is the same movement as posted in an earlier thread (Unknown clock running too slow). It definitely appears to be a genuine Bulle ?

Some specifics which might be of interest:

1) It is a large diameter dial (ca 15 cm)
2) Unusual design of chrome plated front feet - no levelling adjustment
3) The contact spring is looped at both ends (rather than the usual loop & tag)
4) The fork is smaller than the conventional Bulle fork and the silver contact is a small circular riveted circle.
5) The contact pin is brass rather than silver. It is very short and has no method to adjust the depth of penetration into the fork.
6) This example has the iso spring fitted. It is hung from a short bracket. I suspect it can be adjusted but I haven't yet attempted that.
7) The magnet is horseshoe rather than conventional U-shaped. It is magnetised N-S-N
8) It has a serial number on the front - but no other makers marks (other than Bulle on the dial)
9) Wiring looks original and is standard Bulle type with standard connecting lugs.

The clock requires a strong pendulum swing to operate the cog wheel mechanism reliably. At the moment I have it running on 3 volts and it appears to be keeping pretty good time. I will try and reduce the voltage to 1.5 V once the clock has run for a couple of days.

I really don't know anything about the history of this particular design. I know John has suggested that it may be a relatively late model manufactured in Brazil ? I really don't know - but I do get a sense (gut feel) that it is a relatively late model which in a way is backed up by the overall condition of the movement & case. The dial face is quite badly scratched, but the movement and chrome fittings looked to be in good "clean" condition.

I'd be happy to share more details if anyone is interested, and be very happy to hear from anyone who has any additional information about this design of clock.

Regards,

Peter

Hi Peter, I recently bought a clock with a very similar movement, I have been told by the seller there may be parts missing and that he was unfamiliar with this model of clockette, I think he also thought it was not a Bulle but a clock made under licence, The one I have bought also says Bulle on the dial but since I do not have it yet I can not supply much information except pictures that described it on FleaBay, could you write to me on powerclocks@hotmail.com so I can swap information, my restoration could be easy, it could be a chore but it will get done with a bit of help, If I know what is missing, usually I either make the parts or buy them but good pictures are key to a good, undetectable job.

Graeme Power

 

[focusrsh_b07732]

I finished V2 of a regulator for Bulle, ATO and other low-voltage, low duty-cycle clock. It is 3.6cm wide x 3.5cm deep x 8.2cm tall. (~ 1.4" x 1.4" x 3.2".) This hides perfectly in the battery compartment of my 1921 clock.
Output is guaranteed adjustable from 1.4V to 4.5V. Uses a 1.2V Ni-MH 8000mA-hr rechargeable battery. This should power a Bulle for at least a year, but that obviously depends on where the output voltage is set, the adjustment of the contact fork on the pendulum, magnet resistance, etc.
If interested in one, please contact me via the forum Private Message.

- Carl Dreher

 

[rlwindle]

Need some info on this "Bulle" clock manufactured by Manufacture Francaise D'armes & Cycles de St-Etienne (French mail order co.).
The clock case was falling apart when I got it, and the clock did not run, both problems have be remedied now. The pendulum had torn away from the silk suspension spring, I replaced it and added a "D"cell battery compartment and battery, and viola it works.
I don't know that much about it, other than who made it. I would like to know when it was made.
The case is 13.25" Long and 10.50" in width.

 

[sophiebear0_0]

Hi Russell

I have a couple of similar Manufrance Bulle clocks. One is identical to yours, the other has a slightly different design of case. The movements are the same.

The design feels like it is relatively late. The wiring is plastic-coated candy stripe. There is also no iso-spring. It has a retaining spring for the rating nut which presumably is required because of the very long threaded section. The normal Bulle method of using a split rod to hold the rating nut would not be effective over such a long distance. the magnet is a Bulle-type U-shaped iron magnet, but the vertical limbs are quite short. From memory, I don't think the movement has any manufacturer's markings or serial number ?

I've attached an advert for the clock that I assume came from Manufrance's mailing catalogue. Unfortunately I can't see any dating information. The Manufrance catalogues are readily available, so I guess it would be possible to trawl through them to find the advert. My best guess would be that the clock was made around 1970. But that is purely a guess. Other Forum Members may be able to provide a more informed view.

These clocks do come up quite frequently on internet auction sites, and in particular in France. They tend to sell for relatively low prices and so can be a good way to learn about Bulle clocks with a relatively low investment.

Pleased to hear that you managed to get it running.

Regards,

Peter

 

[rlwindle]

sophiebear,
Thanks for your reply. I found that ad in my research on the clock but thanks. The pendulum is weird on it. It is crudded up but I have never seen one with a pointer on it (any suggestions on how to un-grud it). I think it was in contact with a battery that went bad at one time.

 

[sophiebear0_0]

Russell

The "pointer" on the rating nut is to hold it in the set position.

I usually use lemon juices / salt to tackle battery acid corrosion on brass. I guess soaking in any mild acid should be ok. You would then need to periodically use a stiff brush to try and remove the residue. It will probably take a while - but I'm sure you'll get there. You might be able to shift some of the outer crud with an ultrasonic bath. You also might want to consider a penetrating fluid to help free the rating nut from the threaded rod if it is seized. I don't think there is any major risk to this approach. Good luck.

Regards,

Peter

 

[rlwindle]

Russell

The "pointer" on the rating nut is to hold it in the set position.

I usually use lemon juices / salt to tackle battery acid corrosion on brass. I guess soaking in any mild acid should be ok. You would then need to periodically use a stiff brush to try and remove the residue. It will probably take a while - but I'm sure you'll get there. You might be able to shift some of the outer crud with an ultrasonic bath. You also might want to consider a penetrating fluid to help free the rating nut from the threaded rod if it is seized. I don't think there is any major risk to this approach. Good luck.

Regards,

Peter

Thanks, Peter

 

[sophiebear0_0]

Russell

You're very welcome.

Just for completeness, i have attached a photo of the other style of "Manufrance Bulle" that I own. The movement is identical.

I did spend a while trawling through images of Manufrance catalogues to see if I could match the advert style. It wasn't conclusive, but the advert style seems more in keeping with the 1950's. So perhaps the clock is a little older than I had first thought ?

Regards,

Peter

 

[Mistyoptic]

Good afternoon, all.

I've been working on clocks as a hobby now for about four years. I've never worked on an electro-magnetic movement before, but I've been asked to take a look at this non-running Bulle clock. I've read all 600+ posts in this thread, and learned a great deal – thank you all for your contributions. But after an initial inspection of the clock I do have some questions that I hope someone can help me with.

First things first: the clock is serial number 54039 (which I gather is from 1926, although John Hubby's table is no longer available on the BHI web site):
View attachment 591098
The clock has been in the owner's family for many years and he reports that he does not know of any work being done on it. He last saw it running about a year ago, so I'm hopeful that nothing is missing and that all I'm chasing is poor electrical conductivity.

Rocking the pendulum manually advances the crown wheel as expected. A meter across the coil shows 1200 ohms, so that's OK. The contact spring had fallen off the fork arbor. I've put that back on but it doesn't look original – it looks longer than the replacements I've seen on sale:
View attachment 591099
Is that a cause for concern?

My second question regards the fork. I was getting very poor conductivity there until I applied some switch cleaner. It appears to be worn asymmetrically; this frontal view shows significantly more of the riveted-on material on one side than on the other:
View attachment 591100
Again – is that a cause for concern? Supplementary question: what is that material? It looks like it should be an insulator, but if I've understood the principles of operation correctly it must be conductive.

Incidentally, the work I've done so far (re-connect the contact spring & spray switch cleaner on the fork) hasn't made it want to run. I'm waiting for some additional leads for my multi-meter so I can check the basic functionality of the coil, curved magnetic bar and pendulum but in the meantime I'd like to know if I'm likely to need any new parts.

Simon

Hi Simon, I can’t see that anyone has answered you so I’ll do my best. On the fork, one side should be insulated and the other a silver contact riveted to the steel fork. Insulator on the left side as you face the clock. Not sure the length of the contact spring is critical as long as it makes good contact (the rolling action of the arbor keeps the contact clean). When you check the magnet, remember the polarity on these is weird, i.e. NSN. There’s a good webpage from Australia explaining how to re-magnetise if needed. Have a look at some of the case histories on Pete Smith’s horological.com pages. They are a wealth of information

 

[Simon Holt]

Hi Simon, I can’t see that anyone has answered you so I’ll do my best. On the fork, one side should be insulated and the other a silver contact riveted to the steel fork. Insulator on the left side as you face the clock. Not sure the length of the contact spring is critical as long as it makes good contact (the rolling action of the arbor keeps the contact clean). When you check the magnet, remember the polarity on these is weird, i.e. NSN. There’s a good webpage from Australia explaining how to re-magnetise if needed. Have a look at some of the case histories on Pete Smith’s horological.com pages. They are a wealth of information

Thanks for taking the trouble to respond, Mistyoptic. Someone (also in the UK) did respond, but via PM. Thanks to them, I was able to get the clock running satisfactorily and return it to a very happy owner. I developed quite a liking for these clocks and hope to acquire one at some point.

Simon

 

[hans!]

Hello, I'm looking for some parts for my Type A Bull Clock. I need the weight of the pendulum below the coil and the isocronism spring attachment above. I can send pictures if yu want. Thank you, Hans

 

[zzippy]

hans you can get the spring from Carlton clocks in England they specialise in Bulle clocks

 

[hans!]

Thanks zzippy, now i have all the parts were i was looking for.

 

[zzippy]

can someone tell me the size of the gap between top and bottom plate of the Bulle suspension pls

 

[whatgoesaround]

This will be useful:

http://sanjacinto139.homestead.com/ChapterActivities/2015_May_One_Day_Show/Bulle_Story_and_Construction_of_Suspension_.pdf

 

[whatgoesaround]

I have a Bulle, probably clockette model, that I wish to rewind. It is currently all apart. I have all the wire off and will be rewinding with 42AWG. Does anyone know the correct number of winds to get the called for 1200 Ohms? Or maybe some formula where I could figure it out? Thanks in advance.

 

[darrahg]

About 6500 turns with 42 gauged magnet wire.
Here is a link to Peter Smith's document on clock #7446 that shows re-winding in detail.
http://www.horologix.com/restore_bulle_7446.pdf

 

[whatgoesaround]

Thanks, Darrahg. The link shows a larger movement and the coil bobbin looks bigger, particularly longer; would this not affect the number of turns? The entire length from one end to the other is only 11/16th of an inch on mine.

 

[sophiebear0_0]

The coil wire builds on previous layers laid down. So you would definitely require fewer turns on a shorter length bobbin.

I don't have the exact dimensions of the 2 types of bobbin. But looking at my clocks, I think the Clockette bobbin is around 19 mm long, whereas the Talle A longer bobbin is around 50 mm.

I believe the bobbin opening (where the magnet passes) is around17 mm diameter, and is the same for both bobbin types. Allowing for the bobbin construction, I would estimate that the coil is wound on a bobbin former with 20 mm diameter.

Looking at a range of sources I get the 42 AWG copper wire has a resistance of 5450 Ohms / km. So to achieve a nominal 1100 coil resistance would require approx 200 metres of wire.

This is where I struggle with the quoted figure of 6500 turns ? Assuming a 20mm diameter and no layer build-up, the minimum length of wire required for 6500 turns would be 408 metres. This would have a resistance of around 2200 Ohms. Hence my confusion !

I would suggest using a mean winding diameter based on the bobbin centre id and bobbin outer od. You could get a refined estimate of the outer coil diameter by using a volume calculation and allowing for a close packing of the wire. Although in practice I would think it would be near impossible to achieve the theoretical close packing.

My back of the envelop calculation would suggest you would require around 2500 turns to achieve 1100 ohms on a small bobbin coil found in the Bulle Clockette.

I have to come clean and say that I have never actually wound a Bulle coil. But I have done a number of ATO coils, which are pretty similar.

I hope someone can point out where I'm going wrong with my calculations.

Regards,

Peter

 

[darrahg]

I forgot about the shorter coil on the clockette. Sorry. I agree with Peter at approximately 2500 winds. From what I recall, it has been a while, the exact number of winds does not have to be exact. Best wishes on your project.

 

[whatgoesaround]

Thanks, Darrahg and Peter. I will forge ahead with the given number of winds. I really appreciate the responses.

 

[whatgoesaround]

I worked on the coil and, of course, all did not go well. The wire broke at about 1400 winds and it read 700 Ohms. I stripped the enamel and soldered, just a spot, the tiny wires together and got it up to about 2700 winds and it still only read a little over 900 Ohms. Extended the wire again and at less than 4000 winds, it read just over 1200 Ohms. I know the soldering is not a good thing, but I figured the wire that would cover it would be in enamel and it seems to have worked. It also could be why my readings are so far off of the expected number.

 

[sophiebear0_0]

Well done for getting there. True perseverance !

The numbers do look very odd to me. I can believe 1400 winds giving 700 Ohms. But I would have expected a further 1300 turns (total 2700) to have got you to around 1300-1400 Ohms.

I don't think the soldering will be a problem if its a good join. But I also don't think the soldering explains the weird resistance readings.

First 1400 winds = 700 Ohms
Subsequent 1300 winds = 200 Ohms
Final 1300 winds = 300 Ohms

Did you get the chance to measure the resistance of the wire ? I'm pretty sure my quoted figure is about right (5450 Ohms/km)

Anyway, looks like you are all set now for success !

Regards,

Peter

 

[whatgoesaround]

I am sure the fault lies with me somehow, because the numbers do seem odd. I cleaned off the enamel at the end of the wire and held the connectors for the Ohmmeter on the lead in wire and on the just cleaned part of the wire. Just hoping, at this point, that all is well when I get it all back together. I truly thank you for all the help.

 

[whatgoesaround]

Thanks for the help. It is up and running like a champ. Here is a pic not long after I was satisfied it was running well.

 

[Thurmond]

Latest Bulle to wander into the shop.

Its in incredibly original condition and just needs a little TLC for its next 100 years of life.

Thurmond

 

[whatgoesaround]

Very nice. The wood finish looks in great shape and the movement looks complete. Really like the one of the wall.

 

[flynnr2]

FWIW, recently acquired this early’ish Bulle (serial # 8278) which as far as I can tell

• Was last cleaned in the early 1960s
  (came with a hand written note of maintenance & battery changes)
• Last had a battery change circa 1986 based on battery date code
  (2 X C cells wired in parallel)
• Spent at least the last decade or so packed away in a box according to the information received when I bought it

So it was a bit of a surprise when I set it on the shelf it just started ticking & keeping time of its own accord on those old batteries. Let it run for almost 3 weeks on them until I finally swapped them out - didn’t want to run the risk of old batteries leaking. Before I did, I took a quick look and they were supplying 1.4V and a draw of 0.001 amps.

Did a quick triage & cleaned the contacts when I swapped out the batteries, now letting it run until time & opportunity arise to give it a proper going through (some of the insulators seem somewhat deteriorated, silver pin has some wear, and certainly missing the silver contact “spring” for starters).

 

[whatgoesaround]

Great find and the case looks great. At 1.4v now, it should run on one battery as it is supposed to. Glad to see someone post their Bulle here; maybe we can keep it going so that all the postings are in one place and easier to find.

 

[eskmill son]

New member here and first post. My father, Les Lesovsky was a long time NAWCC member and posted here quite a bit. He is no longer with us, but his memory lives on as I work my way through his collection of clocks that have taken over parts of my garage.

These past couple days have hit me hard as I read through his old posts here and in a strange way have also helped me figure out some of the clock models he talked about and how he acquired them. One of the first clocks I pulled out of his garage was this Bulle electric clock. The layers of dust on the clock was incredible thick, but after a good dust off, and fresh battery, I was amazed that it started right up and after a few days of adjusting is keeping very good time.

Needless to say, all these clocks have peaked my interest. I have only basic knowledge of clocks that I learned through my father. I remember my father getting interested in electric clocks in the late 1990s or so and most of what he had left were electric clocks in various condition from runners to basket cases.

Back to this Bulle clock; I have not been able to figure out which model it is and its estimated age. I'm still amazed how well it's running after sitting on a dusty garage shelf that was open to the weather for the last few years.

 

[leeinv66]

Welcome to the forums Dan! I remember your father well as he was a valued contributer here. Your user name caught my eye immediately and I am pleased to see another generation of your clan posting here. I don't know much about Bulle clocks, but that is a very nice clock!

 

[Burkhard Rasch]

Hallo Dan , and wellcome here ! I had a couple of interesting conversations with Your dad here , verry helpfull for me , I think everyone here remembers him well , so nice to see a successor to him here!
AFAIK every Bulle movement bears a serial number on its frame. From what I see You should gain access to the mvmt. by taking off the hands and dial . Come back with the serial number , there are members here with a database with which the year of production can be nailed down!
Best regards
Burkhard

 

[eskmill son]

Hallo Dan , and wellcome here ! I had a couple of interesting conversations with Your dad here , verry helpfull for me , I think everyone here remembers him well , so nice to see a successor to him here!
AFAIK every Bulle movement bears a serial number on its frame. From what I see You should gain access to the mvmt. by taking off the hands and dial . Come back with the serial number , there are members here with a database with which the year of production can be nailed down!
Best regards
Burkhard

Thanks. It's been very weird googling my questions about electric clocks and reading my fathers messages. What a wealth of knowledge here that people share. Hopefully I'll get some more time this weekend and find the serial number on this Bulle clock.

Side note, one of my brothers (thanksfully) rescued my fathers extensive library of books. I'll be headed to his house this weekend to pick through them as I'm sure a lot of my questions can be answered through many of the books he has.

 

[Tim Orr]

Good evening, Dan!

I too remember your father. In fact, once, he and I competed in an auction for an Aron clock, and always a gentleman, he backed away so I could get it. He is missed, but you are most welcome!

Best regards!

Tim Orr

 

[eskmill son]

Thats nice to hear Tim. Thanks for the welcome and look forward to learning more about my fathers collection and get some of them running again.

 

[eskmill son]

Finally got around to removing the dial on my Bulle to see the serial numbers. Looks like 250177. Doesn't look like any other numbers behind the retaining nut. I would assume this was made 1937 time frame. Again, I'm amazed how well this clock runs and keeps accurate time.

 

[flynnr2]

Another one to share … now ticking away merrily after a thorough going through

• Bulle XC
• #129779
• Had the usual issues
  • suspension was shot
    (expertly repaired by @J Meechie, who has a jig - cheers!)
  • springs thus suitably stretched out
  • dry in all the wrong places
  • sludge in all the other wrong places
• The case was also in a dreadful state - someone took a very poor wack at refinishing it, suspect it had some sort of paint or design on it at one time, all I could do was properly strip & refinish it (see photos)

 

[sophiebear0_0]

Another one to share … now ticking away merrily after a thorough going through

• Bulle XC
• #129779
• Had the usual issues
  • suspension was shot
    (expertly repaired by @J Meechie, who has a jig - cheers!)
  • springs thus suitably stretched out
  • dry in all the wrong places
  • sludge in all the other wrong places
• The case was also in a dreadful state - someone took a very poor wack at refinishing it, suspect it had some sort of paint or design on it at one time, all I could do was properly strip & refinish it (see photos)

View attachment 730962
View attachment 730963
View attachment 730964

Congratulations on a great rescue. I would never have believed it was the same case.

The Bulle dial with the recessed numerals is quite interesting. You don't see them very often. I think they may have been made for the American market ?

Thanks for sharing.

Regards,

Peter