What is a boulle clock?

A boulle clock is a decorative timepiece featuring elaborate tortoiseshell veneer and inlaid brass marquetry, developed in the French baroque and revived during the nineteenth century. These clocks serve as ornate decorative objects for mantels and walls, combining fine woodworking with precision French clockmaking.

How do I wind my boulle clock?

Most nineteenth-century boulle clocks utilise an eight-day mechanical movement wound via key holes on the enamel dial. You insert the winding key and turn it gently until resistance stops the barrel. Care must be taken not to overwind the mainspring, and consulting a professional horologist for initial setup ensures the pendulum beats in correct rhythm.

Are boulle clocks fragile?

Tortoiseshell and brass veneer require stable environmental conditions to prevent the organic shell from drying or lifting away from the wooden carcase. Keeping the clock away from direct sunlight and sudden temperature shifts preserves the delicate marquetry. Regular professional servicing keeps the mechanical movement operating smoothly without placing undue stress on the historic gear train.

How do I identify the period of a boulle clock?

Makers' marks stamped on the back plates of the brass movements, alongside stylistic cues from Louis XIV, Louis XV, or Napoleon III revivals, help date these pieces. The presence of nineteenth-century French foundry stamps often points to production between eighteen-fifty and nineteen-hundred. Examining the construction methods of the wooden carcase and the composition of the tortoiseshell veneer also aids in confirming nineteenth-century manufacture.

Home > Antiques For Sale > Boulle Clock > Page 2

Boulle Clock

36 items · page 2 of 3

← Page 2 of 3 →

When you choose a boulle clock, you bring home a nineteenth-century French centrepiece of tortoiseshell and brass marquetry designed to command a room.

Tortoiseshell and Ormolu Quarter Striking Bracket Clock

19th century

Save

Tortoiseshell and Ormolu Quarter Striking Bracket Clock

From The Antique Clock Co.

£19,950

FOR SALE

clocks

Fantastic Quality Napoleon III Marquetry Inlaid Eight Day Longcase Clock

19th century

Save

Fantastic Quality Napoleon III Marquetry Inlaid Eight Day Longcase Clock

From Unique Antiques by Emma Jade

£13,995

FOR SALE

clocks

19th century

Save

A Fantastic Boulle Clock

From Andrew Lovatt Antiques

£1,975

FOR SALE

clocks

A Fine Quality Green Tortoiseshell and Cut Brass French Boulle Clock

19th century

Save

A Fine Quality Green Tortoiseshell and Cut Brass French Boulle Clock

From Gutlin Clocks

£1,500

FOR SALE

clocks

French Boulle 8-Day Mantle Clock, Circa 1880

19th century

Save

French Boulle 8-Day Mantle Clock, Circa 1880

From Frank Craig Antiques

£750

FOR SALE

clocks

1940 - 1960

Save

Louis XIV Style Boule Bracket Clock

From Masons Antiques

£1,200

FOR SALE

clocks

French Louis XIV Style Boulle Mantel Clock

19th century

Save

French Louis XIV Style Boulle Mantel Clock

From Arrowsmith Antiques & Interiors

£2,600

FOR SALE

clocks

French Louis XIV Style Boulle Mantel Clock by Samuel Marti

19th century

Save

French Louis XIV Style Boulle Mantel Clock by Samuel Marti

From Arrowsmith Antiques & Interiors

£2,300

FOR SALE

clocks

A Faux Tortoiseshell French Mantel Clock

19th century

Save

A Faux Tortoiseshell French Mantel Clock

From Devonshire Antiques

£650

FOR SALE

clocks

19th century

Save

A Miniature Tortoishell Mantel Clock

From Kembery Antique Clocks Ltd

£625

FOR SALE

clocks

Some nineteenth-century French makers incorporated working thermometers right alongside the clock dial to keep Parisian drawing rooms scientifically informed.

19th century

Save

Clock

From Andrew Lovatt Antiques

£2,450

FOR SALE

clocks

Tortoiseshell & Gilt Boulle Clock. A.d. Mougin

19th century

Save

Tortoiseshell & Gilt Boulle Clock. A.d. Mougin

From Masons Antiques

£795

FOR SALE

clocks

C19th French Louis XVI Style Boulle Mantel Clock. 86cm High

19th century

Save

C19th French Louis XVI Style Boulle Mantel Clock. 86cm High

From Patrick Moorhead Antiques

£7,500

FOR SALE

clocks

Stunning Antique Single Chain Fusee Boulle Mantel Clock on Stand by Payne London

19th century

Save

Stunning Antique Single Chain Fusee Boulle Mantel Clock on Stand by Payne London

From N Wilson Antiques Clocks

£2,345

FOR SALE

clocks

Beautiful and Rare French Pendule/mantel Clock with Thermometer Circa 1870.

19th century

Save

Beautiful and Rare French Pendule/mantel Clock with Thermometer Circa 1870.

From Koos Limburg Jnr. Scotland

£3,850

FOR SALE

clocks

19th century

Save

Antique Boulle Clock

From Andrew Lovatt Antiques

£2,175

FOR SALE

clocks

← 1 2 3 →

Boulle Clock

Tortoiseshell and Ormolu Quarter Striking Bracket Clock

Fantastic Quality Napoleon III Marquetry Inlaid Eight Day Longcase Clock

A Fantastic Boulle Clock

A Fine Quality Green Tortoiseshell and Cut Brass French Boulle Clock

French Boulle 8-Day Mantle Clock, Circa 1880

Louis XIV Style Boule Bracket Clock

French Louis XIV Style Boulle Mantel Clock

French Louis XIV Style Boulle Mantel Clock by Samuel Marti

A Faux Tortoiseshell French Mantel Clock

A Miniature Tortoishell Mantel Clock

Clock

Tortoiseshell & Gilt Boulle Clock. A.d. Mougin

C19th French Louis XVI Style Boulle Mantel Clock. 86cm High

Stunning Antique Single Chain Fusee Boulle Mantel Clock on Stand by Payne London

Beautiful and Rare French Pendule/mantel Clock with Thermometer Circa 1870.

Antique Boulle Clock

Add keywords to the filter

Price

Era

Period

Style

Material

Origin

Stock Location

Recently Added

Online Payments

Categories