Brillié Electric Clocks

Authors: Robert H.A. Miles and Martin Ridout

[ 98 ] pages, illustrated.

Whilst extremely common in France, Brillié clocks were not imported into the UK in large numbers. However, with the increasing interest in electrical horology a growing number are now in private collections, and more continue to appear for sale, many in poor condition requiring maintenance.

It seem generally agreed that the Brillié clocks are good timekeepers and run very reliably although their mechanism, especially the contact arrangement, is rather delicate compared with, for example, a Gent Pulsynetic master clock.

The Brillié master clock is extremely efficient electrically. It is well made and the design and quality of the movement remained virtually unchanged over many years. It was normally fitted with a small 1.5 volt battery which had a life of several years, the current consumption being a fraction of a milliamp. Similarly the slave clocks were equally well designed and operate from a loop current of only 60mA.

This book is primarily a translation of original Brillié documents and consists of several catalogues published around 1920; of a technical document possibly published about the same time giving some details on fault finding; and of an installation guide probably from the 1960s. Whilst none of these documents gives much detailed information on repairs it is hoped that this translation may be of use in providing the restorer with an outline of the basic principles of operation of the clocks, along with a record of the company's products.