Information

Morbier Literature

Old literature from the 18th and 19th century has very little mention of Morbier clocks. This shouldn't be a big surprise as the first makers of Morbier clocks have been blacksmiths. They gained their clock making knowledge from building tower clocks. The most famous clock makers from the early years have been members of the Mayet family from Morbier. It is said that they have invented the so called Morbier clocks.
Famous clock makers in the 18th century came from Paris, like Le Roy. Other clock making inventors followed, like Berthoud, Robin and Breguet. In the 19th century individuals like Brocot and Garnier contributed to the French clock making. Their inventions have already been rated as milestones in clock and watch making back then and their working results are documented in a number of books..

The first dedicated Morbier article I am aware of has been published in the DGC bulletin Schriften der Freunde alter Uhren no. VIII (1968/69). The title is: DIE BURGUNDER-UHREN.
Since then a number of books, catalogues and articles have been released, highlighting the history of Morbier clocks from 1680 – 1914, the details of the movement and it is also showing exceptional pictures of these clocks. However, most of the items are only available in second-hand bookshops.

Collecting Morbier clocks certainly remains exciting for a long time, as there are continuously undocumented UniqueClocks showing up.

Franche-Comté Today

These days very little reminds the traveler in the France-Comté on the great years of Morbier clock production. A short summary and a few pictures from a trip in June 2009 give some impressions of Morbier and the plateau near Chapelle du Bois.
Today there is a little chance to find an antique Morbier clock in this area.

Restoration increases Reliability 

Throughout the 200 years of Morbier clock production the design changed constantly, without negatively impacting the robustness of the movement. In case of reliability issues due to rust, attrition or other mechanical interaction a complete restoration of the Morbier movement is recommended.

Links

Besides an increasing number of printed literature and the exchange with other Morbier clock collectors, the WEB starts to become an additional source of information. Some interesting links are provided here.