Claude-Étienne Jean-Baptiste Bourret
- Born:
- July 18, 1714, Avignon, France
- Died:
- October 31, 1787, Paris, France
- Nationality:
- French
- Profession(s):
- Clockmaker, Inventor
Early Life and Education
- Born into a family with a clockmaking tradition.
- Apprenticed to his father, learning the fundamentals of clock and watch mechanisms.
- Studied mathematics and physics to further his understanding of horology.
Career and Major Achievements
- Established his own workshop in Paris specializing in precision timekeeping.
- Became a master clockmaker and a member of the Parisian clockmakers' guild.
- Developed innovative escapements and pendulum designs, increasing accuracy in timekeeping.
- One of his notable achievements was his contribution to the design and production of clocks during the period in which the phrase 'comtoise louis xiv biography' might be encountered, though the specific style evolved over time. While this biography is focused on Bourret, it indirectly touches upon the historical context where that style of clock flourished.
- Served as a clockmaker to several prominent members of the French aristocracy.
Notable Works
- Designed and built numerous precision clocks, including pendulum clocks and regulators.
- Documented his inventions and improvements to clock mechanisms in detailed technical drawings and descriptions.
- Created highly decorated clock cases, incorporating intricate carvings and precious materials (often subcontracted to specialized artisans).
Legacy and Impact
Claude-Étienne Jean-Baptiste Bourret made significant contributions to the field of horology through his innovative designs and precision craftsmanship. His work helped to advance the accuracy and reliability of timekeeping instruments in 18th-century France.