Clock from Lalique's 'historic collaboration' with ATO set for $21,500 sale

 

René Lalique's career began in pre-industrialised Europe and he became, by the time of his death in 1945, the most celebrated jeweller in the world.

In other words, Lalique's legacy in collectibles was assured - and you'll have a chance to own a small piece of it at Artcurial Deauville's upcoming October 31 sale in Deauville, France.

This piece is especially rare and also historic. It marks Lalique's collaboration with the Art Deco clockmaker ATO, an important moment in Art Deco history.

ATO specialised in collectible models which reveal the movements working within the clock.

This piece's design is made from blue glass, blown and molded to resemble the bow of the ship against a backdrop of sunshine alongside the word "Normandy".

According to its lot notes, the clock's needles and original mechanism work perfectly.


The result of Lalique's collaboration with Art Deco clockmaker ATO

As mentioned in published materials by The National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors, Lalique was the only glass artist to ever collaborate with the ATO group.

This is confirmed by Swatch which later took over the ATO clocks' manufacturer, Leon Hatot group.

Lalique's involvement in the making of this piece is also confirmed by the son of Leon Hatot, which gives the clock impeccable provenance.

The clock's condition is described as "absolutely perfect," and it will appear for sale in its original case, base and lid with a parchment covered with cream and gold.

Given the one-off nature of Lalique and ATO's collaboration, and also the perfect condition and provenance of this piece, the clock's pre-sale estimate of €12,000-15,000 ($21,564) seems a little low to us.

That said, the clock's true value will be up to bidders to decide when it appears in Artcurial Deauville's October sale. Online bidding is available.

Watch this space for all the latest news from the watches and jewellery markets.

 

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