LIMITED EDITION HOUR LAVIGNE (PARIS) "JUST" MANTEL / SHELF CLOCK

OLD WORLD CRAFTSMANSHIP, UNIQUE DESIGN, DETAIL, QUALITY & AESTHETICS 

This marvelous showpiece of horology and sculpture is from my personal collection of vintage and antique clocks curated since the early 1970s.  Time has come for the stunning gilt-bronze and plate glass timepiece to reach an appreciative new home.  

Charles Hour introduced the prestigious "Just" line of clocks in the 1920s, coinciding with emergence of innovative Parisian Art Deco furnishings, fine and decorative arts.  By the early 1950s, French manufacturing and the economy had largely recovered from the devastating aftermath of WWII.  Merging with Maurice Lavigne as Hour Lavigne, the firm produced the most exclusive and costly French clocks.  Their gilt-bronze models featured unique designs often embellished with hand engraving.  

This handsome "Just" timepiece with plate glass box construction has the rarely encountered distinction of limited/numbered production - handled solely by the best jewelers.  The back case carries an Hour Lavigne inscription specifying Gabriel Lucas as the recipient and the example (edition) as No. 12.  

Operating from the early 1960s through the 70s, Gabriel Lucas was a Montreal based high-end manufacturing jeweler.  Their prestigious cutting-edge designs reached  a worldwide clientele.  This clock was displayed in the jeweler's showroom.        

I've not encountered another example in a career spanning fifty years; first in clock restoration and sales, followed by 42 years as a professional appraiser of antiques, decorative and fine art.  

    

The clock has been maintained in superb original condition.  It displays impressively on a mantle, shelf, or desk.  Sole damage (illustrated in the final photograph) is a 0.75" long stress crack in the right side glass panel.

5.5" high, 6.5" wide at base, 2" deep

weight 3.4 lbs!

NOTE:  I fully disassembled the movement, ultrasonically cleaned and rinsed all elements, removed the mainspring from the barrel to clean and grease, checked for wear, reassembled and lubricated with high-grade Swiss oils.  The case was taken completely apart to clean the metal and glass elements.  Meticulous restoration ensures reliable operation for years.     

Doug Tomsky

Member since 1971- National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC)

CONSCIENTIOUSLY PACKED AND SHIPPED WORLDWIDE