Lalique for ATO Normandie clock
A fine and rare 'SS Normandie' glass clock, French, 1935, produced with the collaboration of René Lalique and Leon Hatot from the ATO clock company, this rare pale blue tinted moulded glass clock is one of a few that were only given to first class passengers on the inaugurial Transatlantic voyage of the famous ocean liner.
The glass panel is very stylish and of purest Art Deco form, simple but striking, depicting featuring the bow of the vessel rising on the waves, with the letters NORMANDIE spelling out 9 of the clock face numbers. The ATO and company logo Compagnie Générale Transatlantique, are to the rear in moulded lettering, 15cm high. (5.9") Wind up does not seem to be original to the clock as it is a Bayard. I have been said that it should be an UTI.
A couple of less than half millimeter chips. A molding fault on the front wave.
Several auction results for more than 8000eur
Interesting article here :
http://www.paulfrasercollectibles.com/News/Art-&-Photography/Clock-from-Lalique%27s-%27historic-collaboration%27-with-ATO-set-for-$21,500-sale/7934.page#.UvKCDkJdW_0
ATO AND LALIQUE
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". 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.
NORMANDIE
SS PAQUEBOT 'NORMANDIE' 1935, The Normandie was a French ocean liner built in Saint-Nazaire France for Compagnie Générale Transatlantique. When launched in 1933 she was the largest and fastest ship in the world, and she maintains the distinction of being the most powerful steam turbo-electric propelled passenger ship ever built. The Normandie was the epitome of luxury liners. Normandie was the pride of France. The first ship to exceed 1000 feet and 80,000 tons, Normandie made the Titanic look like a tugboat. Leaving Le Havre on her maiden voyage Normandie captured the blue riband and broke the Atlantic speed record thus winning the Hale's Trophy from the Italian's Rex. Three hundred and five feet long, 46 feet wide and 28 feet high, the luxurious interiors of Normandie were marvels of Art Déco and the Streamline Moderne style. Normandie- 'The Ship of Lights'.
