01/01/2011

A private collection

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A collector of Telavox clocks has kindly forwarded some photographs with the case and movement serial numbers.

As I have yet to find at least two of these models myself this seemed like an ideal opportunity to show more of the Telavox case styles:



I like to think of this one as the tree style. Because of the grooved hardwood plinth which is rather like a stylised tree trunk. Providing a solid foundation to the entire design. It has a very pretty, delicately drawn dial with unique hands. The gilt corner swags (spandrels) add even more class to a very desirable Telavox.

Telavox Model 5020:

This is a very smart design with a solid chapter ring and excellent legibility thanks to the standard Telavox hands. The delicate lining to the curved edges of the case add a sumptuous quality. Well beyond anything seen in the more common, mass-produced, spring-driven clockwork made in Germany. Telavox designers had a superb eye for pure style.  

Telavox Model 5100

The wide, square stepped toe style. Again with lighter stringing lifting the case to a higher level. The plain brass dial suggests an early model.


I call this style the Art Deco. Probably because of the unique, curved hardwood, reeded feet. One of my favourite Telavox case styles. It looks as if it will spring into the air. Or is effortlessly supporting a heavy weight behind the dial.

Telavox Model 5080
Medium square toe seems inadequate to describe such a neat design. Note the beautifully grained, hardwood veneer, the hardwood edging and feet and fine contrasting lining. All indicators of a furniture quality clock case at its best.


The very wide, round toe model. Beautifully balanced thanks to the large, clear Telavox dial. Carved hardwood feet and neat edging strip add an extra touch of quality to the burr walnut veneer. Vertically reeded hardwood end caps to the case extremes complete a superbly impressive mantel clock.


Medium round toe with book matched, finely figured veneer with hardwood edging to the base. A polished brass chapter ring with Roman numerals and highly legible black Telavox hands.



A tall, Telavox wall dial in a unique style rather than the more usual mantel clock. The delicately drawn hands and cream dial with gilt, Arabic numeral are astonishingly clear and understated. Note the contrasting, curved lining to the front case veneer. The designer could have got away with plain top and bottom sections but chose reeded hardwood to raise the case quality to yet another level. Notice how the case is framed by the hardwood mouldings. This must have been an expensive case to make. Reminiscent of a true antique.

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