A Double-Signed Example
This desk clock bears the “Tiffany & Co.” signature on the lower left-hand corner of the face, with “Imexal; 15 Jewels” printed on the lower right-hand corner. It is speculated that “Imexal” was an abbreviation of “Import Export Albert Lancel”, part of the oeuvre of the Lancel company, a luxury maison founded in 1876.
This is a feature that makes it highly attractive, as these kinds of partnerships are seldom seen in any other sector of the luxury world. Given that retailers such as Tiffany or Asprey were usually the biggest names in their respective regions, makers such as Imexal, and even brands such as Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet would stamp or apply the retailers’ mark on their dials. What started as a practical consideration, helping manufacturers extend their global reach, has now developed into a detail highly sought-after by collectors.
The Design
Perfectly sized as a desk clock, this world time clock is encased in brass, with a silvered dial. The center shows a stylised view of the world, from the perspective of the Arctic Circle, rendered in a reflective silver material, with latitude and longitude lines branching out from the centre of the dial.
The capital cities as well as a twenty-four-hour ring are printed in black, with the lettering still remaining clear and crisp. The face also features a combination of applied numerals and indexes, which are polished, giving off a soft gleam when light is angled towards it. The hour and minute hands are also rendered in brass, with the hour hand in the style of Breguet.
This handsome desk clocks also features 8 days’ worth of power reserve, making it a perfect companion for a work desk.
If sold within the United Kingdom, this Tiffany & Co Imexal Travel Clock will be subject to 20% VAT.
