Desk clock - Sileo - solid brass - 1960-1970 - Champagne Abel Lepitre

Rare Desk Clock “Sileo” – A Massive Brass Wedge Design – 1960s “Champagne Abel Lepitre”

In an era when the desk was the hub of professional prestige, objects like this elegant Sileo pendulum clock were not merely timekeeping instruments but authentic statements of style and mechanical solidity.

The clock stands out for its bold wedge shape, a characteristic expression of 1960s modernist design. The case, made of solid brass, impresses with its substantial weight and high-quality construction, features increasingly rare in contemporary objects. The surface is adorned with refined fluted work, creating a sophisticated play of golden reflections and enhancing the piece’s sculptural impact.
The silvered dial, protected by a domed glass, features golden markers and a discreet date window, offering impeccable legibility combined with an enduring aesthetic.
The heart of the clock is a manually wound mechanical movement, derived from the tradition of wristwatch making, equipped with 17 jewels and a shock-absorption system, elements that ensured reliability and resistance to impacts.
Movement and Technical Inscription
The inscription “17 Rubis Antichoc” indicates:
- 17 jewels used as anti-friction bearings at points of greatest wear
- Shock-absorption system, designed to protect the delicate balance wheel
These are typical specifications of good-quality mechanical movements produced in the postwar period.

Promotional Engraving
The clock bears the inscription Abel Lepitre, a historic Champagne house.
This marks a personalized advertising touch of the era rather than identifying the clock’s manufacturer. In the 1960s–1980s it was common practice for wine and luxury brands to commission prestigious objects—such as lighters, pens, and clocks—destined for selected customers, executives, or business partners.
This detail adds further collectible interest, placing the piece in the vintage corporate memorabilia niche.

Historical Context of the Sileo Brand
The Sileo brand belongs to the tradition of European makers of travel and desk clocks of the mid-20th century. These timepieces were characterized by:
- use of Swiss mechanical movements
- sturdy and often massive cases
- strong emphasis on industrial design
Today these objects are appreciated not only as functional instruments but as authentic vintage interior decor elements.

Technical Sheet
Brand: Sileo
Era: Circa 1960–1969
Material: Solid gold-plated brass
Movement: Manual wind mechanical, 17 jewels, Antichoc
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Design: Wedge shape, fluted work
Weight: High (also suitable as a paperweight)
Feature: Promotional engraving Abel Lepitre
Condition: Vintage, with original patina of its time

Please read the entire listing carefully.
The attached photographs are an integral part of the description and should be examined closely as they tell stories and details that words cannot fully explain.
Please note that although the clocks are functioning, they are vintage objects and may require servicing. Thank you for your attention.

The Seller Speaks
International Vintage Luxury – Where the Past Becomes Elegance

Welcome to International Vintage Luxury, a place where time stands still and elegance spans the ages. Here, every object is more than a collectible piece: it is a story, a fragment of life, an emotion that returns to life.

Our mission is clear and passionate: to reveal the hidden value of the past, rediscover forgotten masterpieces, restore their original splendor, and offer them to those who recognize timeless beauty. We carefully select what is rare, authentic, unique. Each piece speaks of skilled hands, of precious materials, of eras that left their mark.

In the world of luxury vintage, time does not diminish: it sublimates. The quality of workmanship, the refinement of details, and iconic brands make these objects valuable investments, not only economically but also emotionally and aesthetically. Each creation holds the charm of a bygone era, yet speaks to the present with a distinct and captivating voice.

Our collection embraces art, design, and elegance in all forms: from period furnishings to mid-century modern, from art déco to contemporary expressions, up to jewelry, accessories, and the most unexpected objects. For us, vintage is not a trend but a philosophy: to celebrate what has withstood time, transforming into a symbol of style and authenticity.

We collaborate with the most illustrious names in luxury and design: Cartier, Hermès, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Celine, Longines… and alongside these, works by Twentieth-Century masters such as De Chirico, Vedova, Guttuso, Pomodoro, Wolf Ferrari, Stefano De Carli, Alessandro Alteo, Arianna De Blanck. Added to these is the genius of designer authors: Le Corbusier, Herman Miller, Artemide, Cassina, and many others.

Every day, International Vintage Luxury is a journey. A journey through time, between lost atmospheres and rediscovered forms, between beauty and memory. Let yourself be guided in this endless story, where every object invites you to rediscover the past with new eyes.

Discover our selection. Let yourself be enchanted. Live the elegance that knows no age.