Wall Clock - JAZ MARSIC 4151-70 – Original 1977–1978 French Space Age Wall Clock – Yellow/Orange & Brown – Space Age Plastic - 1970-1980 - Space Age

JAZ MARSIC 4151-70 – Original 1977–1978 French Space Age Wall Clock – Yellow/Orange & Brown – Original JAZ/VDO Quartz Movement – Made in France

A distinctive example of French 1970s Space Age and Pop Design

A striking and authentic **JAZ MARSIC wall clock, reference 4151-70**, featuring its original quartz movement and an unmistakable late-1970s design.

Produced by the historic French clock manufacturer JAZ, the MARSIC is a characteristic expression of the Space Age and Pop Art aesthetic that influenced European interiors during the 1970s.

Its sculptural moulded plastic case, warm yellow/orange colour, contrasting chocolate-brown dial and bold geometric numerals create an eye-catching combination, perfectly capturing the playful, futuristic design language of the period.

## History and original JAZ catalogue

The MARSIC was introduced as a new model in the **1977 JAZ catalogue** and appeared in the company's range during **1977 and 1978**, making it a relatively short-lived design.

Interestingly, the MARSIC name had already been used by JAZ as early as 1940, although the 1970s model presented here belongs to a completely different generation of clock design.

According to the original JAZ catalogue, the MARSIC was offered in three colour combinations:

- **Reference 4151-60:** Red case with white dial.
- **Reference 4151-70:** Yellow case with brown dial – **the example offered here**.
- **Reference 4151-80:** Brown case with white dial.

This clock is the original **4151-70 version**, featuring the distinctive yellow case and dark brown dial.

Today, its moulded plastic body displays an attractive warm yellow/orange appearance, creating a particularly evocative combination of colours associated with 1970s interior design.

## Design and aesthetic characteristics

The MARSIC features a compact, rounded and sculptural plastic housing, with an integrated front profile that gives the clock a distinctive three-dimensional appearance.

The deep chocolate-brown dial provides a strong visual contrast with the yellow/orange exterior.

Large white Arabic numerals, designed with a bold geometric typeface, offer excellent readability while contributing to the clock's unmistakably retro-futuristic character.

The original cream-coloured hour and minute hands complement the dial, while the central seconds hand completes the composition.

The front is protected by the characteristic shaped plexiglass cover, which follows the contours of the case and contributes to the clock's original appearance.

The entire design reflects the experimental approach to colour, plastic materials and organic forms that characterised European domestic objects during the Space Age era.

Its relatively compact dimensions make it suitable for a vintage design collection, a 1970s-inspired interior, a modernist setting or as a distinctive decorative wall clock.

Original JAZ/VDO quartz movement

**An important feature of this particular example is that it retains its original quartz movement.**

The clock is equipped with its original **JAZ/VDO calibre VK quartz movement, Made in Germany**, as originally specified for the MARSIC.

Unlike examples that have been modernised with generic replacement mechanisms, this clock preserves its original movement, maintaining the historical authenticity of the piece.

The original hands have also been preserved.

The movement is powered by a single **1.5V LR6 (AA) battery**.

Dimensions and specifications

- Manufacturer: JAZ
- Model: MARSIC
- Reference: 4151-70
- Country of origin: France
- Period: 1977–1978
- Style: Space Age / Pop Art / Retro-Futurist
- Case material: Moulded plastic
- Case colour: Yellow/orange
- Dial colour: Dark chocolate brown
- Numerals: White geometric Arabic numerals
- Front cover: Shaped plexiglass
- Movement: Original JAZ/VDO calibre VK quartz
- Movement origin: Made in Germany
- Power supply: 1 × LR6 / AA 1.5V battery
- Diameter: Approximately 21 cm
- Weight according to the original catalogue: Approximately 420 g

Vintage condition

The clock is presented in **very good vintage condition**, with its original movement and distinctive period appearance preserved.

The yellow/orange plastic housing retains its attractive colour and glossy finish, with only minor signs of age and normal use.

**There are no cracks, breaks or structural damage to the case.**

The shaped plexiglass front is intact, with possible light surface marks consistent with its age.

The original brown dial, geometric white numerals and cream-coloured hands remain particularly attractive.

The clock retains its authentic vintage appearance and has not been modified with a modern replacement movement.

Any minor cosmetic imperfections are consistent with a genuine vintage object dating from the late 1970s.

Please carefully examine the photographs, which form an integral part of the description and provide a detailed representation of the clock's condition.

A collectible piece of French Space Age design

With its original JAZ/VDO movement, unmistakable colour combination and distinctive sculptural housing, this MARSIC represents an appealing example of French domestic design from the late 1970s.

Its brief appearance in the 1977–1978 JAZ range adds further interest for collectors of historic JAZ clocks, vintage quartz timepieces and European Space Age objects.

An excellent addition to a collection of **1970s French design, Pop Art interiors, vintage wall clocks and original Space Age decorative objects**.

Authenticity and description

The item offered is an authentic, original vintage object, described accurately and in good faith.

Its original JAZ/VDO quartz movement and original hands have been preserved.

The clock is offered in the condition documented in the photographs, with only minor signs of age and normal use, as described above.

Photographs form an integral part of the description. Buyers are encouraged to examine all images carefully before placing a bid.

Colours and surface reflections may vary slightly depending on lighting conditions, photographic equipment and individual screen settings.

Vintage electronic and mechanical components

As with all vintage clocks and electronic timepieces, components are subject to natural ageing.

Even when functioning correctly during testing, slight variations in accuracy, performance or behaviour may develop over time due to the age of the original components.

Such characteristics should be considered within the context of a genuine vintage timepiece rather than the standards applicable to newly manufactured products.

No guarantee of future maintenance-free operation is implied.

Professional packaging and tracked shipping

The clock will be carefully packed using suitable protective materials to minimise movement and protect its case, dial and plexiglass front during transportation.

Double-box packaging will be used where appropriate.

Shipment will be made through a tracked delivery service.

The item will be documented before dispatch and handed over to the shipping carrier in the condition described and photographed.

The buyer is responsible for providing complete and accurate shipping information and for collecting the parcel within the carrier's specified timeframe.

In the event of an incorrect address, refused delivery or non-collection, the applicable carrier and Catawiki procedures will apply.

Important information for bidders

By placing a bid, buyers are encouraged to confirm that they have read the complete description, reviewed the photographs and understood the vintage nature of the object.

This is an original collectible clock dating from approximately 1977–1978, not a newly manufactured reproduction.

It is suitable for collection, display and normal use appropriate to its age and condition.