Alarm clock - Rare Animé JAZ « FABLIC » – Conte Peau d’Âne – France, vers 1951 - Metal, Chrome plated - 1950-1960

Rare Animated Alarm Clock JAZ « FABLIC » – Donkey Skin Tale – France, circa 1951

General presentation

Exceptional and authentic mechanical automaton alarm clock (motion device) from the famous French brand JAZ, model « FABLIC », produced in the early 1950s.

This emblematic model illustrates the well-known fairy tale by Charles Perrault: Donkey Skin. The scene depicts the princess fleeing in her red carriage, drawn by a richly harnessed donkey.

Operating principle and animation

* Movement: manual winding mechanical, fitted with the JAZ 14D movement.
* Automaton animation: the donkey’s head oscillates left to right in time with the movement, bringing the scene to life.
* Alarm function: mechanical ringer integrated on an internal bell, fully functional.

Condition and operation

* Mechanism: works perfectly. The movement keeps time, the donkey’s head animation is smooth and regular, and the alarm triggers correctly.
* Aesthetic: beautiful authentic vintage condition. The yellow-cream/beige painted metal case and the base show an original patina, with light signs of use and a few superficial paint chips reflecting its age and history (see photos). The chromed bezel is bright, and the domed glass is in very good condition, providing excellent legibility of the dial.

Technical specifications

* Brand: JAZ (signatures on the dial: « JAZ », « Donkey Skin … » and « France »)
* Model: FABLIC (ref. 50-80)
* Manufacturing period: 1950–1954 (this particular model dates to 1951)
* Materials: case, base and back in painted steel; front bezel in chromed metal; domed glass.
* Dimensions:
* Dial diameter: 11.5 cm
* Total height with base: 12.5 cm
* Depth: 6 cm
* Weight: approximately 390 g