Flash Transistor 6040 – French Space Age / Psychedelic Pop Art Wall Clock – La Vedette – 1970s A striking and increasingly uncommon French vintage Flash Transistor wall clock, reference 6040, featuring an outstanding Space Age / Pop Art / Psychedelic design typical of the transition from the late 1960s into the 1970s. Made in France, this model belongs to the production history of Flash, a brand created in 1957 by the historic French clock manufacturer La Vedette of Saverne. La Vedette was one of the important French manufacturers of domestic clocks during the post-war period and developed the Flash brand as part of its modern battery-powered clock production. This particular model perfectly reflects the radical change in interior design that took place around the beginning of the 1970s, when traditional clock cases gave way to plastic, bold graphics, strong colours and futuristic forms. Reference 6040 The original yellow label on the rear of this clock bears the reference: 6040 Research in a specialist archive dedicated to La Vedette / Flash production has revealed another identical example of this clock, with the same dial, case, movement layout and the same 6040 reference label positioned on the rear. This provides strong evidence that 6040 is the production reference associated with this specific Flash Transistor design. The model is also documented in the specialist La Vedette archive as a Flash Transistor wall clock, Made in France. Exceptional Pop / Space Age Design The most impressive feature of this clock is undoubtedly its spectacular dial. Against a deep black background, three concentric graphic compositions create a powerful optical effect: large purple circles containing the white hour numerals; a second ring of burgundy / dark red circles; an inner ring of vivid mustard yellow / orange circles. The result is a highly decorative composition with strong Pop Art, Op Art and Psychedelic influences, immediately evocative of late-1960s and 1970s European interior design. The oversized white numerals use a clean, modernist typeface and contrast beautifully against the purple background. The dial is completed by large white hour and minute hands together with a fine red central seconds hand, creating an additional graphic accent. At the bottom of the dial is the original marking: MADE IN FRANCE while the lower corner of the case carries the original: Flash transistor logo. Entirely Plastic Construction The clock is characteristic of the experimental use of plastics that became an important element of Space Age design. Both the square ivory-white body and the transparent domed front cover are made of plastic. The pronounced transparent dome projects forward from the dial and gives the clock considerable visual depth, particularly when viewed from the side. This combination of a square architectural case with a large circular domed dial creates a very characteristic Space Age appearance. Despite its compact dimensions, the clock has a strong decorative presence. Original Transistor Movement The clock retains its battery-powered transistor movement. The mechanism has been inspected and the battery contacts are clean. It is also equipped with a fine regulation screw, allowing small adjustments to the rate of the clock should it run slightly fast or slow over time. The original rear hanging system is also present, allowing the clock to be easily displayed on a wall. Working Condition The clock is: Fully functional, tested and working correctly. The movement has been inspected and the battery compartment and contacts are clean. Condition The clock is preserved in good original vintage condition. There are: no cracks no breaks no structural damage the transparent domed cover is intact the original dial is well preserved the original Flash Transistor logo remains present the original 6040 rear reference label is present the movement has been inspected battery contacts are clean the clock has been tested and is working Naturally, there are some minor signs of age and use, consistent with an authentic vintage object of this period. These signs have deliberately not been disguised or restored and contribute to the originality of the piece. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description and accurately show the condition of the clock. Dimensions Approximately: 20 × 20 cm Case depth: approximately 4 cm, excluding the projection of the transparent domed cover. Historical and Design Interest Flash was not simply a generic brand name. The Flash brand was created in 1957 by La Vedette, the established French clock manufacturer based in Saverne. La Vedette produced a wide range of domestic clocks and was an important name in French horology during the mid-20th century. Flash represented part of the company's move towards more modern battery-powered and transistorised clocks, allowing designers greater freedom in both materials and form. This 6040 is an excellent example of that development. Rather than imitating a traditional mechanical wall clock, its design embraces the new visual language of the period: plastic construction, geometric shapes, psychedelic colours, graphic typography and a futuristic transparent dome. The result is an object positioned somewhere between a functional clock and a piece of 1970s graphic design. Its visual character makes it particularly suitable for interiors inspired by: Space Age, Pop Art, Op Art, Mid-Century Modern, 1970s design and French modernism. A distinctive and highly decorative Made in France vintage wall clock, particularly appealing to collectors of unusual European clocks and original Space Age design. The item offered is original, vintage, and pre-owned, and is described accurately and in good faith. Before the listing, the clock has been carefully cleaned, tested, and documented with detailed photographsAll functions mentioned in the description, including timekeeping , have been tested and verified, and are tested again before shipment as a final quality check. Photographs form an integral part of the description and accurately represent the condition of the item at the time of listing.As this is a vintage electro mechanical item, minor signs of age and normal wear are to be expected and are consistent with its age. Any structural damage, missing parts, or non-functioning features are clearly disclosed in the description and/or visible in the images. Colours may vary slightly due to lighting conditions and screen settings. The item will be professionally packed using protective materials, and double-boxed where appropriate. Shipping is tracked and insured. The item is handed over to the carrier in the same condition as documented prior to dispatch. The buyer is responsible for providing a correct shipping address and for collecting the parcel within the carrier’s specified timeframe. In case of non-collection, refusal of delivery, or incorrect address, Catawiki’s applicable procedures and conditions will apply.Due to its age and original components, slight variations in performance, accuracy, or behaviour may occur over time, even if fully functional at the time of testing. By placing a bid, the buyer confirms that they have carefully read the description and reviewed all images. The item has not been modified unless explicitly stated and is intended for normal use consistent with its age, or for collection and display.