For sale is a fantastic find and a genuine piece of industrial design history, a vintage original LIP "Fridge" (Frigo) from circa 1975, designed by the legendary Roger Tallon. He is best known for designing France’s high-speed TGV trains, and his radical approach to horology treated the watch not as jewelry, but as an ergonomic machine for the wrist. This specific piece is a rare survivor from the original 1970s run, confirmed by the distinct lightning bolt logo on the dial, or at least that was my finding, I could be completely wrong so please do your own research here.
The watch features the iconic rectangular "appliance" case with rounded corners that earned it the "Fridge" nickname, a masterclass in Space Age and Pop Art aesthetics. The striking deep red dial features a date window at 3 o'clock and ultra-modern white typography. The distinctive integrated leather strap system inserts directly into the case without traditional lugs, a signature Tallon innovation designed for seamless ergonomic flow. This is a rare opportunity to own a piece of wearable art from the golden age of French avant-garde design.
Key Features:
Brand: LIP
Model: "Fridge" (Frigo) / Roger Tallon Design
Era: Circa 1975
Case Size: approx. 28mm x 40mm (Wears larger due to rectangular shape)
Case Material: Brushed Alloy/Steel
Dial: Original Deep Red with "Lightning Bolt" insignia
Strap: Integrated leather strap (Tallon design)
Movement: Electromechanical / Electronic
Condition: Honest vintage condition, showing character appropriate for its age. Decent wear on one of the strap loops, but all functional.
Why Collectors Love It: The LIP "Fridge" is an essential acquisition for collectors of "Space Age" design and architectural objects. Its value lies in its pedigree: designed by Roger Tallon, one of the 20th century's most important industrial designers, it bridges the gap between Bauhaus utility and 1970s flair. Critically, this is the vintage original with the lightning bolt logo, signifying LIP’s heritage in pioneering electromechanical technology. Unlike the common modern reissues, this watch represents the transitional "Electronic" era of French watchmaking, a time when watches were battery-powered but often still possessed a mechanical heart. It is a visually arresting conversation piece that is significantly harder to find than the standard Mach 2000 models.
For sale is a fantastic find and a genuine piece of industrial design history, a vintage original LIP "Fridge" (Frigo) from circa 1975, designed by the legendary Roger Tallon. He is best known for designing France’s high-speed TGV trains, and his radical approach to horology treated the watch not as jewelry, but as an ergonomic machine for the wrist. This specific piece is a rare survivor from the original 1970s run, confirmed by the distinct lightning bolt logo on the dial, or at least that was my finding, I could be completely wrong so please do your own research here.
The watch features the iconic rectangular "appliance" case with rounded corners that earned it the "Fridge" nickname, a masterclass in Space Age and Pop Art aesthetics. The striking deep red dial features a date window at 3 o'clock and ultra-modern white typography. The distinctive integrated leather strap system inserts directly into the case without traditional lugs, a signature Tallon innovation designed for seamless ergonomic flow. This is a rare opportunity to own a piece of wearable art from the golden age of French avant-garde design.
Key Features:
Brand: LIP
Model: "Fridge" (Frigo) / Roger Tallon Design
Era: Circa 1975
Case Size: approx. 28mm x 40mm (Wears larger due to rectangular shape)
Case Material: Brushed Alloy/Steel
Dial: Original Deep Red with "Lightning Bolt" insignia
Strap: Integrated leather strap (Tallon design)
Movement: Electromechanical / Electronic
Condition: Honest vintage condition, showing character appropriate for its age. Decent wear on one of the strap loops, but all functional.
Why Collectors Love It: The LIP "Fridge" is an essential acquisition for collectors of "Space Age" design and architectural objects. Its value lies in its pedigree: designed by Roger Tallon, one of the 20th century's most important industrial designers, it bridges the gap between Bauhaus utility and 1970s flair. Critically, this is the vintage original with the lightning bolt logo, signifying LIP’s heritage in pioneering electromechanical technology. Unlike the common modern reissues, this watch represents the transitional "Electronic" era of French watchmaking, a time when watches were battery-powered but often still possessed a mechanical heart. It is a visually arresting conversation piece that is significantly harder to find than the standard Mach 2000 models.
