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1878
LAVAL: 140 years of innovation serving traditional craftsSince its launch in 1878, the family-run company LAVAL has been driven by a passion for the fundamentally traditional crafts of jewellery and watchmaking, which have evolved in parallel with technical progress and developments. Originally specialised in foundry work and clock and watch components, LAVAL now offers a very substantial range of products for professionals. Historically, the company has always served independent artisans and retailers, a core clientele that remains at the heart of our commitment. Although we export to many international clients, we never lose sight of what has always been the company’s strength: a dedication to customer relations and advice. This commitment to maintaining close relationships is also reflected locally thanks to our sales force, available to assist you across the whole of France, Ireland and Belgium. |
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A family business that has successfully adapted to the changing times
LAUNCH OF THE LAVAL GROUP
The 'Etablissements' LAVAL were founded in the 16th arrondissement of Paris by François LAVAL, specialising in foundry work and watch components.


FAMILY SUCCESSION
Upon returning from the First World War, two of François LAVAL’s sons, Joseph and François, take over the business operations.
ADAPTATION TO THE NEEDS OF THE WATCHMAKING INDUSTRY
Demand for watchmaking is high. All of François’ children work in the company; Dominique introduces significant changes with innovative new packaging solutions.
LAUNCH OF WATCH & JEWELLERY MAKING TOOLS
Dominique LAVAL takes over leadership of the company and launches the sale of tools for watchmaking and jewellery.
EXPANSION OF COLLECTIONS FOR JEWELLERS AND WATCHMAKERS
The quartz watch revolution marks the end of the mechanical watchmaking dominance. The company expands its scope by offering equipment for jewellers and watchmakers, such as gift boxes, labels or watch batteries, and develops its mail-order business.


STORE OPENINGS IN PARIS
The company modernises its equipment and commercial approach to meet growing market demands.
ENHANCING THE PRODUCT OFFERING FOR PROFESSIONALS
The company expands its range to include window decorations, jewellery displays, trays, and display cases to help clients create attractive shop windows. It also opens a second shop dedicated to meet the increasing demand.


CATHERINE LAVAL'S CREATIVE IMPACT
After managing her own events company, Catherine LAVAL joins the family business. Drawing on her training in Applied Arts, she enriches the product lines and creates new collections.
OPENING OF SELFOR+: DEDICATED TOOL STORE
Recognising the technical nature of watchmaking and jewellery, a new shop was opened, dedicated to advice, demonstrations, and training in professional techniques and products.

LAUNCH OF THE CUSTOM BRANDING SERVICE
Our investment in new machinery enables us to offer our clients a new service: custom branding. Our French workshop, staffed by a team of experts, allows watchmakers, jewellers, and retailers to personalise jewellery boxes and gift packaging to reflect their brand identity, in manageable quantities.
"LAVAL CRÉATION": A NEW DIMENSION IN DESIGN
With the launch of ‘LAVAL création’, our exclusive range of in-house designed and copyright-protected products, we enter a new phase. This collection of jewellery gift boxes, packaging and display stands embodies our vision of design, combining elegance and functionality to meet the needs of jewellers and watchmakers.

EUROPEAN EXPANSION & DIVERSIFICATION
As company President, Catherine Laval steers development towards the wider European market and diversifies into other retail sectors.
OPENING OF A JEWELLERY SHOWROOM IN PARIS
LAVAL celebrates its 140th anniversary. Launch of LA GALERIE DU BIJOU in Paris’s 3rd arrondissement: a retail and wholesale showroom for jewellery and watches, catering exclusively to professionals.


LE COMPTOIR NIÇOIS
LAVAL acquires "Le Comptoir Niçois", a specialist watch and jewellery supplier based in Nice, serving the South of France.
INAUGURATION OF THE NEW WAREHOUSE
Laval inaugurated a new depot designed to improve logistics and service whilst supporting the company’s growth. Built to the highest insulation standards and fitted with solar panels manufactured in France, it reflects the company’s commitment to the environment. In collaboration with local businesses, this project is part of a drive for sustainable growth and innovation.
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A company on a human scale |
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LAVAL in figures
items
24/48hr
500 parcels sent each day
A showroom / sales space for jewellery and watches in Paris
Other members of the LAVAL Group



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