1878

LAVAL: 140 years of innovation serving traditional crafts

Since 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.



History of LAVAL


A family business that has successfully adapted to the changing times




1878

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.

Watchmaking adaptation
Family succession
1918

FAMILY SUCCESSION

Upon returning from the First World War, two of François LAVAL’s sons, Joseph and François, take over the business operations.

1954

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.

Watchmaking adaptation
Watchmaking tools
1960

LAUNCH OF WATCH & JEWELLERY MAKING TOOLS

Dominique LAVAL takes over leadership of the company and launches the sale of tools for watchmaking and jewellery.

1969

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.

Jeweller-Watchmakers
Opening of stores
1971

STORE OPENINGS IN PARIS

The company modernises its equipment and commercial approach to meet growing market demands.

1978

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.

Professional ranges
Catherine Laval
1997

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.

2003

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.

Selfor Plus
Personalisation
2010

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.

2015

"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.

Laval Creation
European expansion
2016

EUROPEAN EXPANSION & DIVERSIFICATION

As company President, Catherine Laval steers development towards the wider European market and diversifies into other retail sectors.

2018

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.

Showroom 2018
Le Comptoir Niçois
2019

LE COMPTOIR NIÇOIS

LAVAL acquires "Le Comptoir Niçois", a specialist watch and jewellery supplier based in Nice, serving the South of France.

2024

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.

New warehouse


Company origins


A company on a human scale

Heritage & Transmission

Our expertise in watch and jewellery distribution carries with it a passion for the craft. Transmitting this passion is at the heart of our corporate culture, passed down through five generations and shared within our teams to better understand and serve our clients' expectations.


Innovation

Our added value lies in our capacity to innovate, both in our services and product development. By staying ahead of trends and listening to our customers, our teams ensure that our expertise serves your daily business needs effectively.


Proximity

In 1878, LAVAL began as a trade counter for craftsmen. Today, proximity and expert advice remain our priorities. These strengths guide our current international expansion and the broadening of our customer base, always focusing on individual client needs.

LAVAL in figures

150 years
of family expertise passed down through five generations
French company based in the heart of France, in Touraine
90
staff
across 3 sites in France: Chédigny, Paris, Nice
36,000
items
in stock in our warehouses
clients in 70 countries worldwide
+24,000
customers

24/48hr
delivery to France and 2 to 5 days throughout Europe

500 parcels sent each day
8
collections
of products for jewellery, watchmaking, and fashion accessory retailers
Sales reps
8 sales representatives



A showroom / sales space for jewellery and watches in Paris
Advisors
9 customer service advisors


Other members of the LAVAL Group

Selforparis

La Galerie du Bijou

Comptoir Niçois

Wholesale Jewellery, gift boxes, display stands, watches, tools and supplies

LAVAL is a Major European supplier for the jewellery and watchmaking industry. Discover all the products you require for your trade and for expressing your talent.

No minimum order
Same day dispatch,
Delivery to UK & Ireland in 48/72 hours

Delivery to most other European countries 3 to 5 working days.

Secure Payment for your online orders

Contact us: contact@laval-europe.com

+33 247 91 1234

WhatsApp International : +33 6 79 61 20 46

Monday to Friday 9:00 to 17:30

Contact our export team: English, Italian, Spanish, German and Dutch speakers available.

Contact our export team: English, Italian, Spanish and German speakers available on Whatsapp


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