Leon Hatot ATO Pendulette Electric Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1935
This ATO Pendulette, manufactured by Leon Hatot in Paris around 1935, is an electric impulse mantel clock. The object is housed within a wooden case characterized by a rounded arch profile and inlaid decorative lines.
Its horological system features an electric impulse movement utilizing a 1/4 second pendulum. A distinctive aspect of the design is the cut-away section of the dial, which exposes the pendulum and its curved magnet. This magnet interacts with a solenoid pulsed by a 1.5-volt battery to drive the mechanism. Furthermore, a magnet positioned at the rear of the clock case serves as a regulator, allowing the rate to be accelerated or retarded by influencing the pendulum's motion.
The timepiece carries official markings on both the dial and the backplate, identifying the manufacturer and the patented status of the electric system.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- circa 1935
- Type
- Electric mantel clock
- Locality
- Paris, France
- Manufacturer
- Leon Hatot
- Movement Type
- Electric impulse
- Place recorded
- France
- Power requirement
- 1.5 volt battery
- Maker / attribution
- Leon Hatot
- Registration Number
- ST 21637
- Regulation mechanism
- Magnet on back of case
Design
- Case and Dial
- The clock is constructed with a wooden case featuring a round arch top. The exterior surface is decorated with inlaid lines that frame the dial area. The timepiece rests on four small, spherical feet. The dial includes a circular chapter ring with Arabic numerals. A significant portion of the center of the dial is omitted, creating an aperture that reveals the pendulum and its associated curved magnet mechanism to the viewer.
- Visible features
- • Round arched wooden case with inlaid lines • Dial features a central cutout displaying the pendulum • Raised on small ball-style feet • Arabic numerals on the chapter ring
- Movement and Mechanism
- The clock operates via an electric impulse movement regulated by a 1/4 second pendulum. The pendulum carries a curved magnet that passes through a solenoid. This solenoid is energized by a 1.5-volt battery to provide the necessary impulses to maintain oscillation. Rate adjustment is achieved through a secondary magnet mounted on the back of the case. By turning this external magnet, the user can influence the pendulum's magnetic field to accelerate or retard the timekeeping of the clock.
- Signatures and Identifiers
- The dial is printed with the brand name 'Electrique ATO', alongside the phrases 'Bte. S.G.D.G. Depose' and 'France'. These marks identify the technological lineage and origin of the piece. The backplate of the movement carries the maker's full designation: 'Leon Hatot, Fabricants, Paris, France'. Additionally, the serial number '7453' is present on the backplate, providing a specific identifier for the individual unit.
Identification
- Serial number
- 7453
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The exact date of manufacture is stated as circa 1935 rather than confirmed
- Research required: The specific species of wood used for the case is not specified in the source