An iconic French Art Deco electro-mechanical mantel clock dated circa 1930-35, by Léon Hatot.
The “ATO Electrique” is styled in a rectangular glass plate mounted in a Bakelite and chromium-plated slim stand, only 10 cms deep in all (4 inches), making the clock perfect for even the narrowest of mantelpieces or shelves.
The plate glass face is etched with vertical stripes, the metal dial chapter with a striped border and silver-outlined black Arabic numerals, signed with the ATO trademark below the 12. A skeletonised centre allows the movement of the pendulum to be seen.
The electric movement no. 79 920 is powered by a standard 1.5V battery. The pendulum is a chromium-plated cased coil which oscillates from side to side along the arc of a curved magnet. This magnetic bar passes through a fixed solenoid. At the appropriate moment, an electric switch closes, energising the electromagnet and producing a magnetic field that repels the magnet. This push is the impulse that drives the clock.
The movement is cased within a metal cylinder, with a push-on round back cover.
M. Leon Hatot devised this electromagnetic mechanism in c.1919 in association with Marius Lavet, a talented engineer who had already been a leading participator in the development of the Bulle clock. Indeed the principles of his ATO clock are broadly similar to that of M. Favre Bulle’s and the two French companies were direct competitors for several decades, differentiating their clocks with very many different styles of cases.
- Length: 54 cms
- Depth: 10 cms
- Height: 22 cms
The clock is in super original condition. The movement is overhauled and guaranteed for 3 years. Priced to include delivery within the mainland UK.
Ref: A7
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