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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Electric mantel clock

ATO Art Deco Electric Clock Signed Léon Hatot

Partially verified

This large Art Deco electric clock by ATO is signed Léon Hatot and dates to circa 1930 in France according to dealer documentation. The structure features a blasted glass plate flanked by stepped black bakelite side mounts positioned on a horizontal base bar. A rectangular dial plate displays stylized geometric Art Deco Arabic numerals, an ATO signature beneath 12 o'clock, and retailer text above 6 o'clock. A central rectangular cutout reveals mechanical components including the balance wheel.

Front perspective view of the ATO Art Deco glass and bakelite electric clock
Front perspective view of the ATO Art Deco glass and bakelite electric clock — L'ours blanc / Proantic. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.proantic.com
Category
Clock · Electric mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Léon Hatot (ATO)
Reference
1774615
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
Circa 1930
Country
France

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Object Identity and Origin

The object is listed as an Art Deco electric clock signed LÉON HATOT and branded ATO, described by the dealer as a "Large Size" model. The dealer dates the piece to circa 1930 with origin in France.

Reported dimensions are a length of 57 cm and a height of 22.5 cm. Additional claims regarding Léon Hatot's broader commercial history or manufacturing innovations represent general historical context not documented in the dealer listing.

Evidence for this section
  • “ATO Art Deco 1930 Electric Clock Signed LÉON HATOT Large Size”
  • “France,Circa 1930.”
  • “Length: 57 cm.Height: 22.5 cm.”

Materials and Case Construction

The case structure is described by the source as composed of blasted glass and black bakelite.

Physical observation shows stepped black bakelite supports positioned at the lower edges flanking the central glass panel.

Evidence for this section
  • “Blasted glass and black bakelite.”
  • “Stepped black bakelite supports flank the lower edges of the glass panel.”

Dial and Visible Movement Details

Direct observation of the face shows stylized, blocky Art Deco Arabic numerals decorated with striped outer borders, alongside a central cutout in the dial plate that reveals the balance wheel and movement assembly.

The source reports traces of wear to the black lacquer on the numerals. Regarding operation, the seller notes that the movement is apparently functional with hands turning when the balance wheel is activated, but cautions that the electrical system requires servicing.

Evidence for this section
  • “The dial features stylized rectangular and blocky Art Deco Arabic numerals with striped outer borders.”
  • “A central cutout in the dial plate exposes the internal balance and movement assembly.”
  • “Some traces of black lacquer wear (see photos).”
  • “Apparently functional movement (the hands turn when the balance wheel is activated). Electrical system present but in need of servicing.”

Open research questions

  • What specific text or signature is marked on the lower dial above the 6 o'clock position?
  • Does the movement assembly or case frame carry an ATO serial number or patent mark?
  • What original battery type or voltage was specified for operating this electric movement?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for ATO Art Deco Electric Clock Signed Léon Hatot
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker / BrandATO / Léon Hatot“ATO Art Deco 1930 Electric Clock Signed LÉON HATOT”
MaterialsBlasted glass and black bakelite“Blasted glass and black bakelite.”
DateCirca 1930“France,Circa 1930.”
Length57 cm“Length: 57 cm.”
Height22.5 cm“Height: 22.5 cm.”
Mechanical Condition NoteMovement reported apparently functional when balance wheel is manually engaged; electrical system requires servicing“Apparently functional movement (the hands turn when the balance wheel is activated). Electrical system present but in need of servicing.”
Finish WearTraces of wear to black lacquer“Some traces of black lacquer wear (see photos).”

Visible details

  • Stepped black bakelite supports flank the lower edges of the glass panel.
  • The dial features stylized rectangular and blocky Art Deco Arabic numerals with striped outer borders.
  • A central cutout in the dial plate exposes the internal balance and movement assembly.

Research qualifications

  • The electrical system requires servicing according to the seller description.
  • Minor wear to the black lacquer on numerals is visible and reported by the source.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Proantic: Ato Art Deco 1930 Electric Clock Signed Léon Hatot Large Siz

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record adc696839d

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.