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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Rectangular automatic wristwatch

ATO Rolls Hatots Patents 18K gold automatic wristwatch

Partially verified

This early automatic wristwatch features an 18K gold rectangular case measuring approximately 17 by 37 mm with a liftable front bezel mechanism. Built according to Hatots Patents, the entire movement is reported to move up and down for automatic winding. The piece is fitted with a hidden winding crown, an original dial signed 'FAB. SUISSE ATO', original hands, and a leather strap.

Angled view of the rectangular gold wristwatch with the hinged crystal bezel opened upward
Angled view of the rectangular gold wristwatch with the hinged crystal bezel opened upward — Cortrie Spezial Auktionen. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Wristwatch · Rectangular automatic wristwatch
Maker / attribution
ATO
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
4059
Source-reported date
ca. 1930
Country
Switzerland

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

Identity and Operating Principle

The auction title lists the piece as a "Wristwatch: very rare and early automatic watch ATO ROLLS HATOTS PATENTS 18 K gold, ca. 1930". The listing identifies the mechanism as an "early automatic movement according to HATOTS PATENTS, the whole movement goes up and down for automatic winding".

The auction description does not detail the internal engineering beyond noting that the complete movement shifts up and down to achieve automatic winding. Further details regarding internal sliding rails or specific patent registrations are not provided in the source.

Evidence for this section
  • “Wristwatch: very rare and early automatic watch ATO ROLLS HATOTS PATENTS 18 K gold, ca. 1930”
  • “early automatic movement according to HATOTS PATENTS, the whole movement goes up and down for automatic winding”

Case Architecture and Visible Characteristics

The case is catalogued as "18 K gold" with measurements of "Ca. 17 x 37 mm" and is noted to have a "liftable front" and a "hidden crown". It is fitted with a "leather strap".

Visual observation of the lot photograph confirms the hinged outer upper bezel frame lifted upward, revealing the inner rectangular movement carriage. A partially recessed knurled crown is visible along the lower side of the inner frame, and the watch is mounted on a brown reptile-grain leather strap.

Evidence for this section
  • “Ca. 17 x 37 mm, 18 K gold, liftable front, hidden crown”
  • “leather strap”
  • “Hinged outer upper bezel frame lifted upward, revealing the inner rectangular movement carriage.”
  • “Partially recessed knurled crown along the lower side of the inner frame.”
  • “Mounted on a brown reptile-grain leather strap.”

Dial and Hands

The auction cataloguer describes the watch as having an "original dial" and "original hands", though the basis for this originality assessment is not documented in the text.

Direct visual inspection shows a light-colored rectangular dial with Arabic numerals, blued hands, and the visible inscription "FAB. SUISSE ATO".

Evidence for this section
  • “original dial, original hands”
  • “Light-colored rectangular dial with Arabic numerals, blued hands, and visible inscription 'FAB. SUISSE ATO'.”

Condition and Recorded Limitations

The cataloguer notes the watch as "in working order", but mechanical performance, timekeeping accuracy, and the internal motion mechanism were not independently tested.

Internal movement stamps, base caliber numbers, and precious metal hallmarks are not recorded in the source text and are not visible in the provided exterior photograph.

Evidence for this section
  • “in working order”

Open research questions

  • What specific caliber or movement maker marks are stamped on the movement beneath the carriage?
  • What gold hallmarks and serial numbers are present on the inside or exterior of the 18K case?
  • What specific patent numbers correspond to the 'HATOTS PATENTS' referenced in the lot title and description?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for ATO Rolls Hatots Patents 18K gold automatic wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case DimensionsCa. 17 x 37 mm“Ca. 17 x 37 mm”
Case Material18 K gold“18 K gold”
Case FeatureLiftable front, hidden crown“liftable front, hidden crown”
Winding MechanismHatots Patents vertical motion automatic winding“early automatic movement according to HATOTS PATENTS, the whole movement goes up and down for automatic winding”
Auction HouseCortrie Spezial Auktionen“Cortrie Spezial Auktionen Hamburg, Germany”
Auction DateMay 09, 2015“May 09, 2015, 04:30 PM CET”
Lot Number4059“Lot 4059 : Wristwatch: very rare and early automatic watch ATO ROLLS HATOTS PATENTS 18 K gold, ca. 1930”
Estimate€1,400 EUR - €1,600 EUR“Est: €1,400 EUR - €1,600 EUR”

Visible details

  • Hinged outer upper bezel frame lifted upward, revealing the inner rectangular movement carriage.
  • Partially recessed knurled crown along the lower side of the inner frame.
  • Light-colored rectangular dial with Arabic numerals, blued hands, and visible inscription 'FAB. SUISSE ATO'.
  • Mounted on a brown reptile-grain leather strap.

Research qualifications

  • Movement interior and caseback hallmarks are not visible in the provided photograph.
  • Working order and internal movement motion are source-reported and not independently verifiable.

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

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: Wristwatch: very rare and early automatic watch ATO ROLLS HATOTS PATENTS 18 K gold, ca. 1930 (NO LIVE FEE)

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record dac78ad0d2

Terms in this record

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