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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Electric mantel clock

Leon Hatot ATO Pendulette Electric Clock

Partially verified

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.

Leon Hatot ATO Pendulette electric clock showing the dial aperture and arched wooden case.
Leon Hatot ATO Pendulette electric clock showing the dial aperture and arched wooden case. — Museums Victoria. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collections.museumsvictoria.com.au
Category
Clock · Electric mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Leon Hatot
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
ST 21637
Source-reported date
circa 1935
Source-reported place
France
Source-reported serial
7453

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

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “Wooden case with round arch and inlaid lines.”
  • “Part of the dial is cut away to show pendulum with curved magnet”

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “Electric impulse movement; 1/4 second pendulum.”
  • “Magnet on back of case can be turned to accelerate or retard clock by influencing magnet on pendulum.”

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial marked 'Electrique ATO', 'Bte. S.G.D.G. Depose', and 'France'.”
  • “Backplate is marked 'Leon Hatot, Fabricants, Paris, France' and '7453'.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific material composition of the inlaid lines on the wooden case?
  • Was this specific model produced in different wood finishes or variations beyond the one recorded?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Leon Hatot ATO Pendulette Electric Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
ManufacturerLeon Hatot“Association: type: Manufacturer, name: Leon Hatot”
Datecirca 1935“date: circa 1935”
LocalityParis, France“locality: Paris, country: France”
Movement TypeElectric impulse“Electric impulse movement”
Registration NumberST 21637“Registration number: ST 21637”
Regulation mechanismMagnet on back of case“Magnet on back of case can be turned to accelerate or retard clock”
Power requirement1.5 volt battery“pulsed by a 1.5 volt battery”

Visible details

  • 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

Research qualifications

  • The exact date of manufacture is stated as circa 1935 rather than confirmed
  • The specific species of wood used for the case is not specified in the source

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

Consulted source

Electric Clock - Leon Hatot, 'ATO Pendulette', 1930s

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record e0625d3047

Terms in this record

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

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