Important Watches, Collector's Wristw...

Hotel Richemond, Geneva, Oct 13, 2001

LOT 233

Leon Hatotwatchmaker, jeweler, goldsmith, inventor, was born in Chatillon sur Seine in 1883. He made movements for all the top Parisian firms, including Van Cleef, Boucheron and Mauboussin. He made electric clocks under the name of ATO, invented the "Rolls" self-winding movement licensed to Blancpain, and took over the famous business of Paul Garnier. Hatot died in 1953. At the outbreak of World War II, the firm closed its jewelry business, and the remaining stock was kept in a bank until a few years ago,when it was sold at auction.Rolls "Ato", No. 106691. Produced in the 1930's.Interesting self-winding, rectangular, 18K yellow gold lady's wristwatch.

C. two-body, solid, polished, hinged and engraved bezel and band, wire lugs. D. matte silver with painted Arabic numerals. "Moderne" blued steel hands. M. 4 1/2 ''', signed Blancpain, marked "Hatot's patents pending in all countries", baguette, rhodium-plated, "fausses côtes" decoration, 17 jewels, lateral lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance, Breguet balance-spring, the movement, mounted on balls, rolls back and forth thus winding the watch.Dial and movement signed. Dim. 11 x 32 mm.