100 Years of Wristwatches

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Nov 19, 2000

LOT 64

Leon Hatotwatchmaker, jeweler, goldsmith, inventor. Born at Châtillon sur Seine in 1883. Made movements for all the top Parisianfirms, including Van Cleef, Boucheron and Mauboussin. 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 in1953. At the outbreak of World War II, the firm closed its jewelry business, and the remaining stock was kept in a bankvault until sold at auction a few years ago.Hatot, Swiss, No. 102941, 1930's.Interesting self-winding, rectangular, 18K yellow gold gentleman's wristwatch.

C. two-body, solid, polished, hinged back, lapidated bezel, engraved band. D. matte silver with applied goldBreguet numerals. 'Moderne' blued steel hands. M. Cal. 5 3/4 ?'', signed Blancpain, Hatot's patent, rhodiumplated, 'fausses côtes' decoration, 15 jewels, lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance, Breguet balance-spring,the movement, mounted on ball bearings, rolls back and forth and winds the watch.Dial and movement signed, numbered on the case.Dim. 17 x 37 mm.