ATO Electrique. Leon Hatot

[Badgerus]

Hello again. I went to a car boot sale this morning and picked up this electric clock. I know absolutely nothing about these type of clocks, and was relieved when it worked after connecting it to 2 x 1.5v batteties. I was wondering if someone could enlighten me as to the proper voltage for these clocks? Also, an approximate age? The guy I bought it from said 1950s, but It looks like a 1930s clock from the case. The electric movement makes this new territory for me I'm afraid.
I'd be grateful for any input. Thanks.
Gerry.

 

[jmclaugh]

You may fair better if this thread is in the Electric Horology forum.

I can't help with the voltage but Hatot I believe started manufacturing ATO clocks to patents taken out in 1923. The inventor Marius Laget had also been concerned with the Bulle clock which the ATO is very similar to apart from on the ATO the magnet not the coil forms the pendulum and it has a steel not silk suspension. The were 2 basic movements, one with a half and the other with a quarter seconds pendulum with the latter being made in two sizes, tall and short, hence allowing a variety of case styles including wall clocks. Laget was the first to incorporate transistors into electric clocks and patented it in 1953.

 

[Steven Thornberry]

As Jonathan recommended, I have moved this thread to the Electric Horology forum.

 

[rlwindle]

Your clock was made between 1926-28. It uses a 1.5 volt battery (D Cell) be sure to unlock the pendulum by moving the lever on the back up.