Important Collectors’ Wristwatches, P...

Geneva, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Du Rhône, May 13, 2007

LOT 34

?Grand Aquatora? Léon Hatot, (ATO). Made in 1934. One-of-a-kind, very fine, impressive and large Art Deco chrome and glass revolving aquarium electric clock with red, green and blue mains-operated electrical illumination from the base. Accompanied by the original patent and a period advertisement.

CHF 70,000 - 100,000

EUR 45,000 - 60,000 / USD 57,000 - 80,000

C. Large spherical glass aquarium upon a stepped circular revolving chrome base housing the electric lights below a revolving red, green and blue colored filter. D. Black, annular, fitted around the circumference of the aquarium, Arabic hour numerals, half-hour, quarter-hour and five-minute indexes. Ivorine indicator set in a chromed armature to read the time. 34 M. Electrically driven, synchronous motor, 220 v, the whole rotating. Case signed. Dim. 70 x 56 cm, diam. of the globe 44 cm. Property of a French Gentleman


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-24-01

Good

Slightly chipped

HANDS Original

Notes

This large ?Aquatora? aquarium clock, unique in terms of its size, is perhaps the most spectacular of pieces made by Hatot and one of the most representative of his inventiveness and creativity. Made especially for the 1934 Foire de Paris, the present piece was never commercialized. The motor in the base makes the aquarium revolve, allowing the time to be read by means of the fixed pointer. In the base are two light bulbs over which a colored celluloid filter passes. This illuminates the aquarium water with slowly changing colors of red, green and blue. The Aquatora was intended to contain real fish; the instructions helpfully suggest that the owner turn off the motor when changing the water.