The Atmos clock - Atmos Atelier
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What makes the Atmos unique
How the Atmos clock functions
The ATMOS from Jaeger-LeCoultre is a unique mechanical clock. This pendulum clock has been available for purchase since the early 1930s and is still sold today—almost identical in construction—by JLC.
The ATMOS clock uses the smallest temperature fluctuations to continuously generate energy and maintain a power reserve.
Behind the extremely smooth-running movement is a hermetically sealed pressure can filled with ethyl chloride, which reacts extremely sensitively to temperature fluctuations and thus generates movement via a metal bellows: if the temperature rises, the gas in the pressure can expands and vice versa. This pressure difference drives a mechanism that in turn winds the clock. A temperature change of just one degree can generate enough energy to keep the clock going for two days. The clock therefore does not need to be wound by hand and will run almost indefinitely as long as it is exposed to the natural fluctuations of the ambient temperature.
Jaeger-LeCoultre’s ATMOS is not only a technical jewel, but also an aesthetic one. It combines traditional craftsmanship and innovative technology to create a timepiece that measures time naturally and delights clock lovers around the world.
https://atmos-atelier.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Atmos-Atelier_Demonstrator.mp4
Model series at a glance
History of the Atmos clock
The following is an overview of the evolution of the Atmos clock. Since its invention in 1928, the legendary Atmos clock from Jaeger-LeCoultre has been redesigned again and again. Its special feature: an almost “eternal movement“ that is powered by the breath of the world. It has always been a dream of watchmaking to construct a clock that requires no external forces to run—a perpetual motion machine, so to speak. The trick: a hermetically sealed capsule—the so-called pressure box—reacts to temperature fluctuations and thus winds the watch—without human intervention. The very delicate movement, which is designed to be extremely efficient, can thus run for many decades. A temperature fluctuation of just one degree Celsius is enough to keep the watch running for 48 hours. A masterpiece of engineering! In the following, we will try to take up the history of the models and go into the technical differences as well as the aesthetically timeless combination of classic and modern. I hope you enjoy getting to know and exploring the different calibers and variations…
1929–1932
1929–1932
The Reutter Clock<br>Atmos I
In 1930 the production of the first Reutter watches started, the forerunners of the Atmos watch. There were about 24 different models from 1932–34, the first Reutter watches were still equipped with the “Cluses“ movement—with only 4 rubies, the rest of the pivots were steel. From 1932/33 on, a new movement caliber 30′‘A was used, equipped with 15 rubies. However, the main difference from the later Atmos watch was mainly the mercury-based motor, which transmitted the temperature fluctuations of the atmosphere to the mainspring barrel. From 1936, development began on a new motor principle, as the dangers of mercury became known and the motor construct was very fragile, therefore difficult to transport.
1939–1950
1939–1950
ATMOS II
The first “real“ Atmos clock, powered by a gas-filled metal bellow, was developed in 1935–38. The movement was further developed and a new case with glass discs was designed. The typical design, which remained until the early 1990s, was created. Over the years, there were minor changes to the design, such as the adjustment knob which points backwards to the pressure box, or forwards, towards the dial. The plate shows the Geneva finish, which is still common today. The Atmos II was sold from 1939 on and went into serial production for the first time. The myth of the perpetual motion machine was created.
1948–1955
1948–1955
Caliber 519<br>ATMOS III
With the caliber 519, further minor changes were made. The fine adjustment was revised and placed centrally at the front over the dial, the plate width is reduced and the construction of the case is somewhat simplified—overall, the watch becomes more suitable for mass production. The movement remains mostly unchanged. The number of watches produced increased from 2,000 in 1948 to 10,000 by 1951.
1953–1966
1953–1966
Caliber 522 and 532<br>Special series ATMOS IV
The caliber 522 and 532 were special models that were produced only briefly and are considered intermediate models. Today, the caliber 522 is often called “Tuxedo“ because of the prominent front...