Jaeger-LeCoultre has been producing stunning Atmos clocks for more than 80 years, and at SIHH two new models debuted that continue the tradition. One is a re-edition of a 1930s clock, and the other a contemporary piece in Baccarat crystal designed by Marc Newson.
In 1928, the engineer Jean-Léon Reutter devised a clock movement designed to run for several centuries without wearing out or requiring any external intervention. Fascinated by this revolutionary invention, Jaeger-LeCoultre applied its manufacturing capabilities to developing and perfecting the mechanism, and the Atmos clock was born.
The Atmos mechanism is a marvel of engineering. It is powered by minute temperature fluctuations. Even a 1 degree Celsius change is enough to provide 48 hours of power reserve. Its annular balance also operates in an amazingly economical manner: by oscillating just two times per minute, its energy consumption is 250 times less than that of a conventional wristwatch. Here is an amazing statistic: it would take 60 million Atmos clocks to equal the energy consumption of one 15-watt electric lightbulb. Perhaps the Atmos is the ultimate green machine.
Atmos Réédition 1930
The Atmos Réédition 1930 is a tribute to the era that witnessed the birth of the Atmos mechanism. While the model remains faithful to the original clock, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 560 is surrounded by understated Art Deco elegance equal to the Calibre’s technical sophistication. The Atmos Réédition 1930 is issued in a limited series of 300 and is priced at $23,250.
Atmos 566 by Marc Newson
Two years ago Marc Newson designed his first Atmos clock, and for 2010 the cooperation is renewed. The designer lends a new face to Calibre 566 which was featured in the Atmos Astronomique presented in 2008.
The result is the majestic Baccarat crystal Atmos 566 by Marc Newson. The generously proportioned cabinet allows light to flood in and illuminate the complicated mechanism. The hours and minutes rub shoulders with the sky chart of the Northern hemisphere, with the cardinal points and zodiac. The months are displayed on a rotating disc at 6 o’clock along with the equation of time. Two versions are available: a limited series of 28 in blue priced at $123,000 and another 48-piece translucent edition priced at $106,000.
Technical information for both the Réédition 1930 and the 566 models is provided below the images, which may be enlarged with a click.
Atmos Réédition 1930: technical characteristics
Movement:
mechanical, almost perpetual Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 560, crafted and assembled by hand
217 parts
annular balance with a 60-second oscillation period
Functions:
hour, minute
Dial:
silvered with black numerals
Hands:
re-edition hands
Cabinet:
steel and glass
Reference:
Q5175101, limited series of 300
Atmos 566 by Marc Newson: technical characteristics
Movement:
Mechanical, almost perpetual Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 566, crafted and assembled by hand
309 parts
Annular balance with 60-second oscillation period
Functions:
hour, minute, month, equation of time
sky chart depicting the Northern hemisphere along with the cardinal points and zodiac signs
Dial:
with transferred sky chart
Hands:
facetted baton-type
Cabinet:
bubble-shaped, made by the Baccarat crystal manufacturer and created by Australian designer Marc Newson
References:
Q5165102, limited series of 48
Q5165103, limited series of 28
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