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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Atmos clock

Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos Clock

Partially verified

This Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos clock, dated to circa 1960, is a rectangular timepiece housed in a gilt brass and glass case. It features a self-winding mechanism powered by atmospheric pressure changes, which winds the going barrel. The clock is constructed with five sides utilizing glass panels secured within brass borders, a canopy locked by two pins, and a beveled base equipped with leveling screws and an integrated spirit level. The front of the base bears an engraved dedication. The dial is white with applied gilt dart indexes and Arabic numerals at the quarter-hour positions, complemented by gilt dauphine hands. The movement, identified as Caliber 540, incorporates a vacuum chamber, an annular tension pendulum, and a lever escapement. The clock is accompanied by its original box, a certificate, and associated repair documentation. The case and movement are signed by the manufacturer.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos clock shown with its original box and documentation.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos clock shown with its original box and documentation. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Clock · Atmos clock
Maker / attribution
Jaeger-LeCoultre
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
29
Source-reported date
circa 1960
Source-reported place
Switzerland

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial

The clock is designed as a rectangular enclosure measuring 23 cm in height, 21.5 cm in width, and 16 cm in depth. The structure consists of five sides made of glass within gilt brass borders, set upon a beveled base. The canopy assembly is secured by two locking pins.

The dial is finished in white and features applied gilt dart indexes and Arabic numerals at the three, six, nine, and twelve o'clock positions. Time is indicated by gilt dauphine hands. The front of the base is engraved with a dedication to Parris M. Twesten for twenty-five years of service, dated 1961.

Evidence for this section
  • “Fine, rectangular, gilt brass and glass Atmos clock”
  • “C. Gilt brass, 5 sides with glass in brass borders on a canopy locked by two pins, beveled base, leveling screws and spirit level in the base, the front engraved with dedication.”
  • “D. White, applied gilt dart indexes and Arabic quarter-hour numerals. Gilt dauphine hands.”

Movement and Functionality

The timepiece utilizes the Caliber 540 movement. Power is derived from a vacuum chamber that winds the going barrel based on barometric pressure fluctuations. The oscillation is managed by an annular tension pendulum and a lever escapement.

A locking lever is positioned above the pendulum disc to secure the mechanism for transport, and a regulator is located at the top of the movement.

Evidence for this section
  • “M. Cal. 540, gilt brass, vacuum chamber winding the going barrel, lever escapement driven by annular tension pendulum, locking lever above the pendulum disc, regulator at the top.”
  • “Movement: 3* Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Documentation and Attribution

This lot is provided with an original Atmos box, a certificate, and repair notes. The auction description specifies that both the case and the internal movement are signed by Jaeger-LeCoultre.

The object is attributed to the year circa 1960, although the engraving on the base is dated 1961, indicating the time of the presentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “Accompanied by original Atmos box, certificate and repair notes.”
  • “Case and movement signed.”
  • “To be sold without reserve”

Open research questions

  • Does the 1961 engraving on the base definitively date the production of the clock to that specific year rather than the 'circa 1960' attribution?
  • Are there additional records pertaining to the repair notes provided with the lot?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJaeger-LeCoultre“Jaeger-LeCoultre, Atmos.”
Datecirca 1960“Made circa 1960.”
Caliber540“Cal. 540”
Case dimensions23 cm x 21.5 cm x 16 cm“Dim. Height 23 cm., width 21.5 cm., depth 16 cm.”
Base featuresLeveling screws and spirit level“leveling screws and spirit level in the base”
DedicationFront engraved“the front engraved with dedication.”
Winding mechanismBarometric pressure“wound by barometric pressure changes.”

Visible details

  • Front base engraving dedication present
  • Spirit level integrated into the base
  • Visible locking lever above the pendulum disc

Research qualifications

  • Movement requires an overhaul per auction report
  • Verification of the specific dedication context or provenance beyond the inscription

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

JAEGER-LECOULTRE ATMOS Jaeger-LeCoultre, Atmos. Made circa 1960. Fine, rectangular, gilt brass and glass Atmos clock wound by barometric pressure changes. Accompanied by original Atmos box, certificate and repair notes. To be sold without reserve

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 1e6d74e236

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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