Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Atmos mantel clock

Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos Lacquer Chinoiserie Clock

Partially verified

This Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos clock, serial number 220 009, dates to the 1990s. The rectangular timepiece is constructed with a gilt brass frame and features black lacquered ceramic panels on the top, sides, and base. The exterior is decorated with landscape motifs including figures, finished with applied abalone shell inlay. The clock stands on an outswept plinth base equipped with leveling screws and a spirit level. The dial is black lacquered to match the case and displays gilt Breguet-style hands, with an aperture at the lower section providing a view of the pendulum. A locking slide is positioned above the pendulum aperture. Internally, the clock is powered by a Caliber 540 movement, which utilizes a vacuum chamber to wind the going barrel through barometric pressure changes, driving the lever escapement and annular torsion pendulum. The clock measures 28.5 cm in height, 22.5 cm in width, and 16.8 cm in depth.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos lacquer Chinoiserie clock showing the black lacquered panels with abalone shell inlay.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos lacquer Chinoiserie clock showing the black lacquered panels with abalone shell inlay. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Clock · Atmos mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Jaeger-LeCoultre
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
78
Source-reported date
1990's
Source-reported place
Not established
Source-reported serial
220 009

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 Aesthetic Design

The clock features a rectangular gilt brass frame housing black lacquered ceramic panels. The top, sides, and base are finished with hand-painted landscapes incorporating figures. This decoration is further detailed with applied and shaped pieces of abalone shell, which are integrated into the surface design to add luster. The assembly sits on an outswept plinth, which is fitted with adjustable leveling screws and a spirit level to ensure the precision required for the Atmos mechanism.

The decorative style is described by the source as an imitation of Chinese and Japanese lacquers, referred to as japanning. The case is completed by a brushed gilt-brass back plate and a dial that matches the black lacquer of the panels. A specialized locking slide is located above the pendulum aperture to secure the movement when the clock is moved.

Evidence for this section
  • “C. Gilt brass, the top, sides and base painted with Chinesestyle black lacquered ceramic panels decorated with fi gures in landscapes highlighted with applied abalone shell”
  • “The beautifully decorated case of this clock is done in the Western tradition of ?japanning? in imitation of Chinese and Japanese lacquers.”

Movement and Functionality

The timepiece is powered by the Caliber 540 movement, a characteristic mechanism of the Atmos line. The system operates on barometric pressure fluctuations, which cause a hermetically sealed vacuum chamber to expand and contract. This kinetic energy is used to wind the clock's going barrel, eliminating the need for manual winding.

The power is delivered to a lever escapement that regulates the motion of an annular torsion pendulum. This mechanism allows the clock to operate with minimal energy, enabling continuous operation through slight changes in ambient temperature and pressure. The dial features an aperture at the bottom, which allows for observation of the pendulum's rotation during operation.

Evidence for this section
  • “M. Cal. 540, gilt brass, vacuum chamber winding the going barrel, lever escapement driven by annular torsion pendulum.”
  • “Atmos clock wound by barometric pressure changes.”

Condition and Attribution

The auction description provides a grading for the clock, assigning a grade of 'A Good' overall. The dial is rated as 'As new', and the hands are identified as original to the clock.

The identification of the object is confirmed by the serial number 220 009 and the presence of the Jaeger-LeCoultre branding. The clock is classified as an Atmos model, produced during the 1990s.

Evidence for this section
  • “Grading System Grade: A Good Case: 2 Very good Movement: 2* Very good Overhaul recommended”
  • “D. Black lacquered and decorated to match the case, aperture to view the pendulum with locking slide above. Gilt Breguet hands.”

Open research questions

  • What specific production quantity was manufactured for this lacquer Chinoiserie series?
  • Are the abalone shell components individually unique to each clock or standard patterns?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos Lacquer Chinoiserie Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJaeger-LeCoultre“Jaeger-LeCoultre, "Atmos".”
Serial Number220 009“No. 220 009.”
Date1990's“Made in the 1990's.”
Dimensions28.5 x 22.5 x 16.8 cm“Height 28.5 cm., width 22.5 cm., depth 16.8 cm.”
MovementCaliber 540“M. Cal. 540, gilt brass, vacuum chamber winding the going barrel, lever escapement driven by annular torsion pendulum.”
DecorationChinoiserie with abalone shell“painted with Chinesestyle black lacquered ceramic panels decorated with fi gures in landscapes highlighted with applied abalone shell”
Condition noteOverhaul recommended“Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Visible details

  • Applied abalone shell elements
  • Outswept plinth base with leveling feet
  • Visible pendulum oscillation aperture
  • Gilt Breguet hands

Research qualifications

  • The exact origin of the lacquering process is not specified beyond a general reference to Western japanning
  • The functional state of the movement is not guaranteed as the auction suggests an overhaul is recommended

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

Consulted source

JAEGER-LECOULTRE ATMOS LACQUER CHINOISERIE Jaeger-LeCoultre, "Atmos". No. 220 009. Made in the 1990's. Very fine, rectangular, gilt brass, lacquer and glass Atmos clock wound by barometric pressure changes.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record b144a17e49

Terms in this record

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

Other atmos mantel clock records