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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Atmos table clock

LeCoultre Atmos Torsion-Pendulum Table Clock

Partially verified

This LeCoultre Atmos table clock, attributed to Switzerland circa 1965, is a gold-plated timepiece utilizing a torsion-pendulum mechanism. The clock features a glazed case and a black ring dial adorned with four applied Arabic numerals and eight indices. Internally, the clock is powered by a gold-plated movement, specifically calibre 526, which incorporates fausses cotes decoration. The timepiece functions through an aneroid cell that captures changes in barometric pressure, which then winds the movement via a chain and barrel system. The clock measures approximately 22 x 18 x 13.5 cm. The auction description notes that the front glazed door requires replacement, and the clock shows strong traces of corrosion, necessitating an overhaul. It is categorized by the auction house as condition 4-5.

The gold-plated LeCoultre Atmos clock viewed from the front, showing the black ring dial, glazed case, and the internal movement and pendulum.
The gold-plated LeCoultre Atmos clock viewed from the front, showing the black ring dial, glazed case, and the internal movement and pendulum. — Henry's Auktionshaus (via Invaluable). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Atmos table clock
Maker / attribution
LeCoultre
Reference
calibre 526
Catalogue / lot identifier
3170
Source-reported date
circa 1965
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 constructed with a gold-plated frame featuring glazed panels, creating an open view of the internal mechanism. A base section at the bottom of the frame includes an engraved badge. The auction description identifies that the front glazed door of this assembly requires replacement.

The time is indicated on a black ring dial. This dial is configured with four applied Arabic numerals at the primary cardinal points and eight additional indices interspersed to mark the remaining hours. The gold-plated hands are centrally mounted above the movement plate visible through the center of the ring.

Evidence for this section
  • “gold-plated, glazed case, front glazed door (has to be replaced), base with engraved badge”
  • “black ring dial with 4 applied Arabic numerals and 8 indices”

Movement and Powering System

The movement is a gold-plated calibre 526, featuring fausses cotes decorative finishes on the plates.

Power is derived from changes in ambient barometric pressure, which act upon the aneroid cell. This energy is transmitted through a chain and barrel assembly to wind the mainspring, allowing the clock to operate without manual winding under the right environmental conditions.

Evidence for this section
  • “gold-plated movement calibre 526 with fausses cotes decoration”
  • “wound by barometric pressure changes, chain and barrel, Aneroid-cell, (Perpetuum-Mobile)”

Condition

The auction description identifies the object as being in condition 4-5. The primary physical issues noted include significant surface deterioration and mechanical failure.

Specific concerns include the presence of strong traces of corrosion on the clock's components. Furthermore, the auction report explicitly states that the mechanism needs to be overhauled to restore its function, in addition to the necessary repair of the glass door.

Evidence for this section
  • “strong traces of corrosion, needs to be overhauled, condition 4-5”
  • “front glazed door (has to be replaced)”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific text engraved on the base badge?
  • To what extent can the corrosion be remediated without compromising the original gold plating?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for LeCoultre Atmos Torsion-Pendulum Table Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerLeCoultre“LeCoultre torsion-pendulum-table clock Atmos”
Datecirca 1965“around 1965”
Movement Calibre526“gold-plated movement calibre 526”
Dimensions22 x 18 x 13,5 cm“measures approx. 22 x 18 x 13,5 cm”
Power SourceBarometric pressure“wound by barometric pressure changes”
MechanismTorsion-pendulum“LeCoultre torsion-pendulum-table clock Atmos”
Country of OriginSwitzerland“Switzerland”

Visible details

  • Black ring dial with four applied Arabic numerals and eight indices.
  • Gold-plated movement identified as calibre 526 with fausses cotes decoration.
  • Base features an engraved plaque or badge.
  • Glazed case structure.

Research qualifications

  • The source states the front glazed door 'has to be replaced'.
  • The source reports 'strong traces of corrosion' and that the movement 'needs to be overhauled'.

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

Consulted source

LeCoultre torsion-pendulum-table clock Atmos

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record d5c17ee960

Terms in this record

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

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