Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos Clock

Description

Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos clock in a highly polished finish with glazed panels. With renowned atmospheric movement meaning, this clock requires no winding or continued maintenance. The clock is driven by a mainspring which is wound by a bellows. This contains ethyl chloride which vaporises and condenses based on changes in temperature. The motion of the bellows is enough to wind the mainspring and a change of temperature of just 1 degree is enough for the clock to run for 4 days.
It stands on three adjustable feet to ensure the mechanism remains level which is aided by a small spirit level behind the front panel.

Behind the clock face, the mechanism can be seen including the jewels and visible “Jaeger-LeCoultre” markings.

This clock has recently undergone a full service.

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos Clock: A Masterpiece of Mechanical Innovation

At Mark Goodger Antiques, we specialise in rare and fine timepieces that reflect both exceptional craftsmanship and historical significance. Among the most remarkable horological innovations of the 20th century is the Atmos clock—a truly unique mechanical clock powered not by winding or battery, but by the natural shifts in temperature and atmospheric pressure.

Invented in 1928 by Jean-Léon Reutter, and later perfected by the renowned Swiss watchmaker Jaeger-LeCoultre, the Atmos clock remains a symbol of luxury, engineering brilliance, and timeless design.

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How the Atmos Clock Works

What sets the Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos clock apart is its ability to harness ambient temperature and air pressure to power its movement. Inside each Atmos clock lies a hermetically sealed capsule containing a gas—typically ethyl chloride—which expands and contracts with minute changes in temperature.

This continuous fluctuation drives a precision mechanism that winds the mainspring. A temperature shift of just one degree Celsius is enough to power the Atmos for up to two days. This ingenious system allows the clock to operate for years without winding, electricity, or manual intervention.

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Key Features of the Atmos Clock

• Temperature-Powered Mechanism
  The Atmos clock uses a gas-filled chamber that reacts to environmental changes, offering a perpetual source of energy. This makes it one of the most energy-efficient clocks ever created.

• Unmatched Energy Efficiency
  With no need for batteries or winding, the Atmos clock can run for decades on its own. Even the subtle warming of a room or change in weather is sufficient to sustain its movement.

• Timeless Design
  Housed in elegant glass and metal cases—often with gilt brass or chrome finishes—Atmos clocks blend classical refinement with mechanical intrigue. These timepieces are as much a decorative statement as they are precision instruments.

• Exceptional Precision
  Some models are accurate to within one minute per year, a remarkable feat for a clock powered entirely by natural elements.

• Longevity & Heritage
  Built to last for generations, Atmos clocks require very little maintenance and are often passed down as family heirlooms. Their enduring appeal makes them a cornerstone of many fine antique clock collections.

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Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Enduring Legacy

While the concept of a gas-powered clock predates its commercial success, it was Jaeger-LeCoultre who elevated the Atmos to an icon of luxury. Since the 1930s, they have produced a wide array of Atmos models—from Art Deco classics to sleek contemporary editions—each bearing the Swiss maker’s hallmark of quality and innovation.

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The Atmos Clock as a Collector’s Piece

For the discerning collector or interior designer, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos is much more than a clock—it is a sculptural work of horological art, admired for its quiet sophistication and engineering elegance. Its unique ability to respond to the environment gives it a living, breathing quality rarely found in timepieces.

Whether displayed in a library, drawing room, or office, an Atmos clock adds an air of distinction and narrative, seamlessly blending science, history, and design.

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Explore Fine Antique Clocks at Mark Goodger Antiques

At Mark Goodger Antiques, we offer a curated selection of Atmos clocks and other fine antique timepieces. With decades of experience, we are proud to guide collectors, decorators, and enthusiasts in sourcing rare and exceptional examples.

If you are looking to purchase an Atmos clock, wish to learn more about its history, or are seeking advice on building your collection, we would be delighted to assist.

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All our items come with an authentication certificate with an image, care instructions and a separate invoice for insurance purposes. On top of this, our items come with 14 day no-quibble money-back guarantee and are all fully insured for when shipping.

Additional information

Dimensions	21 × 16 × 24 cm
Country	Switzerland
Year	Circa 1970
SKU	500903MCXE