Important Collectors Watches, Pocket ...

Geneva, Mar 29, 2009

LOT 449

Atmos, Vendome Jaeger-LeCoultre, "Atmos, Vendome", No. 421605. Made in the 1970's. Fine, rectangular, gilt brass and glass Atmos clock wound by barometric pressure changes. To be sold without reserve

CHF 2,000 - 3,000

USD 1,700 - 2,600 / EUR 1,300 - 2,000

Sold: CHF 2,400

C. Gilt brass, glazed on 4 sides, polished and brushed, stepped base, four corner large pillars, leveling screws and spirit level in the base. D. Off-white with painted black radial Roman numerals, outer minute division. Black Breguet hands. M. Cal. 528-8, gilt brass, vacuum chamber winding the going barrel, lever escapement driven by annular tension pendulum, locking lever in the base, regulator at the top. Dial and case signed. Dim. Height 23.5 cm., width 21 cm., depth 16.3 cm.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-01

Good

HANDS Original

Notes

The Atmos clock was invented by Neuchâtel engineer Jean-Léon Reutter (1899-1971). From his youth, he wanted to produce a clock that could be wound by atmospheric fluctuations, and in 1928 he succeeded. Reutter?s patent was first licensed to a French company which exploited it until 1935. Subsequently, it was purchased by Jaeger- LeCoultre. Though the early years were difficult, by 1979 there were half a million such clocks which quickly became popular and prestigious gifts for the important heads of states during their visits to Switzerland.