Important Collectors Watches, Pocket ...

Geneva, Mar 29, 2009

LOT 447

Atmos, Pendule Perpetuelle, J. L. Reutter patent, model RC2, No. 3256, Swiss. Made in 1934. Very fine and very rare, early, Art Deco, chrome and glass, "perpetual" clock wound by changes in barometric pressure.

CHF 7,000 - 10,000

USD 6,000 - 8,500 / EUR 4,700 - 6,700

C. Rectangular, chromed frame and inclined base, glazed 4 sides and top with rectangular base. D. Matte silvered with applied blued brass Art Deco Arabic numerals. Blued steel Breguet hands. M. Chrome, vacuum chamber winding the going barrel, lever escapement driven by annular torsion pendulum, locking lever in the base below the pendulum. Vacuum frame signed on a plaque and numbered. Dim. height 23.5 cm., width 17.5 cm., depth 14.2 cm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3-6

Good

Slightly oxidized
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 4-10-01

Fair

Patinated

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.