Importantes Montres de Collection

Geneva, Nov 13, 2011

LOT 80

J.L. REUTTER PATENT ART DECO ATMOS Atmos, Pendule Perpetuelle, J. L. Reutter patent, France, retailed by Kirby, Beard & Co., Paris. Made circa 1935. Very fine and very rare, early, Art Deco, mahogany and ivory inlaid, "perpetual" clock wound by changes in barometric pressure with early mercury in glass expansion device.

CHF 6,000 - 8,000

USD 6,500 - 8,700 / EUR 5,000 - 6,500

Sold: CHF 11,250

C. Rectangular, polished mahogany body with stepped and graduated sides, the top edge with ivory inlay, inclined base, aperture to view the pendulum, brass bezel, ivory plaque on the top inscribed ?le Personnel de la Maison Ch. Gervais a Mr. A. Bizouerne?. D. Matte gilt with painted black Paris numerals, outer minute track. Blued steel Breguet hands. M. Chrome, vacuum chamber with rotating drum driven by a mercury in glass expansion device winding the going barrel by a blued steel spring and ratchet, lever escapement driven by annular torsion pendulum, locking lever in the base below the pendulum. Dial signed. Height 28 cm., width 19.5 cm., depth 12 cm.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-6-01

Good

Slightly oxidized

HANDS Original

Notes

In the late 1920's engineer Jean-Leon Reutter experimented with a clock which would not need direct mechanical or electrical intervention to keep it wound, a clock powered only by perpetual motion. His design included a device powering the movement independently, using mercury - a substance which would react to the most sensitive changes in temperature and atmospheric conditions, hence the name "Atmos Clock.? The fi rst models used the mercury in glass expansion device. Later, due to dangers in handling and instability, the mercury in the bellows powering the Atmos Clock was changed for a more stable saturated gas, ethyl chloride. Reutter's system was patented in 1928 to later be sold and improved by Jaeger-LeCoultre. The ?perpetual? movement is defi ned as ?a movement which continues to function indefi nitely without any exterior source of energy.?