The ATMOS clock was invented by NEUCH TEL 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 who exploited it until 1935. Subsequently, it was purchased by JAEGER LECOULTRE. After difficult early years, 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.