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www.worldtempus.comAtmos clock, Objet d’Art since 1928The Atmos clock is intimately bound up with time itself. First of all, through its mechanism which is driven by infinitely small successive changes in temperature. And secondly through its style, which has brought it majestically and serenely through the decades for over 80 years. Only the oscillations of its annular balance and the regular dance of its hands serve as sutble reminders that the time is still turning. Two new creations sublimate the spirit of a collection with an almost perpetual mechanism that remains an impressive technical feat to this day. One is a re-edition of a 1930s clock, and the other a contemporary piece in Baccarat crystal designed by Marc Newson. Both express the language of time through a pure design that exalts its inherent complexity.
In 1928, the engineer Jean-Léon Reutter defied physical laws by devising a clock movement designed to run for several centuries without wearing out or requiring any external intervention. Fascinated by this revolutionary invention, Jaeger-LeCoultre applied its manufacturing capabilities to perfecting the mechanism and handling its development. The Atmos clock was born.
Atmos Réédition 1930Today, although constantly refined, the principle is the same as ever: the energy required to drive the clock is supplied by changes in temperature. The secret lies in a hermetically sealed capsule containing a gaseous mixture – initially mercury – that dilates when the temperature rises and contracts when in drops. In conjunction with the clock’s mainspring, the capsule acts as a mechanical lung which ‘breathes’ in and out, and in doing so winds the barrel in step with atmospheric fluctuations. Even a one-degree Celsius shift is enough to guarantee a full 48-hour power reserve. Its annular balance also operates in an amazingly economical manner: by oscillating just two times per minute, its energy consumption is 250 times less than that of a conventional wristwatch, which beats at an average rate of 300 vibrations per minute. This environmentally-friendly mechanism that was always far ahead of its times is so sparing that it would take 60 million Atmos clocks to equal the energy consumption of a 15-watt electric bulb.
This impressive technical feat is matched by a design that evolves in step with the times. Jaeger-LeCoultre has continuously evolved the Atmos line by imbuing it with a strong aesthetic identity. Each model features a clever blend of functionality and style, lending an emotional and cultural dimension to the measurement of time. The new releases introduced in 2010 also highlight the Atmos odyssey in spectacular glass or crystal cases combining art, design and manufacturing expertise.
Atmos Réédition 1930The Atmos Réédition 1930 is a vibrant tribute to Jean-Léon Reutter and to the era that witnessed the birth of this fabulous mechanism. While the model remains faithful to the original clock, the Jaeger-LeCoultre watchmakers and designers have been careful to offer the Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 560 a means of expression worthy of its technical sophistication. Beneath its bell-shaped glass cabinet, the brass dial clearly proclaims its Art Deco heritage. Its understated elegance is graced with black-tipped white hands gliding over 1930s style handwritten numerals. A broad central opening reveals a glimpse of the intricate workings of the movement, which is entirely hand-decorated in keeping with the noblest fine watchmaking traditions. The pure, airy lightness emanating from this commemorative model is accentuated by a steel base that is so fine as to be as almost invisible, creating a feeling of time literally standing still. The Atmos Réédition 1930 is issued in a limited series of 300.
Atmos 566 by Marc NewsonTwo years ago, to mark the 80th anniversary of the Atmos, the Australian designer Marc Newson was given carte blanche to redesign the famous clock: surrounded by a Baccarat crystal bubble, the pure, contemporary curves of the Atmos 561 by Marc Newson commanded immediate attention.
Atmos 566 by Marc NewsonThis year, the artist wished to renew his cooperation with Jaeger-LeCoultre. Entranced by the magic of complex horological mechanisms, he has chosen to lend a new face to Calibre 566 which was featured in the Atmos Astronomique presented in 2008. The result is truly majestic: the Atmos 566 by Marc Newson transforms Baccarat crystal into a second skin. Two versions – a limited series of 28 in blue and another 48-piece translucent edition – magnify this encounter between contemporary art and fine craftsmanship, and between technology and aesthetics.
The generously proportioned cabinet allows light to flood in and illuminate the complicated mechanism. The hours and minutes rub shoulders with the sky chart of the Northern hemisphere, with the cardinal points and zodiac. The months are displayed on a rotating disc at 6 o’clock along with the equation of time. This truly fascinating model recounts infinity and conveys a sense of the absolute, transcending both time and space. Its graceful bubble encapsulates the combined manufacturing expertise of Jaeger-LeCoultre and Baccarat, along with the modern inspiration of a legendary designer, and the sophistication of a mechanism powering its complications with an infinitely small amount of energy This rare and precious alchemist’s blend transforms the Atmos 566 by Marc Newson into a modern-day classic and a genuine collector’s objet d’art.
Marc Newson visiting Jaeger-LeCoultre Manufacture
Atmos 566 by Marc Newson : technical characteristicsMovement:
• Mechanical, almost perpetual Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 566, crafted and assembled by hand
• 309 parts
• Annular balance with 60-second oscillation period
Functions:
• hour, minute, month, equation of time
• sky chart depicting the Northern hemisphere along with the cardinal points and zodiac signs
Dial:
• with transferred sky chart
Hands:
• facetted baton-type
Cabinet:
• bubble-shaped, made by the Baccarat crystal manufacturer and created by Australian designer Marc Newson
References:
• Q5165102, limited series of 48
• Q5165103, limited series of 28
Atmos Réédition 1930: technical characteristicsMovement:
• mechanical, almost perpetual Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 560, crafted and assembled by hand
• 217 parts
• annular balance with a 60-second oscillation period
Functions:
• hour, minute
Dial:
• silvered with black numerals
Hands:
• re-edition hands
Cabinet:
• steel and glass
Reference:
• Q5175101, limited series of 300
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