Atmos Clock - Jaeger LeCoultre
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1953
Maker / issuer
Jaeger-LeCoultreThis Atmos clock, manufactured in 1953 in Geneva, Switzerland, is a self-winding timekeeper designed to operate based on atmospheric temperature fluctuations. The mechanism utilizes a sealed container filled with a mixture of gas and ethyl chloride.
Changes in ambient temperature cause the internal mixture to expand and contract, which in turn compresses and releases a spiral spring that winds the mainspring. The manufacturer states that a one-degree temperature change provides enough energy to power the clock for two days. The movement features a torsion pendulum, which is visible at the base of the clock and oscillates at a rate of two oscillations per minute.
The overall dimensions of the clock are 22 cm in length, 16 cm in width, and 22.5 cm in height. The movement is inscribed with the serial number 60196 on the top plate.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- 1953
- Type
- Atmos clock
- Maker
- Jaeger-Lecoultre
- Serial Number
- 60196
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Power Mechanism
- Temperature-driven expansion of gas and ethyl chloride
- Maker / attribution
- Jaeger-Lecoultre
- Registration Number
- ST 29854
- Pendulum Performance
- Two oscillations per minute
- Manufacturing Location
- Geneva, Switzerland
Design
- Visible features
- • Circular dial with Arabic numerals at 3, 6, 9, and 12 positions • Visible torsion pendulum located at the base of the movement • Rectangular glass casing with metallic frame structure • Gas-filled bellows capsule visible behind the dial
- Construction and Mechanism
- The Atmos clock operates through a physical process triggered by environmental temperature changes. The core of the winding system is a sealed capsule containing a combination of gas and ethyl chloride. As the ambient temperature shifts, the mixture inside the capsule expands or contracts, exerting mechanical force on a spiral spring that effectively winds the clock's mainspring. The timekeeping is regulated by a torsion pendulum positioned in the lower section of the movement. This pendulum is designed for a low oscillation rate, completing only two oscillations every sixty seconds. This slow-moving action minimizes energy consumption, allowing the clock to maintain function through the energy harvested from temperature variations.
- Dimensions and Physical Form
- The clock is housed in a clear rectangular case that protects the movement while allowing visibility of the internal components. The assembly measures 22 cm in length, 16 cm in width, and 22.5 cm in height. The face of the clock features a circular dial, which displays the time via a standard hand arrangement.
- Signatures and Identification
- The object is identified as a Jaeger-Lecoultre timepiece. It is assigned the registration number ST 29854 within the museum collection. This specific unit was manufactured in 1953 in Geneva, Switzerland. Internal identification is provided by a number stamped onto the movement. The top of the movement bears the inscription '60196', which serves as the specific serial number for this clock mechanism.
Identification
- Serial number
- 60196
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Verification of internal movement parts beyond the exterior view
- Research required: Confirmation of the original state of the gas-filled bellows