J.L. Reutter Patent Atmos Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1933
This Atmos Pendule Perpetuelle, numbered 6883, is an early example of a clock design by J. L. Reutter, produced in France circa 1933. The object features a rectangular body constructed of black lacquered steel, supported by a chromed inclined base.
Its primary mechanism relies on a mercury-in-glass expansion device responding to barometric pressure fluctuations, which drives a vacuum chamber to wind the going barrel. The time is displayed on a matte silver dial featuring radial Roman numerals and an inner minute track, with blued steel sword hands. A small aperture on the front of the lacquered case reveals the annular torsion pendulum. The movement is finished in chrome and includes a locking lever located in the base.
An applied plaque on the case back confirms its origin with an inscription referencing the J. L. Reutter patent. The overall dimensions are 24 cm in height, 19 cm in width, and 12 cm in depth.
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
- circa 1933
- Type
- Atmos clock
- Maker
- J. L. Reutter
- Dimensions
- 24 cm x 19 cm x 12 cm
- Dial details
- Matte silver, Roman numerals
- Case material
- Black lacquered steel and chrome
- Movement type
- Perpetual, barometric pressure winding
- Serial Number
- 6883
- Place recorded
- France
- Country of origin
- France
- Maker / attribution
- J.L. Reutter
Design
- Visible features
- • Black lacquered rectangular casing • Chromed inclined base • Matte silver dial with painted radial Roman numerals • Annular torsion pendulum visible through lower aperture
- Movement and Mechanism
- The movement is chrome-finished and operates on the principle of energy derived from barometric pressure changes. A mercury-in-glass expansion device facilitates the winding of the going barrel, which is maintained by a blued steel spring and ratchet mechanism. This unique power source is housed within a vacuum chamber system. The timekeeping assembly comprises a lever escapement regulated by an annular torsion pendulum. A locking lever is positioned in the base directly below the pendulum, intended to secure the delicate mechanism during transport or when the clock is not in operation.
- Signatures and Condition
- The object carries an applied plaque on the case back, which provides explicit information regarding its technical provenance. The inscription confirms the patent rights and the place of manufacture for this unit. Regarding its physical condition, the auction description provides a grade for individual components. The case and the movement are both assessed as 'Good'.
- Case and Dial Construction
- The clock is housed in a rectangular, black lacquered steel case that contrasts with a chromed inclined base. The design includes a specific aperture on the lower portion of the front face, which provides visual access to the annular torsion pendulum. The bezel is also executed in chrome, framing the display. The dial is finished in a matte silver surface and features painted radial Roman numerals alongside an inner minute track. Time is indicated by blued steel sword-style hands.
Identification
- Serial number
- 6883
- 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: The internal state of the mercury-in-glass expansion device is unverified.
- Research required: The long-term functionality of the movement is not guaranteed without professional intervention.