Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos Lacquer Chinoiserie Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1990's
Maker / issuer
Jaeger-LeCoultreThis Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos clock, serial number 220 009, dates to the 1990s. The rectangular timepiece is constructed with a gilt brass frame and features black lacquered ceramic panels on the top, sides, and base.
The exterior is decorated with landscape motifs including figures, finished with applied abalone shell inlay. The clock stands on an outswept plinth base equipped with leveling screws and a spirit level. The dial is black lacquered to match the case and displays gilt Breguet-style hands, with an aperture at the lower section providing a view of the pendulum. A locking slide is positioned above the pendulum aperture. Internally, the clock is powered by a Caliber 540 movement, which utilizes a vacuum chamber to wind the going barrel through barometric pressure changes, driving the lever escapement and annular torsion pendulum.
The clock measures 28.5 cm in height, 22.5 cm in width, and 16.8 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
- 1990's
- Type
- Atmos mantel clock
- Maker
- Jaeger-LeCoultre
- Movement
- Caliber 540
- Decoration
- Chinoiserie with abalone shell
- Dimensions
- 28.5 x 22.5 x 16.8 cm
- Serial Number
- 220 009
- Condition note
- Overhaul recommended
- Maker / attribution
- Jaeger-LeCoultre
Design
- Visible features
- • Applied abalone shell elements • Outswept plinth base with leveling feet • Visible pendulum oscillation aperture • Gilt Breguet hands
- Case and Aesthetic Design
- The clock features a rectangular gilt brass frame housing black lacquered ceramic panels. The top, sides, and base are finished with hand-painted landscapes incorporating figures. This decoration is further detailed with applied and shaped pieces of abalone shell, which are integrated into the surface design to add luster. The assembly sits on an outswept plinth, which is fitted with adjustable leveling screws and a spirit level to ensure the precision required for the Atmos mechanism. The decorative style is described by the source as an imitation of Chinese and Japanese lacquers, referred to as japanning. The case is completed by a brushed gilt-brass back plate and a dial that matches the black lacquer of the panels. A specialized locking slide is located above the pendulum aperture to secure the movement when the clock is moved.
- Condition and Attribution
- The auction description provides a grading for the clock, assigning a grade of 'A Good' overall. The dial is rated as 'As new', and the hands are identified as original to the clock. The identification of the object is confirmed by the serial number 220 009 and the presence of the Jaeger-LeCoultre branding. The clock is classified as an Atmos model, produced during the 1990s.
- Movement and Functionality
- The timepiece is powered by the Caliber 540 movement, a characteristic mechanism of the Atmos line. The system operates on barometric pressure fluctuations, which cause a hermetically sealed vacuum chamber to expand and contract. This kinetic energy is used to wind the clock's going barrel, eliminating the need for manual winding. The power is delivered to a lever escapement that regulates the motion of an annular torsion pendulum. This mechanism allows the clock to operate with minimal energy, enabling continuous operation through slight changes in ambient temperature and pressure. The dial features an aperture at the bottom, which allows for observation of the pendulum's rotation during operation.
Identification
- Serial number
- 220 009
- 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 exact origin of the lacquering process is not specified beyond a general reference to Western japanning
- Research required: The functional state of the movement is not guaranteed as the auction suggests an overhaul is recommended