Jaeger LeCoultre - Atmos Vendome

Dimensions: H x W x D: 24 x 21 x 17 cm

Description:
Atmos Vendome calibre 540 with marble base and fluted columns.
White ring dial with Roman numerals. Breguet hands.

Both the dial and the generally architectural design of this clock are reminiscent of classicism. This is why it became famous under the names "Style", "Empire" or "Directoire". The partial greenish lacquer finish is reminiscent of oxidised bronze.

The Atmos Vendome was produced in different variations and with different movement calibres. It appeared with a gold-plated base or with a marble base. The first Vendome was produced in 1962.
The model offered here with Ref. No. 220.013.0 was offered from 1985. In contrast to its predecessor models, it has a framed front door instead of the Plexiglas pane previously used.

The manufacturer's engraving is located on the front of the movement plate. An additional imprint can be found at the bottom right of the door.

Condition:
Flawless functionality. Absolute accuracy.
Very nice case condition with almost unrubbed gilding. The photos have not been "embellished", the case condition is as shown in the photos.

The original papers and an accompanying brochure are present and included.

I give a one-year guarantee on the functionality of the movement if it is set up and handled correctly.
The condition for the accuracy of the clock is a stable and vibration-free installation.

Interesting facts:
In 1927, the young engineer Jean-Léon Reutter presented the prototype of the Atmos clock he had developed.
The response in the press was great and so he signed a contract with the Compagnie générale de radiologie, which built and sold the "Atmos I" from 1930 under Reutter's direction.
As there were repeated problems with the clocks, the movements were manufactured by Le Coultre et Cie in Switzerland from 1933 and in 1935 the production rights for the Atmos clock were transferred to Ets. Ed. Jaeger in 1935.
They focussed on developing a simpler and more robust motor and from 1938 the era of the Atmos by Jaeger-LeCoultre began.

The "clock that lives on air" utilises the "breathing movements" of a gas-filled bellows caused by temperature fluctuations to wind the movement.
The movement of the clock stands out due to its cylindrical box on the back. It contains the saturated gas chloroethyl in an expansion chamber. Under the influence of temperature fluctuations, the ratio between liquid and gas changes and consequently the pressure in the expansion chamber also changes. Similar to a bellows, the chamber expands and exerts pressure on a spring. The chain mounted on the spring transmits the force to the movement and, with a temperature fluctuation of around 1 degree C°, supplies the energy for approximately 48 hours of running time.
This interesting winding mechanism is complemented by an exquisite movement of extreme precision with a heavy torsion pendulum.

For decades, the Atmos was Switzerland's official state gift to prominent visitors, e.g. politicians from abroad.

[Source: Jean Lebet - Living on Air / Jürgen Abeler - Ullstein Uhrenbuch]

Price: 3300,- €