Jaeger LeCoultre - Atmos Feuille d'or Motif Caravelle

Dimensions: H x W x D: 22 x 18 x 13.5 cm

Description:
Atmos V calibre 526 in the special "Feuille d'or" version. This model with the motif "Caravelle" was built under the ref. number 5801 from 1962-1971. There are two models in the Feuille d'or version: the "Constellation" model and the somewhat rarer "Caravelle" model offered here.

Feuille d'or translates from French as "gold leaf". The sides, the door and the glass on the top plate of the clock are lacquered from the inside. The golden lacquer finish looks amazingly similar to gold leaf.

The white full dial has a compass rose in the pivot point of the hands. The front, sides and cover plate feature numerous sailing ships - caravels that remind the viewer of the times of the great explorers and conquerors of the Middle Ages and the dawn of modern times.
The light and shadow effect of black lacquer on a golden ground lend the depictions a three-dimensional character.

Serial number: 217610
Year of manufacture: 1966

Condition:
The movement is freshly overhauled. It runs accurately and reliably. The case is in absolutely authentic original condition with slight signs of use and minor wear in the gilding commensurate with its age. The depictions are reverse glass paintings and accordingly completely undamaged.

I give a one year warranty on the movement when professionally set up and handled.

Points of interest:
The "clock that lives on air" uses the "breathing movements" of a gas-filled bellows that occur during temperature fluctuations to wind the movement.
The movement of the clock is conspicuous by its cylindrical box on the back. Inside, a bellows-shaped expansion chamber contains chloroethyl, a gas that expands particularly strongly between 10 °C and 27 °C. The movement is then wound up.
A temperature difference of only one degree Celsius winds the watch for 48 hours. This interesting winding mechanism is complemented by an exquisite movement of the utmost precision with a heavy torsion pendulum.
The condition for the accuracy of the clock is a stable and vibration-free installation.

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