Atmos clock - Jaeger-LeCoultre - Brass, Glass - c. 1950
08
days
15
hours
46
minutes
52
seconds
Current bid
€ 650
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Paula Martin-Calero Toro
Holds a degree in art history; over six years cataloguing and appraising antiques.
Estimate € 1,200 - € 1,400
 | €650 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €600 | |
 | €550 | |
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Jaeger‑LeCoultre Atmos clock with calibre 519, open‑centre gilt dial, and a gilt brass and glass case, dating to c.1950, Swiss made, measuring about 23×21×16 cm and weighing around 4 kg, in good working condition with an atmospheric mechanical movement and no winding key.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
A beautiful and highly collectible early LeCoultre Atmos atmospheric clock, fitted with the celebrated calibre 519 and carrying the low serial number 36265.
This is an earlier generation of the legendary Atmos, dating from approximately the early 1950s, and therefore considerably older than the more commonly encountered Atmos examples from the 1960s and 1970s.
Specialist Atmos serial-number records place numbers from approximately 25,000 onwards in the 1950s, while calibre 519 is particularly associated with early production in the 25,000-59,000 range.
One of the great icons of Swiss horology
The Atmos is one of the most extraordinary mechanical clocks ever created.
Unlike a conventional clock, it does not require normal manual winding.
A hermetically sealed capsule reacts to small changes in ambient temperature. Expansion and contraction of the gas inside the capsule winds the mainspring gradually, allowing the clock to continue operating with an exceptionally small amount of energy.
This ingenious principle is the reason the Atmos became one of the defining creations associated with LeCoultre and later Jaeger-LeCoultre.
Early calibre 519
This example belongs to the important early family of Atmos clocks using the calibre 519.
The calibre 519 is closely related to the earlier Atmos II architecture, but specialist technical references distinguish the 519 by its later regulating arrangement. Atmos specialists place calibre 519 examples within the serial range that includes this clock.
The visible serial number is:
36265
Its relatively low number adds considerable collector interest and places this clock much earlier than the later calibre 528 Atmos models.Classic open-centre dial
The clock features the highly desirable open-centre dial design.
The dial includes:
applied gilt Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6 and 9
faceted gilt hour markers
gilt hands
open central section exposing the movement
signed LeCoultre beneath 12
visible mechanical train
large torsion balance below the dial
The exposed centre allows the mechanical construction to become part of the visual design.
It gives the Atmos a wonderful technical character and makes the slow movement of the mechanism visible from the front.
Gilt brass and glass case
The clock is housed within the classic rectangular glass cabinet with gilt brass framing.
Approximate dimensions for this calibre and case type are:
Height: approximately 23-24 cm
Width: approximately 21 cm
Depth: approximately 16 cm
Comparable calibre 519 examples are generally around 4 kg in weight.
The substantial size gives the clock considerable presence while remaining elegant enough for a desk, library, office, console or horological collection.
Authentic vintage condition
This example has been preserved in good and highly authentic vintage condition.
It has deliberately not been over-restored.
The gilt brass surfaces display visible age-related patina, small marks, light scratches and localised discolouration consistent with an object approximately 70 years old.
The dial also shows characteristic traces of age, including light marks and surface patina visible in the photographs.
These details have intentionally been photographed clearly.
They do not detract from the overall appearance. Instead, they reinforce the authentic character of an early Atmos which has survived in genuine period condition.
The rear atmospheric capsule housing retains its attractive original brushed finish and is clearly signed:
LeCoultre Switzerland
The glass panels are present and allow an excellent view of the movement from all sides.
Working condition
Most importantly, the clock is currently working correctly.
The torsion balance moves freely and the clock has been observed running and keeping time.
The atmospheric winding system is functioning.
No recent documented service history is available, therefore no guarantee regarding future accuracy or service interval can be given.
As with every vintage Atmos, correct levelling and careful positioning are essential for proper operation.
Original technical features
The clock retains the characteristic Atmos construction, including:
mechanical atmospheric winding system
sealed temperature-sensitive capsule
torsion balance
fine regulating system
balance locking mechanism
glass cabinet construction
open-centre dial
early calibre 519 architecture
The extremely slow torsion balance is one of the keys to the Atmos concept, allowing the mechanism to consume an exceptionally small amount of energy.
Important transport information
An Atmos is a highly delicate precision instrument.
Before shipment, the balance will be properly locked and secured.
The clock will then be carefully protected with several layers of cushioning and packed using a strong double-box system.
After delivery, the clock should be:
placed on a firm and vibration-free surface,
carefully levelled,
allowed to settle,
and only then unlocked.
The clock must never be transported with the torsion balance unlocked.
Collector's appeal
This example is particularly attractive because it combines:
early LeCoultre production,
calibre 519,
low serial number 36265,
early-1950s manufacture,
open-centre dial,
gilt brass case,
working atmospheric mechanism,
and genuine period patina.
This is not simply a decorative clock.
It is an early example of one of the most ingenious mechanical clock concepts of the 20th century and a fascinating object for collectors of Jaeger-LeCoultre, mechanical watches, precision instruments and mid-century design.
Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important and integral part of the description.
You will receive exactly the clock shown in the photographs.
The clock will be professionally secured, exceptionally carefully packed and shipped with tracking and appropriate insurance.
Offered by an experienced and highly rated Catawiki seller with excellent buyer feedback. Our auctions feature carefully selected collectible objects, accurate descriptions, professional photography and exceptionally secure packaging. You can bid with confidence.
A beautiful and highly collectible early LeCoultre Atmos atmospheric clock, fitted with the celebrated calibre 519 and carrying the low serial number 36265.
This is an earlier generation of the legendary Atmos, dating from approximately the early 1950s, and therefore considerably older than the more commonly encountered Atmos examples from the 1960s and 1970s.
Specialist Atmos serial-number records place numbers from approximately 25,000 onwards in the 1950s, while calibre 519 is particularly associated with early production in the 25,000-59,000 range.
One of the great icons of Swiss horology
The Atmos is one of the most extraordinary mechanical clocks ever created.
Unlike a conventional clock, it does not require normal manual winding.
A hermetically sealed capsule reacts to small changes in ambient temperature. Expansion and contraction of the gas inside the capsule winds the mainspring gradually, allowing the clock to continue operating with an exceptionally small amount of energy.
This ingenious principle is the reason the Atmos became one of the defining creations associated with LeCoultre and later Jaeger-LeCoultre.
Early calibre 519
This example belongs to the important early family of Atmos clocks using the calibre 519.
The calibre 519 is closely related to the earlier Atmos II architecture, but specialist technical references distinguish the 519 by its later regulating arrangement. Atmos specialists place calibre 519 examples within the serial range that includes this clock.
The visible serial number is:
36265
Its relatively low number adds considerable collector interest and places this clock much earlier than the later calibre 528 Atmos models.Classic open-centre dial
The clock features the highly desirable open-centre dial design.
The dial includes:
applied gilt Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6 and 9
faceted gilt hour markers
gilt hands
open central section exposing the movement
signed LeCoultre beneath 12
visible mechanical train
large torsion balance below the dial
The exposed centre allows the mechanical construction to become part of the visual design.
It gives the Atmos a wonderful technical character and makes the slow movement of the mechanism visible from the front.
Gilt brass and glass case
The clock is housed within the classic rectangular glass cabinet with gilt brass framing.
Approximate dimensions for this calibre and case type are:
Height: approximately 23-24 cm
Width: approximately 21 cm
Depth: approximately 16 cm
Comparable calibre 519 examples are generally around 4 kg in weight.
The substantial size gives the clock considerable presence while remaining elegant enough for a desk, library, office, console or horological collection.
Authentic vintage condition
This example has been preserved in good and highly authentic vintage condition.
It has deliberately not been over-restored.
The gilt brass surfaces display visible age-related patina, small marks, light scratches and localised discolouration consistent with an object approximately 70 years old.
The dial also shows characteristic traces of age, including light marks and surface patina visible in the photographs.
These details have intentionally been photographed clearly.
They do not detract from the overall appearance. Instead, they reinforce the authentic character of an early Atmos which has survived in genuine period condition.
The rear atmospheric capsule housing retains its attractive original brushed finish and is clearly signed:
LeCoultre Switzerland
The glass panels are present and allow an excellent view of the movement from all sides.
Working condition
Most importantly, the clock is currently working correctly.
The torsion balance moves freely and the clock has been observed running and keeping time.
The atmospheric winding system is functioning.
No recent documented service history is available, therefore no guarantee regarding future accuracy or service interval can be given.
As with every vintage Atmos, correct levelling and careful positioning are essential for proper operation.
Original technical features
The clock retains the characteristic Atmos construction, including:
mechanical atmospheric winding system
sealed temperature-sensitive capsule
torsion balance
fine regulating system
balance locking mechanism
glass cabinet construction
open-centre dial
early calibre 519 architecture
The extremely slow torsion balance is one of the keys to the Atmos concept, allowing the mechanism to consume an exceptionally small amount of energy.
Important transport information
An Atmos is a highly delicate precision instrument.
Before shipment, the balance will be properly locked and secured.
The clock will then be carefully protected with several layers of cushioning and packed using a strong double-box system.
After delivery, the clock should be:
placed on a firm and vibration-free surface,
carefully levelled,
allowed to settle,
and only then unlocked.
The clock must never be transported with the torsion balance unlocked.
Collector's appeal
This example is particularly attractive because it combines:
early LeCoultre production,
calibre 519,
low serial number 36265,
early-1950s manufacture,
open-centre dial,
gilt brass case,
working atmospheric mechanism,
and genuine period patina.
This is not simply a decorative clock.
It is an early example of one of the most ingenious mechanical clock concepts of the 20th century and a fascinating object for collectors of Jaeger-LeCoultre, mechanical watches, precision instruments and mid-century design.
Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important and integral part of the description.
You will receive exactly the clock shown in the photographs.
The clock will be professionally secured, exceptionally carefully packed and shipped with tracking and appropriate insurance.
Offered by an experienced and highly rated Catawiki seller with excellent buyer feedback. Our auctions feature carefully selected collectible objects, accurate descriptions, professional photography and exceptionally secure packaging. You can bid with confidence.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Manufacturer/brand
Jaeger-LeCoultre
Number of objects
1
Clock type
Atmos clock
Material
Brass, Glass
Clock mechanism
Mechanical
Power reserve
infinite movement
Striking
Not striking
Country of origin
Switzerland
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of ageing
In working order
Yes
Height
23 cm
Width
21 cm
Depth
16 cm
Estimated period
c. 1950
Weight
4 kg
Winding key
No
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