Moonphase Monday - The Atmos Phases de Lune Classique

A gilt brass jewel from JLC -

Courtesy of Jaeger-LeCoultre

I am a real fan of the Atmos, and this one just sings to me.

Not exactly something you can strap on to your wrist, but absolutely worthy of space on your desk.

Here are the pertinents -

Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre : 562

Case : Gilt brass, Dimensions (LxTxW) : 225 X 155 X 200mm

Functions : Hour - Minute, Month, Moon phases

Recto Hands Poire

Movement : Perpetual movement, Components : 231, Vibrations per hour : 120, Jewels : 15, Barrel : 1

Dial : White, Lacquered, Roman numerals

SIHH - the Antidote

With all of the excitement finally receding into the background with the closing of SIHH for another year, I though it might be interesting to have a look at something from a Richemont group company that is not a "show-pony".

This is my very own Jaeger Le-Coultre Atmos clock.  It has, in the past, informally served as the official timekeeper for Tempus Fugit.  And it does come with a bit of an interesting story. It had been left at a local watch makers for repairs back in the 90s. The person who left it never came back for it.  I visited the shop pretty much once a week to ask if it was finally for sale.  Every week I got the same answer from the store owner - "Let me think about it and I'll tell you next week".  This went on for a little over 11 months.  I finally convinced the owner of the shop to sell it to me and it has now been with us for several years. As with any vintage clock or watch, it has required a few trips for service to finally get "just right". I think that we are finally there.

Now while I would love to own a red Reverso or an Overseas from Vacheron Constantin one day, I truly am not bothered about all of the "of the moment" concoctions hurled about as "SIHH specialties".  A note to the marketing folks at Richemont - you have some singular classics - don't forget about them ; )

 

Hermès Atmos

In fairness, I have an Atmos clock, but nothing quite like this!

Courtesy of Hermès

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

CABINET
Shape/dimensions  - 
Sphere, 276 x 276 x 272 mm

Material

Transparent crystal globe from Les Cristalleries de Saint-Louis,
lined with white enamel

Rhodiumed 172 mm-diameter base

Weight 
10 kg (+/- 1 kg)

Glass 
Extra-white mineral glass with black silkscreen printing   

Hands 
Black dauphine type

MOVEMENT   
Type -  

Mechanical almost perpetual winding thanks to temperature fluctuations
Jaeger-LeCoultre 560a

Jewelling 
15 jewels

Balance
Annular balance

Frequency
1 vibration per minute

Decoration    
Satin-brushed rhodiumed/polished

Functions
Hours, minutes    
    
   
   

    

The Green Atmos - an Update

So regular readers might remember a post over a year ago about my laying hands to a Jaeger -  LeCoultre Atmos clock.  It had been pretty badly neglected by its previous owner.  And the first stab at restoration was little better than a stab - quite literally.  Finally, after a second service with the oversights of the first restoration effort revealed - it became quite clear that this is a clock with a lot to give.  So the clock is back, and we are now in the "regulation" phase making minor adjustments - and with luck in a week or so she should be completely settled down and running without flaw. 

Jaeger-LeCoultre's new boutique - in Milan

December 15th, via Montenapoleone 1 saw the opening of JLC's newest boutique in Milan.

Courtesy of Jaeger-LeCoultre

And as a self-professed Serie A fanatic, I would have LOVED to attend!  Several dignitaries from AC Milan's past and present were in attendance.  Had Paolo Maldini been there, I would have booked the Alitalia flight myself!