Rare 1930s ‘Atmos’ clock to go under the hammer!

With the success of the modern Jaeger LeCoultre ‘Atmos’ clock in the most recent Clocks Auction (lot 1406, July) still fresh in the minds of many of our bidders, it is with great pleasure that we announce another, earlier Atmos timepiece is coming to sale in the upcoming auction on 12 October.

Lot 1460, a 1930s J.L. Reutters ‘Atmos – Pendule Perpetuelle’ clock, offers collectors a rare chance to own an incredible piece of horological history. Jean-Leon Reutter designed the first prototype of the ‘Atmos’ clock, a clock which is powered by changes in the atmosphere (and as a result requires no manual winding), in 1927/28 with the first clocks being manufactured a year later.

From 1932 onwards LeCoultre became the sole manufacturers of the movements for these clocks, with them producing the complete clock from 1935 onwards. As this example does not bear the LeCoultre name we can date it to that early window of production, between 1929 and 1934, a real rarity indeed!

The piece will be going to sale with an estimate of £1,500 – £2,000 and will certainly garner plenty of interest on the view. So be sure to make time to visit McTear’s for what promises to be another ATMOS-pheric auction.

Entries are invited for the Clocks Auction >>

Featuring timepieces of all types – from the grandest grandfather clock to the most elegant enamel clock – and instruments including sextants, military and medical pieces, as well as musical instruments and cameras.

Dedicated auctions of clocks & instruments are held every twelve weeks. Come along to the Valuation Days at McTear’s on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week for complimentary auction advice.

James Bruce