Happy Swiss National Day!

Today, I would like to talk to you about a Swiss brand whose heritage makes me proud: it is #JaegerLecoultre, located in Le Sentier (Vallée de Joux, Canton of Vaud). 

You certainly know the Reverso model and its history linked to the polo players, the Memovox for the vintage lovers who need an alarm clock other than the unpleasant ringing of their Iphone, perhaps also the recent productions with the Polaris, the series with Master Control and Master Ultra Thin complications. However, JLC is also a manufacturer of exceptional clocks, and this since 1928.

Often ignored by amateurs of beautiful mechanical timepieces, the #Atmos clock remains a classic. Generally discreet and elegant, it is often found in the same places, whether in a cabinet of curiosities, on a beautiful desk, above a fireplace or in private hotels. 

The watchmakers of the Vallée de Joux had thought of using temperature variations to power this clock, and until today, the system surprises by its inventiveness. Because the Atmos clock lives on the air of time: inside a hermetic capsule, a mixture of gases stretches and contracts with each change in temperature. The mechanism winds up naturally, without any human intervention. A difference of one degree is enough for it to function for two days. Until today, it has not changed much.

The more I get interested in this product, the more I think that the second hand prices are still way too low for the quality offered. Apart from complications and designer series, the most sought-after models on the market today are silver-colored, with the anniversary series. All Atmos clocks are delicate if mishandled, so that before considering having one, it is good to check several things. Here are some tips you would want to consider, before you jump in the pool:

1) Revision : if the last revision date is unknown, I would always suggest to bring the clock for a control, or even a complete revision. Count on a similar budget to what you would pay for a high-end watch revision. Then, you will be safe for the next 15 years. In Switzerland, Atelier Horloger in Colombier/Neuchâtel is a trusted partner you would want to give your clock to, since he is trained and certified by JLC for repairing Atmos, and has access to official NOS spares.

2) Condition: If the plating on steel frame is scratched, then it is best to wait until a better one is offered. The cost of "cosmetic" reconditioning has gone up, following the price of precious metals. Before buying, control also these points on the clock: the back drum must be free of cracks, ideally the angles of the glasses must not be chipped, the printed logo must be perfectly readable.

3) Handling: before doing anything: ALWAYS block the pendulum, otherwise you will have big problems. And above all, block it when it has reached the end of its rotation stroke, otherwise there will not be enough energy to start again in the other direction. If you have the opportunity, go and get the clock yourself, because probably very few people will make the effort to take care of the shipping. IF you have no choice than having sent it over to your place, get in touch with me, I have a few tricks in my sleeve.

I hope you learned a thing or two, and that you enjoyed the detailed pictures of that 1952 clock that just arrived at WATCH & WRITE Shop. Reach out to me @ info@watchandwrite.com or drop a line to Sébastien Kaeser at Atelier Horloger shall you have any question on the topic.

It is now time for me to say goodbye, there is the BBQ party in front of Swiss Parliament building, in Bern. Happy Monday, folks !