I have a 1950s Atmos LeCoultre Clock in gold that came from my Grandfather. I only have a .bmp right now from a catalog - so am working on something to post. I am being quoted about $1000.00 to restore it; it does run but will not rewind itself due to pressure/temperature changes like it was supposed to do when new. Any opinions on whether it is worth this cost, or should I just keep it as it is for a decorative piece?
It is my opinion that there is no point in owning something that does not work. This especially applies to timepieces. That said I would definatly have it properly serviced and the price you mention sounds about right for an Atmos. Make sure that it is done by a reputable service place and the clock should last a long time if done properly. The Atmos is a wonderful piece of engineering and a great clock to have. I am currently looking for just the right one to adorn my home. Good luck with it.
I would definitely have it repaired. $1000 seems a little high, but it depends what is needed to get the clock functioning properly. I am used to seeing them repaired for around $500ish. Very few people know how to properly repair this piece. Just some info from a fellow in VA. I don't know how good he is, but the site seems like a good reference point. http://www.atmosclocks.com/repair.html
Agree on making it run - it bugs me to see it just sitting there. Especially when it has such beautiful machinery, all sitting there in a glass case for the world to see. I really have no idea what these things are actually worth, so it seemed like a grand was a lot of money to put into it - maybe a little research will encourage me to go forward. Thanks, James
Non gold new basic one complication (just time telling) Atmos Clocks start at about $5000 and go up from there. Depending on condition and provenance yours could be worth much more. Regardless of the value they are a great thing to have. They are on the official list of approved gifts given by Switzerland to visiting foreign dignitaries and just about every US president as far back as I can think has had one. It is a really cool piece. I also agree that few know how to properly service these things. Track down an expert. Do not just take it to the local jewlery store. The chances of finding an expert without looking is rare.
I have two Atmos clocks and love them. After a long period (several decades), sometimes the bellows (that responds to atmospheric pressure changes and winds the mechanism) needs to be replaced. I've not used them, but the place in Virginia mentioned in an earlier post has been repairing them for a long time.
Thanks to you and VTC also. So - you do not know of anyone here locally in Dallas? I am going to take some time to look over the VTC reference. Thanks, James
No -- not in Dallas I don't believe. By the way, if you do ship it off, be sure to lock the mechanism with the sliding lever on the front of the clock and pack well in two boxes.
We just picked one up yesterday. Gorgeous piece, nearly perfect condition. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Great clocks. I've had a bunch, and currently have the last Tiffany dialed Atmos Moonphase sold. Tell your housekeeper or whoever dusts the clock NOT TO TOUCH IT. Don't move it, don't touch it, don't dust it. They need to be kept level and still. Don't turn the hands backwards, always forwards. They are a blast to work on, but require a good amount of special tools. Don't be tempted to buy the original Reutter version, with the mercury Jtube. They are very inefficient (they use variation in barometric pressure, rather than temperature changes) to wind the spring-and JLC will ask you to pay a ton of money to ship it to Europe for repair.
That looks identical to the one my dad received from his company back in the late '80s. I have always loved that clock and the mechanics of it, so unique!!
We just got another one in last night for repair. It was a gift from Chevrolet to the owner of the dealership in 1982. These clocks are so cool, I was staring at mine for a few minutes yesterday. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Don't forget that Atmos clock cases are 24 carat gold plated with a lacquer finish-it doesn't take much to damage the lacquer then see the gold plating dull. No scrubbing bubbles please!
Anyone a fan of these "perpetual" mantle clocks ? Pretty neat concept and design. ATMOS - Jaeger-LeCoultre E-boutique
I am a fan http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/fine-watches-jewelry-clothes/183011-atmos-clock.html We have been recently talking about the atmos in the link above
I wasn’t in the market but this popped up for sale locally (cheap), running well, from the grandson of the original owner. Image Unavailable, Please Login
I had to shim the card table and the clock, but it’s up and running well. Image Unavailable, Please Login
The new version is $20,000 https://www.jaeger-lecoultre.com/us-en/clocks/atmos/atmos-collection/atmos-collection-infinite-glass-q540531j
