Custom Search

Monday 7 June 2010

WATCH INNOVATION FOCUS - Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos clocks

JAEGER-LeCOULTRE ATMOS Unless you studied physics or engineering at University the technology behind Atmos clocks sounds a bit like science fiction. It is however fairly simple. Basically, the mechanism uses changes in atmospheric temperature and pressure to expand and contract springs and coils suspended in a vacuum to wind the mainspring. A temperature change of only one degree or a pressure change of 3 mmHg is enough to keep the clock ticking for two days. It's pretty much perpetual motion at work.


The Atmos clock was invented by Jaeger-LeCoultre in 1932 although clocks that used temperature and pressure changes to run were being made as early as the 17th century. 


Australian designer Marc Newson has reinvented the Atmos clock for the 20th century. The Atmos 566 is housed in a hand blown baccarat crystal cocoon. The blue version is a limited edition of 18 and costs £78,500 ($113,000).