Atmos 528 Complete Overhaul Part 1 Clock Disassembly

[@MeKnownAsI]

Loved this video! My father introduced me to the Atmos clock many years ago when I was too young to appreciate the marvel of technology it is. Today, decades later, I love watches, watch repair and the beautiful precision of miniaturization that has been a part of watch design for over a century. This video was so well done with such detail. Thank you for taking the time to show all the steps in servicing the movement as well as what to look out for when looking to purchase an Atmos clock.

[@watchguyAtmos]

Thank you, I appreciate that. I enjoy educating people on what makes these clocks so special.

[@akisak2087]

Thanks a lot for this video and the amount of information it has. I have an Atmos Jubilee 76 my dad bought at a jewelry store, and a few years ago, I damaged it by locking the pendulum while the top fork was engaged (sorry I don't use the correct words but I am sure you understand what I mean) I sent it to Jeager Lecoultre in my country where it was repaired and serviced (I cost me around $800) but once I got it back it was running much too fast (+ 20 minutes/day) after sending them back the clock, the technicians told me there was nothing wrong with the clock and it probably had to do with magnetism or something interfering with the clock at my place (?) After going back and forth without any improvement, I took it back, turned the top thing where the filament is stuck, and got it back working as much accurate as possible. It was not a great experience, but I really love this piece. I hope it keeps on working for a long time...

[@watchguyAtmos]

The clock probably should have had about an additional 5 g of weight installed on the balance to reduce the speed. Once you get accuracy to a two minutes a day, you can begin regulating using the regulation lever at the top of the clock. I hear examples every week from my clients who have taken their Atmos clocks to repair shops that have no idea what they’re working on. Let me know if I can be of some help. Atmos Clock Repair Shop

[@akisak2087]

@@watchguyAtmos Thank You for your suggestion about the weight. The model is a 5861 and the balance has 6 large studs and I wonder if they didn't mess with them when reassembling it as it was working perfectly before I damage the fork... I'd love to have you check it, but it would have to cross the ocean...

[@kenhelix4494]

Yes, very good! Thanks for the book references too. This gives me confidence to check one over - now on to Part 2.

[@watchguyAtmos]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ChetGeorge]

I have an Atmos 528 S/N 346175 (1971 I think) that I got ~13 years ago. It's been running great ever since. I think I tinker with the time about monthly and it's only off a minute or so, but I don't really remember exactly. I know that it's always close. Anyway, I'm 80 now and the kids don't want it and I'd like to see it go to a good home to be appreciated like we have. I love the technology of this clock. It's almost a perpetual motion machine. Amazingly it only needs 1 degree of change to wind (or so I've read). My question is: How much longer can it be expected to run without service. I don't know if it's ever been serviced. I got it from an antique shop in Pennsylvania after tourning the The National Watch & Clock Museum. I paid, what I thought was a TON of $$$ for it but was impressed with it. OK, when do you suggest it gets serviced? And if the kids sell it what would you tell them it's worth. I have tons of pictures and even videos of it. We LOVE it and want a good owner for it when we're gone. Thanks for reading this and any help, suggestiong, and/or comments.😉 Oh, I really appreciate not only your talent in working on these beauties but your skill in describing what's going on while you're doing it AND your video talent. EXCELLENT! 👍👍

[@watchguyAtmos]

If you have a clean household and non-smokers, you can probably go another 13 maybe 15 years before needing a service. You will know it needs to be serviced if you keep having to nudge the regulator to the “+”position. A 528 in exceptional condition can go for $1k.

[@JimmiePorterAtStuartArts]

Very informative. Thank you for sharing!

[@watchguyAtmos]

My pleasure!

[@brianwarburton4482]

Excellent video. It may be a good idea for you to invest in a clock mainspring winder to help protect both yourself and the mainspring.

[@watchguyAtmos]

A spring winder is definitely not necessary for an Atmos main spring. The Atmos spring is very thin and does not have a lot of energy. The spring is very easy to unwind and wind using only your fingers.

[@brianwarburton4482]

That's interesting. I assumed it was the same as a standard clock spring. Thanks for the info.@@watchguyAtmos

[@watchguyAtmos]

A standard clock spring does not have a bridal spring on top of it nor does it attach to a barrel hook. Both of these features make a spring winder impossible to use in an Atmos.

[@brianwarburton4482]

Thanks. I didn't realise that.@@watchguyAtmos

[@deanlapinel3985]

Outstanding! Any guess as to when you might upload part 2?

[@watchguyAtmos]

I should have part 2 published November 8th 😊

[@_tikinick_]

I just pulled my 528 to diagnose thanks to your great videos. The bellows are perfect, measuring great and expanding and contacting in specification. However I tried hand winding by pushing the bellows spring in and it doesn't return by itself, it pushes in fine but does not return unless I lightly pull it, what would your diagnosis be for this? Once hand wound it starts and continuously runs at 450 degrees amplitude, so obviously needs a service, so the fault lies with the winding mechanism

[@watchguyAtmos]

Your main spring is sticky. The clock will need to be taken apart and overhauled.

[@_tikinick_]

@@watchguyAtmos Many thanks, I will do that, thanks for your excellent video's!

[@ScottSellsSoCal]

What a great, no nonsense video! I have loved mechanical clocks for my whole life and always wanted one of these Atmos clocks. I plan to get a larger one and soon! I’ve been scared to get one and have it be a basket case or non repairable. May I ask you… is it hard to get parts or have them serviced? What state are you in? Thanks

[@watchguyAtmos]

I live in South Carolina. Parts are very difficult to get. You need to wait for used parts to come up for sale on eBay. It’s very important to buy from a seller that accepts returns. Let the clock run for a few weeks to see if it’s in working condition. It will likely need to just be serviced. Once you service these clocks, they run for a very long time without requiring any further assistance. Thank you for your kind words.

[@kaleb5926]

Thanks for the video. Quick question, if the stem that holds the hands is broken( in the area away from the movement closer to the hands), would i theoretically be able to glue the broken stem back and it work fine despite (assuming i do a good glue job)?

[@watchguyAtmos]

I’m going to assume your minute hand will not attach to the clock. You will require a new fourth wheel. This part cannot be glued back together. It’s very common this part gets broken especially in Atmos II clock. They get broken when the upper case is removed from the clock and snag on the minute hand.

[@kaleb5926]

@@watchguyAtmos what would be the labor cost if I sent over a clock along with the correct part?

[@Mr0cyril0]

Awesome video ! Where did you find this movement support ? Which video microscope do you use ? Many thanks !

[@watchguyAtmos]

Movement support was purchased from Timesaver. iPhone built in microphone.

[@joaquinpendleton948]

Hi: Excellent video on the Atmos. Where can I buy a copy of the Atmos repair guide you are referring to? thanks, joaquin

[@watchguyAtmos]

Amazon

[@jan_de_witt]

I recently bought an Atmos with a 176XXX serial number. Is it possible to date the clock to a specific year? The dial says only "LeCoultre" (and Swiss at 6 o'clock) rather than Jaeger-LeCoultre. 🤔

[@watchguyAtmos]

www.atmosman.com/atmosdat.html

[@jan_de_witt]

@@watchguyAtmos Thank you! Seems like it could be 1963 🤔

[@DarrellSambor]

What fluid do you use in your parts cleaner?

[@watchguyAtmos]

You can use anything that does not contain ammonia.

[@fabienlamour3644]

I have a clock that need to be taken apart but i don't have the hability to do this.😭😭😭