How Does The Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos Clock Work? - Watch and Learn #44

Today I've got something different for you. A few months back, I purchased a Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos clock. If you aren't familiar with it, the clock runs on changes in temperature. No physical winding is needed. Just put it down and it constantly winds itself.
These vintage clocks have always intrigued me, both as a showpiece and as an engineering marvel. In today's video, I'll review how it works, Watch and Learn style, with clear and concise explanations. I hope you enjoy it.
Check out our Website:
www.longislandwatch.com
More on what is the Atmos clock:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atmos_c...
Thank you for watching.

[@bslaws]

I inherited an Atmos clock when my mother passed away. My parents purchased it in Switzerland in 1959 and it has never stopped. It was serviced in 2006 and still keeps fantastic time. Thank you for the detailed explanation of the winding operation.

[@jeffreyoldham55]

I just inherited one made in 1956. It's currently locked and inoperable. I'm uncertain how to unlock it. Does it require a special tool?

[@theamerican7080]

@@jeffreyoldham55 The lever beneath the base locks the movement.

[@samuellarouche1894]

« If your clock is upside down, you probably have larger issues » Indeed😂

[@perrylocke6037]

My Atmos clock was my Grandfathers retirement from GM gift. It sat on Grandma's piano. Then it sat on Mom's cabinet. They all didn't like it much cause it would start and stop. I noticed when you walked past it the rotating pendulum would wiggle. I took it to my house and put it on the solid mantle and it would not wiggle even if I jumped around. Now it runs nicely. Love it.

[@Montanamade]

I have one 10 years older. Love the piece so much

[@Pollogallinoo]

I just admire how authentic Mark is, and the passion he transmits through these videos! thanks for your time !!!

[@islandwatch]

Thanks so much, I try to tell it how it is.

[@lupo631]

Because of your perfect explanations I bought yesterday an Atmos II from 1948/49, complete revised by a specialist. Thanx a lot! Lupo from Germany

[@capnchip]

I have the EXACT model Atmos clock. It is a 1965 model. It never wavers in its ability to keep time. At one point about 10 years ago I opened it and applied a VERY small amount of fine oil to the mechanism. It keeps very very very good time. Absolutely amazing.! I love it!

[@sarahconner9433]

The jealousy here is fierce!!!

[@RogerMillerInVA]

Like you, I've wanted an Atmos for many years. Like you, I bought one several months ago, and I love it. I marvel that such a beautiful little machine exists. In my home!!

[@DimePieceTimepiece]

Mark from Long Island Watch is a purveyor of fine horological entertainments. Fact.

[@islandwatch]

Haha, thank you for that.

[@sarahconner9433]

Haha... You said purveyor..... When shading someone you call them a "peddler"!!!! Hahaha

[@DimePieceTimepiece]

@@sarahconner9433 lolol. Mark is no peddler he's on the Mt Rushmore of KZbin watch people

[@thesilent_gamer5137]

I once read an article that said. For the atmosphere clock to stop working, the sun has to stop shinning. A truly amazing piece of engineering.

[@gongringer]

My Atmos clock dates from July of 1963. It was presented to my father, John G.W. McIntyre, in appreciation of five years work in Australia with Ford Motor Company. It is almost identical to your clock with serial number 142034. The entire glass case can be removed by releasing two small bolts on each side. There is no release for the front glass. I can now look inside and understand how it works - your attention to detail is exceptional. It now resides in my home in Vancouver, Canada. It keeps company with another very accurate clock: A Seth Thomas World Model 1917 Canadian Pacific Railway pendulum clock.

[@uconn44]

Finally, understand how my 45 year old ATMOS Clock works! Many Thanks!

[@skindude9251]

Thanks Mark! I just got my dads Atmos to work after several years and its great to understand the inner workings of such a beautiful engineering marvel. He would have loved your video too x

[@roscoereels]

I just picked up one tonight for $20.... I am excited to get it working.

[@1f77ru]

I have a model 519 and continue to be amazed that it continues to keep accurate time after almost 70 years of continuous use. Truly a special piece of mechanical reality in a world of digital unreality. Thanks for putting out a great video on a true classic.

[@triviace]

WOW,just when I thought I had ALL of the stuff I wanted,this video shows up.My Aunt had one of these,I think it was purchased in Switzerland back in the 1960's.Fascinating!

[@islandwatch]

Super cool, glad you could connect with it.

[@robbyddurham1624]

My aunt got one of these clocks for retirement gift from her work. When I was young and before the internet, I'd look that clock over and try and figure out how it ran w/o being wound or plugged into the wall or batteries. My dad said the pendulum. I argue that it couldn't be it, nothing runs for ever, the friction and gravity would eventually slow the pendulum down. I saw the little wire on top and wonder if radio waves ran it. Then I got the internet and looked it up. Years later. I'd tell everyone that saw the clock how it worked on temperature change and that there was chamber that expanded and contracted with room temp change. None of my family would remember when I'd ask them the next time I visited. It's now my clock. I said that I get it because no one else knows how it runs and I'm the only one that cared enough to learn. It's been running for close to 40 years. The same aunt gave me a seiko watch when I was around 13. 43 years ago. It still runs, but needs batteries changed. It's a quart crystal watch. Stainless steel.

[@fetchingphotos]

Thanks, this video is just what I needed to get a 1970 Atmos I inhereted from my aunt running again! What a fascinating clock!

[@TheWatchCorner]

Found it Mark, thanks for telling me 3 years back in your Playlist! Watching now will comment after👍👊

[@powertube5671]

Great video. My grandfather had one in the 50s sitting on his mantle. As a kid, I used to stare and stare at it working and, beleive it or not, I did NOT touch it. The clock went to my aunt, then to one of her kids. I bought mine over ten years ago while visiting family in a clock shop in Mt. Healthy, OH. I have had to stop it and start it because of Christmas decorations and because of change in EST to DST. Often the change in time would cause it to not run very long. It's been stopped for a few years, but I am having it serviced. I still love the clock.

[@MarcoJesusPerez]

thanks for the video! I've watched a lot of this series and I can tell you are really excited to talk about this clock. really enjoyed it.

[@poozizzle]

Incredible explanation. Thanks Mark!

[@anthonymedina7274]

Thank you Mark for your video. I recently purchased the same identical clock that you own yesterday from an Antique store. Very great and affordable price as well. It's amazing how this clock works and runs. The only downside when I purchased the clock were the four brass screws that hold the top were missing. But all around a great purchase

[@MiamiWebDesign]

Great video. My father has owned one of these for around 40 years and we had no idea how it worked until now. Thanks for this one.

[@GonzoJamie]

Very cool explanation guide! I’m totally in love with the majestic Atmos clock. I fulfilled my dream too and bought the Atmos clock as a wedding anniversary gift to my beloved wife

[@cammacca8430]

Very interesting. Thanks Mark for another brilliant video.

[@islandwatch]

Thank for your checking it out.

[@TheWatchCorner]

Thanks for sharing Mark. Great pick up for sure. Very interesting clock for sure.👍👍👌💯

[@bubbab7792]

Nicely done Marc, very interesting video. Love the history and engineering behind the Atmos. Thank you for sharing.

[@islandwatch]

Thanks for taking the time.

[@daletaylorjr.4786]

This is by far the most interesting review I’ve watched in a while. I didn’t even know this was a thing but now I’m intrigued. Thank you for sharing.

[@islandwatch]

Thanks for watching!

[@peterlewis3540]

Many thanks a lovely video, on a stunning clock I had some idea on the operating system, of a bellows, similar to a barometer, working on atmospheric pressure, but it was a delight to watch the intricacies of the clock.

[@balesjo]

I spent an hour or so a week back looking at JLC Atmos clocks online. Beautiful clocks, and extremely interesting from and engineering standpoint. Would love to have one.

[@swabby429]

How incredibly amazing! I wish I had a fireplace mantel to display such a timepiece.

[@islandwatch]

LOL, now you have a reason to get a fireplace :)

[@kaypee1972]

Great description, thanks! What an awesome clock

[@sportster883able]

I have seen the Atmos many times but this video was amazing and super informative. Thanks Marc

[@islandwatch]

Thanks for checking it out.

[@TomF1970]

total fascinating. great explanation on how it works. thanks

[@islandwatch]

Thanks!

[@daleferguson390]

Wow! Fascinating stuff Marc. Absolutely love your videos, I discovered them by chance a week or two ago, and have been binge watching like a box set ever since! Love the way you present the videos in an informative and 'non preachy ' style. The only downside is you're making me want to buy more watches! - and now a clock just got added to the wish list! Keep up the good work.

[@islandwatch]

LOL, thank you!

[@wireguided9572]

Brilliant vid. I've got to get me one of these. Thanks.

[@islandwatch]

Indeed you do!!!

[@Riley0509]

I just acquired one of these. Fascinating video. Thanks.

[@pauldyck4596]

Good explanation of how the Atmos works and I liked the time lapse segment.

[@e.eeyore2862]

Well done Marc! I love those clocks! So neat to see how the work. Thank you so much!

[@islandwatch]

You are welcome, thank you.

[@subhrangsu]

Extraordinary! Many thanks for the information!

[@REdwardHiggy]

Great Job. Best explanation of how the Atmos clock works. You really did an excellent job on showing the way the clock winds itself. It must have taken you you a considerable amount of time to film the actual chain driven mechanism. Congratulations on a job well done.!!

[@the_poseidon_adventure]

Fascinating video. I've not spent a lot of time researching clocks but I think this might have sparked a new curiosity for me. Thanks mark for another great video.

[@islandwatch]

Thanks, happy to increase curiosity.

[@DavidJones-en3mz]

Thank you Mark. I have my father's clock from the SIxties and I never quite knew how it worked until your excellent video described clearly how it functions. Well done Sir! And much appreciated!

[@islandwatch]

Thanks!

[@Namesi]

JLC - Your favorite watchmaker's favorite watchmaker; and clockmaker! This was so cool Mark thank you for sharing

[@islandwatch]

Thanks for tuning in

[@jeanclaudeangri1108]

I realize this is a 4 year old video, but the information gave me and insight you provided in this video was awesome and accurate. The other guy on KZbin ( Curt’s clocks) is just trying to sell his overpriced clock repair services. Which are ridiculous. You actually outlined and described the things I needed to get mine up and running. Thank you very much. This is a very professional page and I do appreciate your time.

[@cedarcanoe]

Interesting stuff, and very well explained. Thank you

[@islandwatch]

Thank you.

[@peterwong1531]

Thank you Mark for sharing..i really like the time lapse which you took the trouble to filmed..regards from Singapore.

[@MM-cr7dq]

A great idea, interesting power mechanism, great vid Mark.

[@islandwatch]

Thanks Vince.

[@ianbutler1983]

Thanks. Fascinating video.

[@mtm101designs9]

Thanks for a really excellent explanation.

[@ottor.gonzalezn.5798]

I was finally able to get mine today!, So exciting... I saw an Atmos video a couple years ago. Great video with clarifications!! Thank you Mark, btw Dave Berghold store has your watches and it was great to be able to see one and feel one before buying it. Great watch, I enjoy it a lot!!

[@jamessmith6402]

Excellent video very entertaining 👍 thanks Mark 😁

[@islandwatch]

Thank you.

[@russm535il]

Thank you Marc a Great informative video 😊👍

[@eusupporter8438]

Interesting, thank you for showing and explaining 👍

[@islandwatch]

Glad you liked!

[@shelteredinnyc2714]

Fantastic explanation. Thks

[@kschristi50]

We have an Atmos clock very similar given to my FIL when he retired from NCR . (Also have late 1800’s NCR cash register, nickel plated in 1905). We also have original case the clock came in. It still works! We have babied it since we inherited it.

[@eliesalloum4569]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge of this wonderfull clock. Bravo for your new purchase and thank you for sharing your passion.

[@islandwatch]

Thanks for watching.

[@BURGO1979]

Great clock- congratulations. Great video too. Thank you!

[@islandwatch]

Thank you!!

[@samsharma9207]

I just bought this and here to figure it out. Thanks!

[@7rslender]

Thank you for that. Great explanation!

[@islandwatch]

Thanks for checking it out

[@trecker59]

Great video Marc

[@linty2]

Amazing video I just bought a Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos 540 on ebay. This video help me set it up.

[@Chris-pb3se]

Really great vid Mark. Please don’t hesitate to venture away from watches more. This was a welcome surprise

[@MrAstroshot]

Great video Mark! Thank you!

[@islandwatch]

Thanks!

[@jacobkrause4305]

This video is very insightful.

[@saffanfarook1038]

Very good explanation. hope to see more videos in deferent things

[@aaronhammer6110]

Inherited one of these. Mobil Oil. Now I understand how it works. Was able to google search further with this info and found that the suspension wire is broken. Great info.

[@rickonwatches9932]

Great video, thanks!

[@bettersteps]

I own this exact clock and haven't touched it for many years; haven't moved it either. Fantastic clock; very undervalued and under-appreciated. You only need to put it on a level surface and never screw with it. Really. Once you find a place for it, only touch it with your eyes.

[@beautifulsmall]

output mechanism looks like 400 day clock. great video.

[@cashau2965]

Mark congrats for your purchase and above all for this amazing vid!!! W&L is an unmissable series. so neatly explained so well shot , thanks for sharing this unbelievable beauty.... sh..t now I want one too....badly

[@islandwatch]

LOL; get one!!!

[@MarkinToronto]

Fantastic video of the clocks workings. I've one that I'll be selling shortly due to family issues and have just been cleaning it, VERY carefully I might add. I'm a technician by trade and appreciate your description of it. As well as the need to be extremely careful with such a thing.

[@jeremysmith9696]

this is awesome! thanks Marc.

[@wvdavidr]

That is very interesting! I had never heard of this clock. It's beautiful as well!

[@islandwatch]

Thank you. Yes, I guess I didn't say that. It is quite beautiful.

[@SmolStufff]

Great video! I wasn't aware this had ever been done before so successfully. After watching this I found out that people tried making 'thermal' watches. (Bulova Thermotron / Seiko thermic) Those however were based on the Seebeck-effect. The JLC looks a lot more like a stirling engine.

[@Iyiouseismouse]

7hink1 commander keen! Going to look into what your talking about since I know nothing about it, but it seems interesting

[@aramkrikorian9460]

Great video, Mark. Thanks. I found myself trying to make improvements to it in my head. Now I want to build a pizza oven in my back yard and with a sundial on it.

[@islandwatch]

LOL!

[@lehtosneva9512]

Excellent video, Mark! I have many times heard about Atmos, but I have never seen how it actually works.

[@islandwatch]

Thanks!

[@nickb275]

Thx for this video. My father gave me his atmospheric clock last Christmas. My sister had just passed away at age 50, so dad wanted me to have it before he died. It will then go to my son when or if I get to my father's age. Anyway, love the video. Very well done. Just for laughs, I do daylight saving time by using lock. Either wait one hour or 23 hrs depending. Regards

[@traianpierreconstantin1876]

Very Very good informations. Merci c'est très très intéressant

[@nztimeteller]

They came in 1920's ? How am I just learning about them now ? :o This is brilliant !!!!

[@abdonabdo]

I like your honesty man. Respect

[@islandwatch]

Thanks; it's the only way to be.

[@RuffisOak]

Truly a work of art

[@islandwatch]

It is, very nice to look at.

[@Br0ns0n]

Very interesting. Great vid.

[@islandwatch]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@tomhohum4275]

Always wanted one of those!!!

[@marcmiller1300]

Thanks a lot, Mark. Now I need to have one. Great.

[@islandwatch]

LOL, good luck!

[@adbraham]

Luv 'em; want one too! Thnx, very interesting!

[@islandwatch]

Thanks!

[@mads4it555]

This is awesome... I really, really want one, but it's waaay out of my poor little budget ☹ Thank you so much for explaining. It's so close to perpetual motion, that it's indistinguishable and totally incredible. When I win the lottery...! 😁

[@MrWayneploof]

this is one beautiful clock.

[@rickmartin6384]

Well done

[@mikev3245]

Thanks for explaining in detail how the Atmos works. I've been into these clocks since I first saw them at Tiffany's in Chicago many years ago. They haven't had them in stock since they stopped carrying the higher end time pieces.

[@islandwatch]

Thanks for watching.

[@pete4180]

I'm glad I bought one yesterday. Same decade! Informative video. It would have been great to tell us the clock number, located on the top of the clock. 👍

[@geoffreyjackson8429]

Well done, Marc! The only explanation of the Jaeger LeCoultre masterpiece I have ever understood. That might be an insight into my intellectually challenged existence, but I prefer to think it is yet another manifestation of your horological talents. (I am the one called X on Amazon... ...thought it was about time I subscribed to your YT channel...) All the best!

[@islandwatch]

Thanks much!

[@jamesmoore425]

Absolutely the best explanatory video I have ever seen on youtube. My wife just inherited the exact clock in your video and we watched this prior to setting it up. Works great but we notice the hour hand is off in that at exactly at the top of the hour the hour hand does not point directly at the hour symbol. We are going to let it run a few days before we worry about it. Any ideas?

[@MrDoobie17]

I received my Atmos clock from my uncle, who inherited it from my grandfather. He had received it from NCR as an award. This video helped me tremendously in learning about it. Unfortunately, I wasn't told you needed gloves to handle it. The outside of the clock is in pretty poor condition. The gold is rubbed off and scratched in places, sadly since it's pretty old. Thank you for your informative video!

[@garybaldwin1061]

Hi Mark. I just inherited this same clock from my grandmother who bought in in 1962 new. It came with the original certificate and instructions. When you reengage the lock mechanism do you wait until the pendulum stops rotating to move the lever back to the right. Or can you do it any time? Great video...very helpful.

[@Alex-di8ti]

I never even knew these existed, thanks for showing us, what an engineering marvel :)

[@islandwatch]

Super cool, thanks for watching!

[@Shako_Lamb]

Fascinating! I stumbled upon one of these today, identical to the one in the video, at an antique store. I've been fixing up a traditional anniversary clock, but I had no idea about the Atmos clocks until I saw it on the shelf and was instantly intrigued.

[@thegit8698]

That's one of the coolest things to do with time keeping I've seen, it reminds me of my grandmother's barometer

[@islandwatch]

Isn't it grand?

[@thegit8698]

Long Island Watch absolutely

[@kalorhebron1634]

thank you!