JAEGER-LECOULTRE, ATMOS 561, MARC NEWSON, LIMITED EDITION 888 PIECES

 

ICONEEK price: SOLD

 

 

Who has never heard of the fabled Atmos, created in 1928 by Jean-Léon Reutter, and never been fascinated by his quasi-perpetual movement?

 

For its eightieth birthday, this « perpetual » clock entered in the third millenary, in 2008, under the redesign of the talented Marc Newson, in a limited edition of only 888 pieces.

 

With a completely new balanced and simple design, this clock has now  a futuristic elegance, making her one of today’s greatest designs. The JLC, Atmos 561, ref. 516.51.01, is powered by caliber 561, a 284 parts, hand-crafted rhodium plated movement with annular balance. The Atmos draws its energy from the smallest changes in temperature. A one-degree fluctuation is enough to drive it for two full days. It consumes 60 million less energy than a 15-watt electric bulb.

 

The cabinet is bubble-shaped, made by the Baccarat crystal makers. This design remind us the so called  called « TV screen » shape of the 1960s. With its smooth edges and transparent sides, it is an open view to the time passing. The hours and minutes can be read from a transparent dial, while the two additional functions are on rotating disks: the disk in the centre gives the current month, while the second disk at six o’clock displays the moon phase.

 

Wit its new form and function, more than ever, the Atmos 561 is fascinating, the transparency of the case, the modernity of the movement,

its construction using glass and metal is a true work of art. Since years, the legendary Atmos is the official gift of the Swiss Federal government, owned by some of the world’s most eminent men and women. In the « 561 », originality and simplicity are so well combined, that it is a pure pleasure for the eyes.

 

Created to celebrate the model’s anniversary, the 561 is an exceptional clock, moreover a superb decorative and fascinating object.

 

 

Condition. 9.8/10, like new and complete, from the CV private collection