Time Vectors

Significance Finally, a Jaeger Le Coultre Atmos Swiss Clock I could afford. As I collect mainly by technology, an Atmos clock is essential to a collection as they are unique, requiring no winding or batteries. Plus they are a very pretty brass and glass skeleton clock! Almost perpetual-motion, they are powered by daily oscillations of atmospheric temperature. The motor consists of bellows containing ethyl chloride which changes pressure with the temperature which winds the mainspring. The 17 jewel movement is high precision and very low energy; far less than a mechanical watch, much less a conventional mechanical clock. Description The first commercial Atmos clock was developed by Jean Leon Reutter in 1928 although earlier attempts go back to 1740. The first Jaeger Le Coultre Atmos used a mercury and ammonia mechanism until 1938 before the current ethyl chloride mechanism was developed. About 500,000 have been made and are in current production. New, they start at about U...

Significance A reproduction antique skeleton great-wheel fusee clock by the Hebei Yuxuan Classical Clock Company of China. Hebei Yuxuan specialises in the accurate reproduction of antique clocks, currently producing about 400 different models and employing 300 people. Often dismissed as a "deceptive, cheap Asian copy", the company itself is quite clear on its purpose, high-quality reproductions and in the style of antique clocks. It seems to be more a problem of resellers purporting to be selling originals or the work of local, western artisan clockmakers. The clock seems to be high-quality work, in the style of French great-wheel, skeleton, fusee clocks popular in the mid-1800s. The clock seems capable of accurate timekeeping given five jewels, a fusee and the great wheel to reduce friction. Further, it is very attractive with a gold-plated finish in glass and polished timber case. Discussion Few collectors can afford popular original antique clocks such a...