This Jaeger LeCoultre Atmos Clock bellow can be used in nearly all of the Atmos Clock models made prior to the Atmos 540, or the 1990’s.
It has been recharged as of November 20222, and it did not have a specific leaking point. It has been tested and it functions properly. The Atmos Bellow you are purchasing is the unit photographed above and below.
Inside the Bellow it is inscribed with the date: March 21st, 1966, meaning that it likely came from an Atmos Clock Caliber 528-6. However, this Bellow can be used in nearly all of the Atmos Clocks produced before the Atmos 540 or the 1990’s.
For Sale $350 USD and $20 S/H For domestic buyers
(International clients please email Michael at curtsclocks@gmail.com for a shipping quote)
This Atmos Clock is in original, good condition. It has some scuffs, minor scratches, and had a dedication plate removed from the back of the bottom base, leaving a bit of residue. The plate was thankfully on the backside of the base originally, so the front of the clock doesn’t show these marks. The front glass panel has chipped corners.
The clock has been serviced, and has been running great for several months. Despite a bit of external case wear, the clock is very nice. If interested, the case could be reconditioned some day. Also, a new dedication plate could be placed over the spot of the old one, either personalized for someone special, or a general style with the maker, model, serial, and date of manufacture.
Since this clock has some case wear and character, we are willing to sell it a reduced price. It is a great running and functioning clock, and makes a perfect model for an entry level collector’s item. We did our best to photograph the flaws and wear.
FOR SALE
$999 USD and $65 for U.S. Domestic Shipping/Insurance
(For international buyers, please email Michael for shipping and insurance quote)
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The Atmos Repair Specialist Signature Deep Blue Metallic Lapis Dial (photo above), is something that Michael designed based on a rare Atmos Clock dial that Jaeger LeCoultre had previously released. This dial was a bluish green color, and it faded from a lighter shade in the center, to a darker color surrounding the numerals.
The Metallic Flake of our Signature Dial provides an element that interacts with an onlooker, and interacts with a room. It gives the Atmos Clock the ability to express itself with a range of blue shades, depending on light and angle.
The blue and gold combination is a color combination so powerful that it harkens back to the sarcophagus and tomb of Tutankhamun.
Here is an oxidized and deteriorated caliber 519 dial, originally in silver. This degradations of the dial is common among this model, mostly because of the age of these Atmos Clocks. The 519 was produced in the late 1940’s and throughout the 1950’s, making this an antique.
Here is the dial restored in Silver:
Dials can be restored in numerous colors, including: Blue, Black, Red, Silver, White, and More.
The numerals are also polished and the “LeCoultre” name insignia is printed under the 12 numeral and “Swiss” under the 6 numeral when necessary.
Please send in your Atmos Clock Dial and a check made out to Michael Holman for $220 S/H included for U.S. costumers. Please allow a couple of months turn around time.
For international clients please email Michael at curtsclocks@gmail.com for shipping rates outside of the USA.
Here is a photo comparison of the typical white Atmos Clock dials, next to a Deep Blue Lapis Metallic version when seen across a room. In low light, the dial appears as dark blue, almost black.
Here is a photo of an Atmos Clock 526-5 with a Black Dial
Curt’s Clocks – The Atmos Repair Specialist Signature Deep Blue Metallic Lapis Dial
Your Atmos will give you the best service if you place it on a firm horizontal support, ie. Mantelpiece, sideboard, etc.
The Atmos Clock should be set up at eye level for the best décor positioning. Also out of the way of dogs tails, children, mishandling, and shaking.
Opening the cabinet
For Atmos Calibers 528-8, 540, 560:
To open the front glass panel, press downward on the door knob (located at the top of the front glass panel and notched into the top bezel). Then pull gently towards yourself to release the door from the top bezel. You will then be able to remove the glass by lifting out.
For Atmos Calibers 526-5, 522, 532:
These models have a hinged door which opens out towards the front, pull on the small door knob located on bottom left corner.
For Atmos Calibers 519, 528-6:
These models have a lift off cover, which can be very tight fitting. It is important to very carefully remove this cover not to damage the hands.
Horizontal adjustment
The Atmos must be placed in a completely horizontal position. To ensure that it is absolutely level, the Atmos has it’s own spirit level and stands on three feet: the rear foot is fixed and the other two front ones are adjustable. Once you have placed your Atmos in it’s permanent positioning, you may proceed to level it by adjusting the screws of the two front feet. The air bubble should be in center to achieve correct level. The balance (pendulum) can also be considered a plumb line. Look from the side glass at the frame support above balance wheel, it should be hanging directly centered in middle of hole passing through lower frame support.
Setting the correct time
To set your Atmos clock, very gently push the minute hand forwards in clockwise direction with your index finger. Pass around all the way until the correct time is displayed. Never move the hands backwards. Never touch the hour hand.
Starting
Slowly Release the balance wheel (pendulum) by gently moving the clamp lever at the front of the clock. If the balance does not start to move: Check that the clock is standing level. Check that balance locking screw underneath base is retracted (certain models). Gently turn the balance wheel by hand clockwise (left), 3/4 of a turn, then allow it to start moving of its own accord, once the wheel is oscillating normally, close the door.
Regulating
Your Atmos has been set in the workshop, however timekeeping regulation is quite normal. If after using it you notice that it is running fast or slow, you can adjust it. To do this you will find the regulator at the top of the mechanism. This lever is on a graduated scale. To correct the clock if it is fast: Move lever from right to left. To correct the clock if it is slow: Move lever from left to right in one half increment per day. The key is to take a full 24 cycle to observe the adjustments.
Once the clock is working satisfactorily, do not interfere with it. The Atmos Clock is not designed to be a high accuracy timekeeping device. But rather, the novelty in this invention is the manner in which it powers itself with temperature and barometric pressure changes. You may have noticed the clock doesn’t have a “seconds” hand, nor does it have minute demarcations on the dial.
Here is a link to view the entire “How To” Atmos Clock video instruction series on YouTube. It is a playlist with several videos containing free information and tips for the owners of Jaeger LeCoultre Atmos Clocks to get the most enjoyment out of their fine art. Thank you for watching, please like, share, and subscribe to the channel. It really helps to preserve and maintain the amazing Atmos Clock.
The Atmos Clock powers itself with the expansion and contraction of the bellow. This unit is contained inside of the round “drum” (photo below) on the backside of the clock. The entire configuration is called the “Motor,” a name which is befitting, because this is where the mechanical energy that the clock uses to run and keep time, is harnessed.
(Bellow Drum)
The Atmos Clock Bellow is constructed of stainless steel membranes, which are hermetically sealed and filled with a combination of liquid and gas that is responsive to minor changes in temperature and barometric pressure of the environment. These changes cause the bellow to expand and contract ever so slightly, pumping a ratchet system, and eventually winding the mainspring of the Atmos Clock (Learn more about how the Atmos Clock winding system works with the YouTube video at bottom of this page).
The Atmos Clock Bellow that has gone flat can either require a recharge/refill, this is where the bellow doesn’t have a leak but the chemical state of the gas inside of the canister has changed;
Or the Atmos Clock Bellow could need to be repaired and then recharged. This takes place when there is a hole or leaking point on the stainless steel membrane. It is patched/sealed and then the Bellow is recharged. After it is tested to make sure it will maintain it’s function.
You may send the Atmos Bellow for repair/recharge inside the motor drum if you wish, or else it can be shipped alone as well.
The Motor Drum is attached to most clocks with 8mm cap nuts, the other clocks feature a reverse bayonet fitting (Caliber 540 and above).
Price for Atmos Clock Bellow Repair is $150 & Return Shipping/Insurance is $20 USD(U.S. Clients only. For international shipping rates please contact Michael at curtsclocks@gmail.com before shipping).
Please include a check made out to Michael Holman for $170, along with the Atmos Bellow for repair.
This payment will compensate Michael for his time to do the bellow testing and attempted repair. Not all of the bellows are repairable. Occasionally the entire inside of the stainless steel membrane is compromised to a level beyond sealing a single leaking point. Also, if the membranes are leaking at the seam or joint, then it is very difficult to seal it back up properly.
Michael is able to repair quite a high percentage of the bellows, so please don’t be discouraged to hear that not all of them are repairable. In the event that your bellow cannot be repaired, your payment compensates Michael for his efforts. It is similar to the concept of a labor rate in an automotive garage.
If your bellow is beyond repair, there is a good chance that Michael has a replacement bellow for sale if you need to replace it.
Directions for Returning The Repaired Bellow to Motor Drum:
Place bellow in freezer until it shrinks completely flat (10 mins).
Quickly put the bellow in the Atmos drum.
Place coil spring in center of bellow unit, and connect within the drum cover.
Align screw posts on cover, diagonally, so that the Lecoultre name emblem located on the back of outer drum is aligned at the bottom and right side up.
Replace motor protector plate on complete motor, carefully pressing into place without bending.
Put motor onto clock and hold steady while tightening down 8mm caps, being careful not to over pump winding system.
WARNING:
Never allow a full bellow to over-expand at room temperature without bands restricting, the bellow can crack at side flexion points of membrane.
This video describes a method that you may be able to tell if your Atmos Clock needs a bellow recharge without disassembling the motor drum
Here is a popular YouTube Video break down of How the Atmos Clock Winding System Functions
Carrying around a Swiss Army knife comes in very handy around Holiday Season, especially for opening hard packaging and gifts, but most of the time, what you really need is a small scissors to cut through the hard plastic…
We have you covered with this conveniently sized, keychain pocket knife. You can share your admiration for the amazing watchmaking brand Jaeger LeCoultre, with this useful and collectible Swiss Army Knife.
For Sale
$39.99 USD and Free Shipping within U.S.
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Atmos Clock Bellow Repair 
