JLC Atmos Clock

[ansharma]

Hi All

I am thinking of getting one of these for my study. They are very expensive new and I was aiming for one used and its seems on ebay I can pick up a good condition working one for around $1,000 or less.

Should I avoid these all together?

Any advice would be appreciated.


Anuj

[RUK]

Hey. Keep an eye out on some auctions sites. Reputable uk based ones do occasionally sell them


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[ansharma]

Originally Posted by RUK

Hey. Keep an eye out on some auctions sites. Reputable uk based ones do occasionally sell them


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That's a good shout - thanks!

[Jocke]

They are a little sensitive for transport so if you buy one online make sure they packing it very careful. I got one cheap that
was not working and I found a great guy in Germany that repair them. I send it to him and got it back working like a charm.
I pay around $1000 for the watch include service so it was a very good deal, the service include repaint of the dial.

Before.



The damaged dial.



All the paperwork.



I found a original box too.





In place.



Working.



Good luck my friend.

[ansharma]

Originally Posted by Jocke

They are a little sensitive for transport so if you buy one online make sure they packing it very careful. I got one cheap that
was not working and I found a great guy in Germany that repair them. I send it to him and got it back working like a charm.
I pay around $1000 for the watch include service so it was a very good deal, the service include repaint of the dial.

Before.



The damaged dial.



All the paperwork.



I found a original box too.





In place.



Working.



Good luck my friend.

Thanks Jocke - that is a beautiful clock and you did really well

[jon_jon]

My AD who sells JLC watches and Atmos clocks also said that transporting these clocks can be a problem if not handled with care.

[conkers]

I heard some horror stories about transportation too so bought new locally with large discount. Will take a photo and post when I get back from holidays. Love it!

[watchucallit]

I love these. I have almost bought a few times. I happen to prefer the newer style. It is true that their history transport is very important

[conkers]

Found a photo.

[AzHadEnuf]

This one sat on my mom and dad's mantel for my entire childhood. 2 years ago, 50 years later my mom gave it to me and my wife. It was serviced once, about ten years ago and keeps great time. I think I've adjusted the time twice in the last two years. Just a couple of minutes. Theoretically the movement will run for decades without any human intervention. Be certain that the long locking lever is rotated all the way to the right before moving. It's still a wonderful piece to stare at and watch move. Almost has a calming therapeutic effect.

[MILGAUSS88]

The pendulum is suspended by a wire. Picture a metal hair. Most have a pendulum lock on the bottom, as seen in the photos above. What causes problems most of the time is that the owners do not know that the need to lock the pendulum whenever the move the clock.
Some times the locks are located inside the case as well.
The second common problem with Atmos clocks, bad bellows. They will rot over time. The bellows are located in barrel on the back side of the clock and is not visible without removing the cover.

[MILGAUSS88]

Jocke has an earlier model probably from the 40's or early 50's. I believe an Atmos II. Main difference are the black lines on the pendulum. (As for as visually speaking)
Azhadenuf has a 528 caliber. These are the most common. I think they made them for 25+ years.
Attached is a photo of a 540 caliber. They are newer and more desirable than the 528.
Notice the bridge shaped like a sock darner, instead of the arrow pointing down.

WEll, i am going to post this and then try and download photo. Having a problem.

[MILGAUSS88]

There we go.
I am a glutton, I have 6 or 7, but, I pick them up for $300-$400, and always a gamble if they run.
I am sure, much harder to find cheap in England. Everything is more expensive there isn't it?

[MILGAUSS88]

And don't get me started on Mike Wolfe.

[tigerpac]

Here's mine

[Celter]

I live in Norway and ordered my Atmos from a reputable smeller in the US. The clock arrived in perfect condition. It' a must have for watch collectors.

[ansharma]

Thanks all for the comments. If anyone knows where I can get one at a good price please PM me. There is not a lot available in the UK and they start at £1,000!

Have a great weekend.

[rouxeny]

Wow, cool! I'd love to get my hands on one of those

[BlueHeron]

I bought a new time-only Atmos last summer in the Caribbean and love it, have it here in myh home office, silently turning, without end..
Paid about $6k and don't regret it, it's a thing of great beauty.


Regarding getting them serviced, my father was given one about 25 years ago and it ran for 20 years and then stopped. From the looks of it I'd say that dust gets in and builds up over the decades, and it needs to be serviced, no doubt about it, probably a $600 service charge from what I've heard.

[ansharma]

Originally Posted by BlueHeron

I bought a new time-only Atmos last summer in the Caribbean and love it, have it here in myh home office, silently turning, without end..
Paid about $6k and don't regret it, it's a thing of great beauty.


Regarding getting them serviced, my father was given one about 25 years ago and it ran for 20 years and then stopped. From the looks of it I'd say that dust gets in and builds up over the decades, and it needs to be serviced, no doubt about it, probably a $600 service charge from what I've heard.

Thanks very much for sharing - that is a gorgeous Atmos clock!

[BlueHeron]

Originally Posted by ansharma

Thanks very much for sharing - that is a gorgeous Atmos clock!

Yes indeed, and the photo does not do it justice -- it is just beautiful, shockingly beautiful. Its movement is at a very low hertz, so the minute hand moves twice per minute.

For fun, google the amount of energy the clock consumes, and you'll be amazed (it's next to nothing, almost can't be measured). It truly is a perpetual motion machine, if not for dust in the air getting into the gears.

[mws222]

Any recommendations on someone to service mine?

[Blackblur]

Same question: Need a service rec. Think its time for mine have the bellows replaced.Anyone heard of these guys;

http://www.atmosclock.us/atmos.html