Watchismo Times: 07/2008

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Big Changes in the Atmosphere - Jaeger LeCoultre's Atmos 561 by Marc Newson

Suspended in a bubble block of Baccarat crystal and powered by temperature change, Jaeger LeCoultre's Atmos 561 mechanical clock is the work of Australian super-designer Marc Newson (known for designing the Ikepod watch and a million other sleek objects). Newson is reportedly a huge fan of the Atmos and approached the company to collaborate. The result is this eightieth anniversary Atmos.

The Atmos clocks don't need to be wound up. they get all the energy to run from small temperature changes in the encapsulated environment, and can run for years without human intervention.

Its power source is a hermetically sealed capsule containing a mixture of gas and liquid ethyl chloride, which expands into an expansion chamber as the temperature rises, compressing a spiral spring; with a fall in temperature the gas condenses and the spring slackens. This motion constantly winds the mainspring. A variation in temperature of only one degree in the range between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius is sufficient for two days' operation.

Some cool side angles from Dje of Watchprosite

A variety of rare antique and vintage Atmos clocks

Some vintage Atmos advertising - via Atmosdam

The Atmos clock was invented by Neuchâtel engineer Jean-Léon Reutter (1899- 1971). From his youth, he wanted to produce a clock that could be wound by atmospheric fluctuations, and in 1928 he succeeded. Reutter’s patent was first licensed to a French company who exploited it until 1935. Subsequently, it was purchased by Jaeger-LeCoultre. via Antiquorum

Related Watchismo Times Posts;
Ikepod Has Landed (Again)
Ikepod Black Hole Revealed
1980s (pre-Ikepod) Pod Watch & Clock
All Watchismo Times Clock Posts
All Jaeger LeCoultre Posts

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Friday, July 18, 2008

1939 Popular Mechanics Wrist Camera

Camera Worn Like Wrist Watch Loads Thirty Six Pictures

"Latest in the line of miniature cameras is a tiny affair worn like a wrist watch. Sighted easily by raising the wrist to eye level, it carries a load of thirty-six exposures despite its diminutive size. It has an f4.5 lens and a focusing scale graduating from one foot to infinity."
From August 1939 Popular Mechanics

via Modern Mechanix "Yesterday's Tomorrow Today"
All other Modern Mechanix posts on The Watchismo Times-->Link

See All Watchismo Times Subminiature & Hidden Watch Posts;
Shoot To Kilfitt - Subminiature Camera-Watch
Subminiature Camera Watches
Steinheil Camera Watch
Victorian Camera Pocket Watch
1950s Minifon Spy Recorder Watch
Compartment Scroll Watch
Horological Weaponry
Victorian Wrist Horn
Rolex Lipstick Watch
Omega Ring Watch
Rolex Ring Watch
Walking Stick Watches
James Bond Movie Gadget Watches
1947 Wrist Lighter

Clock Teaser - The MB&F HM3

Maximilian Busser's Horological Machine No.3 (HM3) is on the horizon and you'll see it unveiled here. For now, we must wonder what the two crater-like domes might contain. This pair appears to be very well hung.

MB&F WEBSITE LINK

All Max Busser Links-->Link
HM1 TI-->Link
HM2-->Link

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Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Video Interview of Jean-François Ruchonnet of Cabestan

An interview on the watchmaking video channel Time TV with the creator of one of most interesting watches of all time, the Cabestan Winch Tourbillon Vertical-->Video Link

Check out the new Cabestan site where the brand has gone into its first real production of a variety of styles (prices begin at $350,000)-->Website Link

And all previous posts of the Cabestan on The Watchismo Times-->Link

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Watches Schmatches... Strandbeasts!

Ok, after 20 months straight of blogging about the high and low underworld of timepiecery, I ran out of steam. Frankly, there just hasn't been anything particularly interesting lately to inspire a post.

But all that will soon change and I'll be back bigger and better than ever. Just give me some time!

For now, check out this fascinating story about the Dutch mechanical life inventor Theo Jansen and his wind-powered Strandbeasts (via the MB&F Our World blog-->Link)