JLC Baguette Clock

Jaeger-LeCoultre is one of the few Manufactures who has a wide range of clocks on top of their extensive range of watches and pocket watches. And they all use in-house movements. What intrigued me are the Baguette 8 Days clocks and the Atmos.

The Baguette 8 Days Clock houses the Calibre 250, sixteen (16) jewels. I believe it was developed after the 1930s. Comes in several shapes and designs but I was lucky enough to find this specimen in the US and on eBay. Years ago, I used to travel quite a fair bit for business and I came across this clock - seller was in Los Angeles and I was in San Francisco - he was kind enough to ship overnight to me when I won the bid.

Measuring 7 x 3.5 x 11cm (L x W x H), this specimen winds from the back and looks suspended from afar. I have seen larger round shaped types which are easily 20cm across.

This particular clock is in very good condition as evident in the movement. The sapphire glass is bevelled, hence the reflection.

A side view reveals the gears and construction of the clock.

A close up view of the inline movement

The movement is in pretty good shape - mostly sealed in unlike the case which has tarnished over time due to the humidity levels here in Singapore.

Calibre 250 inscribed onto the bridge.

Single barrel according 8 days of power reserve for the clock.

Years ago, I asked then CEO of JLC if they were planning to release new clocks but the disappointing answer was no. I guess they still have their Atmos range which is still doing very well. No harm in asking but I wish they would bring back some of the older models.

The JLC Atmos - Perpetual Mechanical Clock

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos is truly a perpetual clock that requires no winding or any other power source other than the change in temperature or more accurately, atmospheric variations. I was truly intrigue by this technology that I bought one for myself.

The Atmos was first introduced by Jean-Leon Reutter in 1928. Called the Atmos 0, is was encased in a bell jar and air tight sealed. However, the Atmos did not take off until JLC took interest and worked with Reutter to modify the mechanism. The first JLC Atmos was shipped out in 1933 and like they say, the rest is history.

This is a simple Atmos with no complications. But the mechanisms look wonderful especially on closer inspection. From what I understand, a single day of variation can power the clock for up to 30 days.

Measuring 19.5 x 17 x 22.5cm (L x W x H), this Atmos requires very little adjustment. The accuracy of this clock is remarkable - I only need to adjust every two to three months. Some remarkable information - the balance wheel of the Atmos oscillates twice per minute and consumes 100 times energy than a wristwatch. Plus, no lubrication is needed for this Atmos and the slow moving parts in seems has very little wear and tear. I just wish wristwatches were like that too.

Another close up shot of the mechanism.

And another look at the Atmos clock. Sits proudly in my living room right beside the Baguette Clock. One day, I look forward to owning another (complication) Atmos.

Many thanks to my friend Prof Harry Tan for lending his expertise in producing these wonderful pictures.

Jaeger LeCoultre 8 Days Baguette Clock - My Favourite Clock

The Jaeger-LeCoultre is one of the few Manufactures who has a wide range of clocks on top of their extensive range of watches. And they all use in-house movements. What intrigued me are the Baguette 8 Days clocks and the Atmos.

The Baguette 8 Days Clock houses the Calibre 210, sixteen (16) jewels. I believe it was developed after the 1930s. Comes in several shapes and designs but I was lucky enough to find this specimen in the US.

Measuring 7 x 3.5 x 11cm (L x W x H), this specimen winds from the back and looks suspended from afar. I have seen larger round shaped types which are easily 20cm across.

This particular clock is in very good condition as evident in the movement. The sapphire glass is bevelled, hence the reflection.

There are some that are signed as LeCoultre but this one I have is signed Jaeger LeCoultre. Some are decorated but I like mine just simple and totally see through. I had once asked former JLC CEO Jerome Lambert if they would consider remaking these clocks and the answer was a firm NO.

And another look at the see through clock.

Sits proudly in my living room right beside the Atmos - more on the Atmos in another post.