Jaeger LeCoultre - Atmos Feuille d'or Motif Constellation Switzerland

Made in Switzerland Brass gold plated Made in 1962 Sold w/Extract from Jaegar LeCoultre Archives, attesting to the clock’s origin H x W x D: 22 x 18 x 13.5 cm Description: Atmos calibre 526-5 in the special "Feuille d'or" version. This model w/the "Constellation" motif was built under the ref. number 5802 from 1962-1975. Despite the long 12-year production time frame, the clock appears relatively rarely in the trade. Feuille d'or ("gold leaf" in French) refers to the sides, the door, & the glass on the top plate of the clock, which are lacquered from the inside, with a lacquer finish that looks similar to gold leaf. The white full dial has a compass rose in the pivot point of the hands. The motif is dedicated to science and exploration of the earth and sky. Lines of longitude/ latitude run across all the clock's viewing surfaces. 2 sides are old world maps. Corners of the front door show explorers studying & measuring the celestial globe. Serial no.: 831096 Condition: Movement runs accurately and reliably. Case is in authentic original condition with craquelure to the gilding commensurate with age. Background: In 1928, Jean Leon Reuter, an engineer from Neuchâtel, invented the technology for a clock whose energy source is drawn from the atmosphere. The Atmos clocks movements were manufactured by the company Le Coultre et Cie in Switzerland from 1933 onwards, and in 1935 the production rights for the Atmos clock were transferred to Jaeger. The technical principle of the movements then built by Jaeger LeCoultre from 1936 is fascinating. A mix of liquid and gas ethyl chloride mixin a hermetically sealed capsule expands as the temp rises, and contracts as the temp falls, causing a bellows in the pressure box located on the back of the clock to move like an accordion. This movement continuously winds the clock's movement. In the range between 15-30°C, a change in temperature of only 1 C° supplies energy for about two days of operation.