The Atmos clock was invented in 1928 and its design defies the laws of physics by deriving power from tiny changes in air temperature, without the need for manual winding. Its secret lies in a sealed chamber filled with gas, connected by a membrane to the mechanism. Minute temperature changes cause the gas in the chamber to expand or contract the membrane, winding the mechanism. The clock is extremely energy-efficient, requiring only the energy equivalent to a 15-watt incandescent bulb for 60 million Atmos clocks. A change of just one degree Celsius can power the clock for about two days, allowing it to function almost perpetually in normal conditions.
The clock's mechanical components appear to float freely but are actually mounted on a cleverly designed, nearly invisible glass support. This allows an unobstructed view of the internal mechanism, as well as the precision components that enable the clock to run continuously, such as the gas-filled chamber, chain, and gear train. The clock's minimalist design features the Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 570 movement for hours and minutes. The movement's structure is elegantly simplistic, yet adorned with refined watchmaking decorations like polished surfaces, beveled edges, and a guilloché motif.
