Jaeger-LeCoultre - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: ONE Hong Kong Monday, November 30, 2015 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Jaeger-LeCoultre
    Year: 1983
    Reference No: 220.009.0
    Case No: 220 101
    Model Name: Atmos "Japanese"
    Material: Gilt, mother-of-pearl and enamel
    Calibre: 240
    Dimensions: 270 mm. height, 220 mm. width and 160 mm. depth
    Signed: Case and movement signed
    Accessories: With Jeager-LeCoultre fitted travel box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    First designed in 1928 by Jean-Léon Reutter, the Atmos clock operates without an external power source. A capsule filled with Ethylene Chloride is housed within the clock, which then expands or contracts depending on the temperature. The shrinking and expanding provides energy to the mainspring, which in turn powers the clock.

    The present clock, decorated with mother-of-pearl and enamel on black lacquered panels, depicts an every day mountain scene set in Japan. The clock features trees, rocks, birds, houses and people doing everyday activities. Both the women and men don traditional garb rendered in mother-of-pearl, the material's sheen giving the clothing a three dimensional effect. The scene appears to be set in Japan, suggested by the style of the trees, mountains and cloud motifs, which is reminiscent of a Japanese scroll painting.

    This clock is an extremely rare example which cannot be found in literature or having appeared at auction before.

    Property from an Important Private Collection

    Collected over the period of many years, particular attention has been given to Patek Philippe and Rolex. Some of the most commercial references available today are represented in this fine collection of 50 pieces. A large portion of the watches are completed with their original accessories and one defining theme throughout is quality.

    Other masters are also included with one of the highlights being a very rare steel and pink gold Vacheron Constantin chronograph with certificate of origin, a stainless steel Omega Cosmic with rare Arabic date indicators and a Jaeger-LeCoultre atmos clock with hard stone panels dedicated to the Japanese market.

    The attention paid to both Patek Philippe and Rolex is obvious and has been thoroughly considered when selecting the pieces for the collection. A spectacular selection of extremely rare Rolex Day-Date’s including hard stone dials, Stella and an extremely rare and important platinum black lacquer ‘Swiss’ example from the early 60s. Of equal importance, are the selection of Rolex DateJust, many in outstanding original condition and extremely rare to the market. For Patek Philippe, attention has been paid to limited editions and cloisonné enamel watches, all of which are brand new and have never been used.

    Phillips is honoured to represent this collection in our first Hong Kong auction and is privileged to have been able to research, identify and discover this fabulous group of watches.

  • Artist Biography

    Jaeger-LeCoultre

    Swiss • 1833

    Not all companies in the watchmaking field have been able to stand the test of time quite like Jaeger LeCoultre, also known as the "watchmaker's watchmaker." Founded in 1833 by Antoine LeCoultre and originally named LeCoutre, the firm provided watchmaking's top brands, such as Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin and Audemars Piguet, the high-grade, unfinished mechanical movements with which they completed their watches.

    In the early 1900s, Cartier's watch supplier Edmond Jaeger sought out LeCoultre's help in creating the world's thinnest watches. The collaboration resulted in the creation of Cartier's earliest Tank and Santos watches, all housed with LeCoultre movements. The duo decided to merge in 1937, and the firm officially became the Jaeger-LeCoultre brand by which collectors know and adore it today. Some of the firm's most significant and important timepieces include the Reverso, the Memovox, the Atmos clock and, among modern watches, their Master Complications.

    View More Works

140

Ref. 220.009.0
A fine and very rare gilt, mother-of-pearl and enamel “Atmos” clock, made for the Japanese market

1983
270 mm. height, 220 mm. width and 160 mm. depth
Case and movement signed

Estimate
HK$80,000 - 120,000 

Sold for HK$212,500

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
thomasperazzi@phillips.com

Ziyong Ho
Specialist
+852 9386 2032
ziyongho@phillips.com

Jill Chen
Specialist
+852 2318 2033
jillchen@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: ONE

Hong Kong Auction 1 December 2015 11am