Okay, here is my blog post about how I tried to make an imitation of the Jaeger-LeCoultre JLC Atmos Marqueterie Classic Style clock:
So, I got this crazy idea in my head. I saw this Jaeger-LeCoultre JLC Atmos Marqueterie Classic Style clock and thought, “Hey, I bet I could make something like that!” I mean, how hard could it be, right? Turns out, pretty darn hard. But I’m not one to back down from a challenge, so I dove right in.
First, I started digging around to learn more about these Atmos clocks. It’s fascinating stuff, really! Apparently, they’re powered by changes in the air temperature. They have this capsule inside filled with some kind of gas that expands and contracts. That’s what makes the clock tick. You don’t even need to wind them. Pretty cool, huh? I read somewhere that these clocks with serial numbers between 25,000 and 300,000 were made in the 1950s and 1960s. Most of the Atmos clocks you see around are from that time. They usually sell for around $800 to $1,000, depending on their condition.
I knew I couldn’t replicate the whole temperature-powered mechanism thing. I’m not a watchmaker or an engineer! But I figured I could at least make something that looked like the real deal. The Atmos Marqueterie is known for its beautiful cabinet, right? That’s where I decided to focus my efforts.
I hit up my local craft store and picked up some wood, some gold paint, and a bunch of other supplies. I even found a cheap quartz clock movement online. I was feeling pretty good about my chances at this point.
I spent days measuring, cutting, and gluing wood together. It was messy. My living room looked like a workshop. Dust was everywhere. But I was determined. I wanted to nail that classic Atmos look with the round dial and all. Then came the painting. Oh boy, the painting. Trying to get that 24k gold-plated finish with regular paint is no joke. It took several coats and a lot of patience, but I think I got it pretty close.
Once the “cabinet” was done, I popped in the quartz movement and the clock hands. It wasn’t perfect, but it was ticking! I stepped back to admire my handiwork. It wasn’t a Jaeger-LeCoultre, that’s for sure. Not even close to the real Atmos Marqueterie Paille which I heard is restricted to 28 pieces only. But you know what? It had a certain charm to it. A kind of “I made this with my own two hands” vibe.
The Result
Well, my imitation Atmos clock ended up on my shelf, next to my books. It’s a conversation starter, that’s for sure. People ask me about it, and I get to tell them the whole story of how I tried to copy a masterpiece and ended up with something… well, something unique. Some people online talk about counterfeit Jaeger-LeCoultre watches, but I wasn’t trying to fool anyone. I just wanted a fun project. Besides, there are authorized Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos Clock service centers, like The Watchmaker, if you need the real thing serviced.
- Lesson learned: Making an Atmos clock is way harder than it looks.
- Another lesson: Gold paint is tricky.
- Final lesson: Even if you fail, you still end up with a cool story.
Would I do it again? Probably not. But hey, it was an adventure! And who knows, maybe one day I’ll get my hands on a real Atmos clock. Until then, I’ll keep ticking along with my homemade version.
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