Things to consider when buying a second-hand Atmos clocks

 

I am assuming that you want to buy a second-hand Atmos clock. They definetly offer good value but you have no guarantees from Jaeger LeCoultre..

Based on my experience as a repairer, I give you my personal views and hopefully, it will help you select the right model suitable for you and what level of risk you are prepared to take-on for the more common models Link to models

 

Cal 540 (& Cal 560) The Cal 560 is the modern version of the 540, but  they are very similar to each other.

The 540 has shaped plates, while the 560 has rectangular plates.

Mechanically the only difference is that the 560 has a support plate for the barrel arbor winding wheel, otherwise they are the same.

Since the 540 is more commonly available second-hand
This seems to have become the most sought after model, in fact it regularly fetches the highest price.

It is the latest model and it has been in production since the 80's. Jaeger LeCoultre have made some radical modifications to the mechanism to improve its performance, but, strangely enough, the reality is that not all the cal540s perform equally as well ... it would seem that it is a matter of luck if you get a good one or not.

Some do perform very well indeed ! but some perform not as well, with some examples requiring servicing more often than you would expect and some can be very troublesome.

(in my opinion, the quality control and manufacturing is not the same as in the older models ... and even worse in the cal 560)

Because the cal540 is the youngest model, you will find that this model is vey likely to be in the best cosmetical condition, but If the clock has been messed about, the repair is going to be very expensive.

If you want your clock to look shiny and new the cal 540 is going to be your best choice.

If you are after this model and do not want nasty surprises, I would strongly recommend that you buy this model from a specialist Atmos repairer, in case you have problems

 

Cal 526 & Cal 528    I have grouped these two together because mechanically they are identical.
These models span a period that goes from the 50's to the 80's

The only difference lies in the design of the cases:
The cal 526 has a hinge-type door, rouded-corners, smaller case but very well proportioned dimensions.

the Cal 528 is larger in size, every part of the case is bigger, the corners pieces are very flat and broad and when accessing the hands, the front door comes outcompletely. The only minor problem with this case is that at the corners, where the brass is sharply bent, tend to split (due to metal fatigue?)

Mechanicall they are very sound and go very well. It is not unusual that a good service will keep these clocks happily running for 20-30years. So if you can find one with the case still on good condition you can be sure that, once the movement is sorted out, it will not give you any trouble for a very long time.

It would be best to avoid the model with *not-dismantleable jewels (see Image), unless you know its provenance and you are certain that it has not been messed about.

It can make servicing the clock more troublesome, especially If somebody has oiled the jewels ... it can make the repair much more expensive.

 

Cal 519    This the oldest model that I would define as a commmon purchase proposition.

Because of its age, it is more difficult to find in good cosmetic condition. The case, in appearance, is very similar to the cal528, the difference is that to access the mechanism the whole top part of the case lifts off (Bell-Top).

Mechanically, its design is very good and performs just as well, if not better, than the cal526-528.

*TO AVOID:

Please be aware that some 519 have the bellow which is integral to the bellow case, which means that the bellow cannot be changed or repaired.

If the bellow is faulty, the clock will need to be modified to take a normal gas bellow (see image).

You can recognise this model by looking at the back-plate where the bellow is secured by 4 fixing nut, plus there is a 5th protrusion, which is the the "gas nipple" prodruting through.

 

 

Conclusion    If the clocks were all in equally good condition externally, my personal preference would be for the cal526.

It has the perfect balance of a good proven mechanism with good performance, and the case is more pleasing to my eyes.

Parts are reasonably easy to obtain even if this model is now obsolete.

The Cal 528 is just as good, but I just prefer the case design of the 526

I have nothing against the cal519 ... it is going to be more difficult to find a cal 519 in good original condition,

If your heart is set on a cal540, it is a very good choice,

but if you do not like to risk your chances, my advice would be to purchase it from an atmos specialist that will give you a guarantee.

 

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Some people will want to buy from the USA where Atmos clocks are more aboundably available, please be aware that 20% VAT import duty will be payable to HMRC not only for the cost of the clock but also for its postage costs, plus you will be charged admin and delivery fee in UK...............and if you have any problems, you are a long way away from the seller