Jaeger LeCoultre Atmos Clock Bellows
Atmos Clock Bellow Repair
The Atmos Clock powers itself with the expansion and contraction of the bellow. This unit is contained inside of the round “drum” (photo below) on the backside of the clock. The entire configuration is called the “Motor,” a name which is befitting, because this is where the mechanical energy that the clock uses to run and keep time, is harnessed.
(Bellow Drum)
The Atmos Clock Bellow is constructed of stainless steel membranes, which are hermetically sealed and filled with a combination of liquid and gas that is responsive to minor changes in temperature and barometric pressure of the environment. These changes cause the bellow to expand and contract ever so slightly, pumping a ratchet system, and eventually winding the mainspring of the Atmos Clock (Learn more about how the Atmos Clock winding system works with the YouTube video at bottom of this page).
The Atmos Clock Bellow that has gone flat can either require a recharge/refill, this is where the bellow doesn’t have a leak but the chemical state of the gas inside of the canister has changed;
Or the Atmos Clock Bellow could need to be repaired and then recharged. This takes place when there is a hole or leaking point on the stainless steel membrane. It is patched/sealed and then the Bellow is recharged. After it is tested to make sure it will maintain it’s function.
You may send the Atmos Bellow for repair/recharge inside the motor drum if you wish, or else it can be shipped alone as well.
The Motor Drum is attached to most clocks with 8mm cap nuts, the other clocks feature a reverse bayonet fitting (Caliber 540 and above).
Price for Atmos Clock Bellow Repair is $150 & Return Shipping/Insurance is $20 USD (U.S. Clients only. For international shipping rates please contact Michael at curtsclocks@gmail.com before shipping).
Please include a check made out to Michael Holman for $170, along with the Atmos Bellow for repair.
This payment will compensate Michael for his time to do the bellow testing and attempted repair. Not all of the bellows are repairable. Occasionally the entire inside of the stainless steel membrane is compromised to a level beyond sealing a single leaking point. Also, if the membranes are leaking at the seam or joint, then it is very difficult to seal it back up properly.
Michael is able to repair quite a high percentage of the bellows, so please don’t be discouraged to hear that not all of them are repairable. In the event that your bellow cannot be repaired, your payment compensates Michael for his efforts. It is similar to the concept of a labor rate in an automotive garage.
If your bellow is beyond repair, there is a good chance that Michael has a replacement bellow for sale if you need to replace it.
Directions for Returning The Repaired Bellow to Motor Drum:
Place bellow in freezer until it shrinks completely flat (10 mins).
Quickly put the bellow in the Atmos drum.
Place coil spring in center of bellow unit, and connect within the drum cover.
Align screw posts on cover, diagonally, so that the Lecoultre name emblem located on the back of outer drum is aligned at the bottom and right side up.
Replace motor protector plate on complete motor, carefully pressing into place without bending.
Put motor onto clock and hold steady while tightening down 8mm caps, being careful not to over pump winding system.
WARNING:
Never allow a full bellow to over-expand at room temperature without bands restricting, the bellow can crack at side flexion points of membrane.
This video describes a method that you may be able to tell if your Atmos Clock needs a bellow recharge without disassembling the motor drum
Here is a popular YouTube Video break down of How the Atmos Clock Winding System Functions