Top class table clocks and wall clocks
Discussion
I'm not aware of any other factory-made "modern" clocks that are comparable with JLC.
There are a few very small manufacturers producing hand-made clocks in limited runs. Very expensive.
There are some manufacturers producing "designer" clocks, but these tend to be mass-produced German movements (Hermle or Keininger) in modernist/minimalist designer cases. Style over substance.
I like Atmos and the cheaper "skeleton" JLC clocks. I've worked on a few, but never owned one. I feel they are overpriced when new, but can be good buys secondhand. Massive depreciation, and servicing isn't cheap.
With a few grand to spend, I'd be looking at a mid to late 18th century English bracket clock, London or Bristol maker, with original "crown wheel and verge" escapement.
Wall clocks, a grand will get you a very nice late 19th century Lenzkirch Vienna regulator.
Double that, an earlier "Beidermeir" lanterndluhr Vienna regulator.
Something bigger? Longcase (grandfather) clocks are a good buy right now, with top quality London clocks going for sensible prices.
A French "4 glass" table clock (crystal regulator in American) with mercury pendulum is probably the closest thing to an Atmos in looks. Reasonably priced too.
I feel that top quality antique clocks have bottomed out now, and will start going up in price again.
There are a few very small manufacturers producing hand-made clocks in limited runs. Very expensive.
There are some manufacturers producing "designer" clocks, but these tend to be mass-produced German movements (Hermle or Keininger) in modernist/minimalist designer cases. Style over substance.
I like Atmos and the cheaper "skeleton" JLC clocks. I've worked on a few, but never owned one. I feel they are overpriced when new, but can be good buys secondhand. Massive depreciation, and servicing isn't cheap.
With a few grand to spend, I'd be looking at a mid to late 18th century English bracket clock, London or Bristol maker, with original "crown wheel and verge" escapement.
Wall clocks, a grand will get you a very nice late 19th century Lenzkirch Vienna regulator.
Double that, an earlier "Beidermeir" lanterndluhr Vienna regulator.
Something bigger? Longcase (grandfather) clocks are a good buy right now, with top quality London clocks going for sensible prices.
A French "4 glass" table clock (crystal regulator in American) with mercury pendulum is probably the closest thing to an Atmos in looks. Reasonably priced too.
I feel that top quality antique clocks have bottomed out now, and will start going up in price again.
Hermle make some nice clocks in various styles, and if yo like art deco there are some very nice Bulova/ Frank Lloyd Wright clocks, only problem is all the sellers I've seen are US based, so shipping isn't cheap!
Looking again at the Hermle, they are mostly <£1k, and a bit old fashioned.
Looking again at the Hermle, they are mostly <£1k, and a bit old fashioned.
Edited by Super Sonic on Thursday 13th August 18:51
Super Sonic said:
Hermle make some nice clocks in various styles, and if yo like art deco there are some very nice Bulova/ Frank Lloyd Wright clocks, only problem is all the sellers I've seen are US based, so shipping isn't cheap!
Looking again at the Hermle, they are mostly <£1k, and a bit old fashioned.
Things to be aware of with Hermle:Looking again at the Hermle, they are mostly <£1k, and a bit old fashioned.
Edited by Super Sonic on Thursday 13th August 18:51
They still make a massive range of movements, from £100 to getting on for a grand.
The cheaper movements are built to a price, and are basically disposable.
Make sure to find out what you are buying.
Look at the movement model number (3 or 4 digits - 3 digits). The 1xx-xxxand 2xx-xxx series are budget models.
The cheaper movements have a service life of 20 to 30 years.
Some of the cheaper movements are now made in China, so quality and lifespan is a bit of an unknown.
They are supposedly "ready to fit", but they do sometimes forget to lubricate them properly.
I always check them very carefully "out of the box".
Good thing is, they still make and supply parts for pretty much everything they have sold in the last 50 years, and parts are very reasonably priced.
If factory or pre-sales QC is done properly, they don't need servicing for 20+ years - as long as they are kept out of blazing sunshine (oil evaporates, same as any mechanical clock).
I like Hermle movements, just be aware of what you are buying so you don't pay a grand for a clock with a £100 movement in a chipboard case.
Ffffaster said:
I'd love a Jaeger Atmos clock, but it strikes me that I really don't know anything about this genre.
Are there other quality table/mantle clocks or wall clocks that are in the same arena?
Would happily receive an education on this.
I've flirted with an Atmos too - interesting clocks.Are there other quality table/mantle clocks or wall clocks that are in the same arena?
Would happily receive an education on this.
The other one that appeals, but is not in the same league as the JLC, is the Rolex Submariner desk clock. Quartz, but very well made and a nice object.
Gassing Station | Watches | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff