Atmos I

1930–1938

The Reutter Clock

In 1930 the production of the first Reutter clocks started, the forerunners of the Atmos clocks. There were about 24 different models from 1932–34, the first Reutter clocks were still equipped with the “Cluses“ movement—with only 4 jewels, the rest of the pivots were steel. From 1932/33 on, a new movement caliber 30′‘A was used, equipped with 15 jewels. However, the main difference from the later Atmos clocks was mainly the mercury-based motor, which transmitted the temperature fluctuations of the atmosphere to the mainspring barrel. From 1936, development began on a new motor principle, as the dangers of mercury became known and the motor construct was very fragile, therefore difficult to transport.

Atmos II

1939–1950

The first “real“ Atmos clock, powered by a gas-filled metal bellow, was developed in 1935–38 and then offered for sale. The movement was further developed and a new case with glass discs was designed. The typical design, which remained until the early 1990s, was created. Over the years, there were minor changes to the design, such as the adjustment knob which points backwards to the pressure box, or forwards, towards the dial. The plate shows the Geneva finish, which is still common today. The Atmos II was sold from 1939 on and went into serial production for the first time. The myth of the perpetual motion machine was created.

Atmos III (519)

1950–1955

With the caliber 519, further minor changes were made. The fine adjustment was revised and placed centrally at the front over the dial, the plate width is reduced and the construction of the case is somewhat simplified—overall, the clock becomes more suitable for mass production. The movement remains mostly unchanged. The number of clocks produced increased from per year 2,000 in 1948 to 10,000 by 1951.

Atmos IV (522 and 532)

1954 - early 1955

The caliber 522 and 532 were special models that were produced only briefly and are considered intermediate models. Today, the caliber 522 is often called “Tuxedo“ because of the prominent front door, which is decorated with the striking Geneva cut. The caliber 532 differs only slightly from the caliber 526, the case front was reinterpreted and given a new design. This model was produced only in small numbers.

Atmos V (526)

1954 - 1958*

*in small numbers for decades later and as the basis for special models eg "Vendome"

The serial production of the Atmos clock continues with the caliber 526. The construction of a new movement allows the production of 1,500 Atmos clocks per month, the clock is presented in Switzerland as a state gift, in the U.S. very often as a corporate gift for employees to celebrate an anniversary. Therefore, this model is also often found engraved or with a glued plaque on the front. Above mentioned 522 is produced in parallel.

The caliber 526 itself differs mainly by smaller dimensions, which also gives it the nickname “Baby Atmos“. The case was modified, the pendulum latch is located inside under the dial—no longer under the case back. Furthermore, the clock no longer has a glass cover, which is removable, but a small front door, which can be opened with a gold-plated brass button. The movement is built into this classic clock case, but also in special versions of the coming decades. For example, in the model Atmos Vendome and Atmos Vendome Paris.

Atmos 526 Vendome

Based on the 526, with larger dimensions, both the dial and the generally architectural design of this clock are reminiscent of classicism. That is why it became famous under the names "Style", "Empire" or "Directoire".

The Atmos Vendome was produced in different variations. With a gilded base or also with a marble base. The first Vendome appeared in 1962

Atmos VI (528-6 & 528-8)

1957 to 1983

The larger original model of the Atmos clock is revived. The success of the brand leads to the launch of even more models. The old dimensions are combined with the new advanced movement with slimmer plates. The clock has initially a "lift off" hood like the Atmos II and Atmos III with the model 528-6, which is changed to a front door with a small pusher in the 528-8.

Atmos VII (540/560)

1984 to present

The redesign of a classic

From 1983, the caliber 540, which had been completely overhauled in design, was listed in the catalogs. The focus was on a slimmer design and modified proportions in detail. Technically, the movement was completely rebuilt: The movement plate, the pendulum suspension, and all gears were completely redesigned. Also, the mainspring barrel was moved and, for the first time, a moon phase was possible—and that without an extra gear! This was the first “complication“ of the Atmos watch, the so-called caliber 544—a milestone.

In the beginning, this caliber is also equipped with a temperature and hygrometer. Not visible from the outside, but of great importance: The manufacturing process of the pressure box, the heart of every Atmos clock, was fundamentally revised. The gas-filled metal bellows, which react very sensitively to any change in temperature, have now been manufactured using an industrial plasma welding process, which greatly extends its service life and thus helps the Atmos watch to last even longer. Different models, dials, and caliber variants were introduced.

Special editions until 1983

Limited editions

Special mention should be made of various special editions of the Atmos clock, which have been produced again and again in small production runs, mostly for various company anniversaries. These include, for example, in 1979 the Atmos Jubilee (50th anniversary, limited to 1,500 clocks), the Atmos Prestige (seen here, limited to 3,000 clocks) and later the Atmos Opera.

Contemporary technology is inserted into the original prototype design of the Reutter clocks of the 1930s. As very limited editions, these models continue to enjoy great popularity today.

The detailed design with faceted discs and large screwed balance weights testifies to the flair of the past era