Paying homage to Gustav Klimt and his iconic work The Kiss , Jaeger-LeCoultre presents an exceptional timepiece: the Atmos Marquetry Clock . Produced in a very limited edition of ten pieces, this creation captures the spirit of Art Nouveau while celebrating the Manufacture 's artistic craftsmanship . The object combines aesthetic beauty and mechanical ingenuity, offering a poetic interpretation of time within a luminous marquetry setting
When art meets fine watchmaking
The Maison reinterprets Klimt's painting through a case crafted like a mosaic, a nod to the geometric patterns and gold leaf so dear to the painter. The result is an Atmos Marqueterie that engages with the decorative language of the Viennese master while asserting Jaeger-LeCoultre 's horological signature . The eye is first drawn to the image, then lingered on the precision of the mechanism, at the heart of a crystal display case that seems to suspend time.
A facade composed of more than 1200 pieces of wood
Theclock's ornamentation is based on over 1,200 pieces of wood , each cut, fitted, and polished by hand. Some are left unfinished, while others are covered in gold leaf to recreate the depth and shimmer of Klimt's painting, The Kiss. This meticulous craftsmanship reinvents Klimt's chiaroscuro, offering a vibrant surface where the wood grain and the gleam of gold create a living relief. Each clock thus becomes unique, the result of patient workshop work.
Shades of gold and etched light
To truly capture the spirit of the work, the Manufacture employs a multitude of golden tones. Shades of gold alternate, overlap, and create a rhythm across the scene. This palette generates a sense of depth reminiscent of the paint itself and the sheen of the gold leaf applied by Klimt. The design is not merely a motif; it is a living, breathing surface, a veritable marquetry where light ultimately brings the whole to life.
A mechanism revealed by a discreet gesture
A button within the design opens the cabinet, revealing the inner workings. The Atmos clock sits enthroned in a crystal, showcasing the movement's architecture while maintaining its perfect balance. The display retains a timeless elegance: hours, minutes, month and moon phase tick by with regularity . This presentation reinforces the idea of a dual object, simultaneously a work of art and a precision instrument.
Atmos, a movement fueled by temperature variations
For over 80 years, the Atmos clock has captivated audiences with its near-perpetual motion. Its movement is powered by even the slightest temperature variations , transforming these fluctuations into energy. Power consumption is so low that the slightest variation is enough to keep the pendulum turning. This feat exemplifies Jaeger-LeCoultre 's gentle engineering , where energy efficiency meets aesthetics.
Only ten copies: rarity as a signature
Limited to 10 pieces, this Atmos Marquetry clock dedicated to The Kiss is aimed at collectors with a passion for fine craftsmanship and art history. Each piece represents hours of work by marquetry artisans, gilders, and watchmakers, all coordinated within the Manufacture. The clock becomes a manifesto of expertise, but also a link between the worlds of decorative jewelry and fine watchmaking.
Why is this play already a classic?
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A respectful dialogue with Gustav Klimt and the Art Nouveau aesthetic
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A marquetry , made of wood and gold leaf, cut into more than 1200 elements
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The magic of Atmos , which thrives on temperature variations for remarkably consistent performance.
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A cabinet that opens with a button , revealing a movement exposed in crystal
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A limited edition of ten pieces, guaranteeing rarity and desirability.
The essence of a work of art that tells the time
With theAtmos Marquetry “Le Baiser, Jaeger-LeCoultre does more than simply adorn a clock with prestigious motifs. The Maison combines watchmaking expertise with rare decorative mastery to create a complete object. The clock tells a story of a love for materials and time, faithful to Klimt in its brilliance, faithful to the Manufacture in its precision. A masterpiece ofhorological art designed to transcend generations, its movement resonating with the room and its seasons.
