Reutter ATMOS Clock

[Bob Vasquez]

I have a Reutter ATMOS Clock in for restoration, serial # 4654. I have restored about 100 ATMOS' over the last 20 years. This is my first Reutter. Can I use the modern SS for this Reutter, the existing one is broken. Also, do you know of any technical repair notes for this model? It does have a mercury tank, fully intact. Thank you in advance for your assistance;
Bob Vasquez
Folsom, CA
916-834-2929

[Bob Vasquez]

I have a Reutter ATMOS Clock in for restoration, serial # 4654. I have restored about 100 ATMOS' over the last 20 years. This is my first Reutter. Can I use the modern SS for this Reutter, the existing one is broken. Also, do you know of any technical repair notes for this model? It does have a mercury tank, fully intact. Thank you in advance for your assistance;
Bob Vasquez
Folsom, CA
916-834-2929

[John Hubby]

Bob, I have worked on several Reutter clocks but have not had to replace suspension springs. However, in principle I see no reason you shouldn't be able to make it work.

The Reutters had two types of pendulum: One that looks like a huge balance wheel, and one that looks much like the later modern "solid rim" pendulums. I will comment on each in the following.

If you have the balance wheel type, the construction allows the weights on the ring to be adjusted outward if the clock runs too fast (spring too strong). The usual precautions about making equal adjustments on opposite sides applies. You may have to put thin washers behind the weights to lock them properly. There also may be enough adjustment to screw them inward if the clock runs too slow. If the clock still runs slow, look for weights fixed underneath the cross-arm. If there is still a problem, try making the suspension as short as you can and still have minimum clearance for the tube and correct positioning of the roller at the top end.

If you have one of the pendulums which looks more like the later "solid" ring types, you can add weight to the inside rim to slow the clock down, and you can also remove adjusting weights which may already be there, to speed it up. The same procedure applies about shortening the suspension spring if needed.

In either case you shouldn't run out of adjustment room if the clock is running too fast. However, if it still runs too slow after making the adjustments above, there is still one option that can be done without having to remove metal from the inside of or underneath the pendulum to make it lighter.

Remove the suspension wire, and cut two pieces of thin brass sheet (say 1 inch long by 1/16 inch wide). Make sure they are flat and straight, then superglue them together with the suspension spring in the middle at a point just above the bottom but leaving enough spring to attach to the pendulum. That will effectively shorten the spring and cause the clock to run faster. This will be a trial and error process and you may have to try it a couple of times. Use super glue remover to take them apart if you need to. I know this works as I have used it on 400-Day clocks.

One last item, as a request. You mention the serial number of your clock, I presume that is the one that is stamped at the back on the cross-arm that supports the mercury motor drum. There will be another number on the movement, which will be a LeCoultre Calibre 30"A. I will appreciate if you could email me with that number and also if possible post me some photos by email to pastimes@juno.com.

Best of luck, let us know if this all works.
John Hubby
Secretary Chapter #168