Jaeger-LeCoultre proved timepieces can be true works of art with the Atmos Régulateur 'Cherry Blossom' model unveiled at the Homo Faber Event.
While the Venetian Homo Faber Event does feature other timepieces, it represents a broader demonstration of contemporary art and design, mainly focusing on artisan crafts. The event brings together over 400 exhibits by 350 designers and artisans from 30 countries in exhibitions with a wide geographical reach. However, Japan is this year's guest of honor.
That's why European artists have also engrossed themselves in studying the traditions of the Land of the Rising Sun, including the watchmaker Jaeger-LeCoultre. Cherry blossoms are illustrated on the panels of the Atmos clock's new reincarnation. Its movement literally draws energy out of thin air, powered by barely noticeable variations in temperature.
Many designers began presenting their visions of Jaeger-LeCoultre's famous perpetuum mobile (Lat. perpetual motion) in the 1970s, and now the time has come for a Japanese reincarnation of the model. Caliber 582 was the movement chosen for the clock dedicated to the Japanese sakura, which suits the model's regulator type display with hands laid out in separate rings.
The minutes are indicated by the hand in the center of the large ring, while the upper ring with its own hand is dedicated to the hours. A moon-phase display is positioned at the bottom of the dial with an additional indication for the month.
The technical innovations harmonize with the clock's unique aesthetic. The glass cabinet of the Atmos Régulateur 'Cherry Blossom' clock is set between two of black Grand Feu enamel panels.
Over 200 hours of work went into this enameling. The pink cherry-blossom petals scattered by the wind stand out against the stark black backdrop achieved using a dry enameling technique.
Powdered pigment was applied to the panels, each measuring 196 mm × 105.2 mm, which were fired after the application of each layer. Copper is deemed more suitable than gold for enameling and was chosen as the main case material. The dial rings are in silver and also have their hollow troughs filled with enamel.