It is rare in the world of horology to see models created under the keen eye of a master designer such as Marc Newson.
Collaboration with Jaeger-LeCoultre has already given us several versions of the legendary Atmos clocks since 2008. Newson has also ventured into the design of hourglasses and even created wristwatches in collaboration with the brand Ressence. However, the emergence of a full-fledged collection of three unique watches is a significant event. This is precisely what happened at the large-scale Milan Design Week last week. Let's take a closer look at each of the three models and find out how Marc Newson offers to measure time more elegantly at home and on the go.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos Hybris Artistica Tellurium - Bringing the Cosmos Home
The centerpiece of the collection is the Atmos Hybris Artistica Tellurium model, distinguished by its rarity and uniqueness. These clocks seem to bring the cosmos into your living room: constellations are engraved on the glass dome, with each star represented by one of the 539 sapphire cabochons. For astronomy enthusiasts, this might be the best home clock.
Inside the decorated dome hides a complex mechanism operating on the unique Atmos system, which uses air temperature changes to maintain timekeeping. In addition to displaying the time, the clock is equipped with a small tellurium on the dial, with the Sun at the center, surrounded by the rotating Earth and Moon. The Earth is handcrafted with detailed painting, reflecting the finest details of its axial rotation. The Moon is three-dimensional, with laser engraving giving it a lunar texture, orbiting the Earth, which is made of meteorite and displays the phases of the Moon. The accuracy of the lunar calendar is astonishing, with an error of only one day in 5,770 years.
Additionally, Jaeger-LeCoultre complemented the clock with indications of months, seasons, and zodiac signs, executed in a delicate and artistic manner. This is not a mechanical complexity that impresses with rapid movement, like a tourbillon, or sound, like a minute repeater. Here everything moves slowly, almost with a celestial rhythm, encouraging you to return to the clock again and again throughout the year. A slow work of art that attracts attention with its details and maintains interest with its development over time.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos Designer 568 - Minimalism with Advanced Features
The second model of the collection - Atmos Designer 568 - is closer to the classic collaboration between Jaeger-LeCoultre and Marc Newson. The Baccarat crystal case has a rounded square shape, restrained design, and subtly integrated complications.
The dial conceals several functions: an indicator of sunrise and sunset, the equation of time, and an ultra-precise lunar calendar maintaining accuracy for 4,087 years. Interestingly, there are three versions of this model, each tuned to a latitude of 30°, 40°, or 50°.
All complications are organically integrated into the main scale of hours and minutes, without interfering with the primary function - time display. The equation of time is a rare and complex function to implement, elegantly and flawlessly shown in this model. For me, these may be the best Atmos created by Jaeger-LeCoultre, as they embody the purity of Marc Newson's vision combined with the craftsmanship of the watchmaking house.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Travel Clock by Marc Newson - The Perfect Travel Clock
While the Atmos Designer 568 may be my new favorite model, this travel desk version of the Memovox is the undeniable leader among the novelties. These compact clocks fit in the palm and hark back to travel clocks that the brand released in the first half of the 20th century.
The case is made of titanium, with an alarm clock inside that is set using a hidden switch at the top of the case, changing the functions of the rotating bezel. The bezel is used for setting the time, winding the clock, and controlling the 12-day power reserve. The power reserve is displayed through 12 windows on the dial, changing color from blue to orange as you wind it - a very pleasant visual effect.
The design is inspired by the golden age of railway travel, so the clock is equipped with a built-in stand on the back of the case, which folds out to allow the clock to be used as a desk or bedside clock. This is a very stylish accessory that will delight the eye on the road, for example, on the Orient Express train.
The dial is designed with an emphasis on space and color: a large matte white surface highlights bright blue and orange elements. The alarm clock is reminiscent of the old diving Memovox models once produced by the brand and is indicated by an orange arrow on the rotating inner disc. This model definitely deserves a place on my wish list.
Key Advantages of the Jaeger-LeCoultre x Marc Newson Collection
- Unique design combining astronomical and functional elements.
- High-precision mechanisms with long power reserves and complex complications.
- Exceptional quality materials: sapphires, meteorite, titanium, Baccarat crystal.
- Elegance and minimalism harmoniously combined with technical complexity.
- Practicality of models for home and travel with convenient functionality.
This collection demonstrates how classical watchmaking art can be combined with modern design and innovative technical solutions, offering new ways to measure time with an aesthetic and scientific approach.