ATMOS $$$
Ok, so what exactly are these things supposed to cost?
Many people ask me to give a value to their Atmos clock. This is not an easy task. Many companies gave Atmos clocks to people upon retirement or as general thanks for long service and people also of course acquired Atmos clocks through various other means. Thus, many people are finding Atmos clocks in various conditions among the things of their parents or at estate sales, etc., and wonder what they are worth. I am providing this list not as a definitive explanation of the value of every single Atmos clock ever made, but instead, to provide some guidelines for people to expect realistic amounts and to understand that while there are some Atmos clocks which are very rare, many were made on a mass production basis and are thus very nice, but certainly not 'priceless'.
Further, anyone finding an old Atmos clock must recall that the Atmos should be serviced every 20 years. Thus, any clock you may just 'find' is likely unserviced and perhaps even non-functional. There is a great difference between the value of a working clock and a non-working one. Thus to maximize the value of any clock, it is wise to first get it up and running. Fortunately, several very competent individuals exist that do this kind of work, for example:
Jauch clock movements have little identification markings to go. Often it will be as simple as a 77 or 78 before some other numbers. It may only say PL 77 or PL 116 also. If the movement says Jauch and some other numbers, it is the Jauch clock movement company who made it.
Andre Walliman of Antique Clock Repair at (703) 318-6292
Mike Murray of Mike's Clock Clinic at (310) 828-6707
In general, if you have an Atmos clock with a serial number lower than 10,000 or most particularly lower than 5,000, you likely have a very early 'mercury' type Atmos clock. These vary in value depending upon condition, etc., but may be worth anywhere from $2,000-$40,000.
Atmos clocks with serial numbers between 10,000 and 25,000 are mainly from the earliest production runs. These are special clocks to be sure, but were made with mass production thus are typically worth about $1,500.
Atmos clocks with serial numbers between 25,000 and 300,000 were made in the 1950's and 1960's. This is most of what you find floating around. Just in general condition, perhaps running, these are the ones you often see selling used for about $800-$1,000. The only serious problem in purchasing one of these 'typical' used Atmos clocks, is that very often their condition is poor and getting the clock fixed including the high cost of parts that may need to be replaced can perhaps cost up to the price you paid for the clock itself, not a very good bargain.
Atmos clocks with serial numbers between 300,000 and 550,000 are the 1970's, not much unlike the 1950's and 1960's models, with some cute variations like plastic cases with designs, unusual faces, hands, etc. Their value is similar to the others from this type and have the same caveats with regard to repairs. Ones that are unique are worth typically $1,500.
In the early 1980's the Atmos clock mechanism was radically changed. Some regard this as a very positive step, others consider the older Atmos clocks to be better made. Typically an Atmos clock with a serial number over 600,000 is of the new type, also called the 540. These are the Atmos clocks you will find today as new clocks. There are various kinds. The basic one is called the Elysee which is worth $3,000 new. Others include the China at $13,700, the Vendome at $5,600, the Fontainebleau at $4,000, the Royale at $7,100, the Beaubourg at $3,900, the Opera at $5,250, the Atlantis at $5,950 and the Marqueterie at $59,900. Then there is the most expensive production Atmos of all, the Joaillerie Blue Quartz at $169,000.
Make offer - Kundo Brass 400 Day Anniversary Clock Germany Glass Dome 11-1/2' tall Vintage German Schatz 400 day anniversary clock teal, works well, original box £285.30 However, in reality, your clock may need to be wound as soon as nine months or as late as 13 months. Most large Kundo clocks have interchangeable parts. The company ceased production c.1976. Country of Origin: Germany Year of Manufacture: 1926 Model: Standard Serial Number: 4169 Clock Type: 400-Day Approximate Height: 11' with glass dome Model History & Features: Kundo produced clocks of this style beginning in c.1924 until c.1950. Through this period, Kundo continually updated the clocks' movements, making them increasingly smaller.
I have sold many Atmos clocks to people, both new and used, and I can honestly say that in my experience with someone new to Atmos clocks, purchasing a new clock is a very good idea. They come with a three year world-wide warranty and of course are perfectly mint new with all the manuals, boxes, etc., that one would expect. Used clocks seem a good deal since they are often available pretty cheaply, but unless they have been overhauled and repaired, the deal may not be as good as it first appears.
Sure hope this helps everyone and I am always here to answer questions about Atmos clocks!
Sincerely,
Adam Michael Sacks, Esq.
Email: adam@adamlawyer.com
1-(310) 388-3077
'Chelsea' Clock Company
Serial Number Record Book Data
Serial Number vs. Sale Date
Serial Number Date
000001-003937 1897-1899
003938-016459 1900-1904
016460-059641 1905-1909
059642-097528 1910-1914
097529-136237 1915-1919
136238-159719 1920-1924
159720-194237 1925-1929
194238-213894 1930-1934
213895-256235 1935-1939
Cached
256236-472765 1940-1944
472766-559240 1945-1949
559241-598659 1950-1954
Dating Antique Clocks By Serial Number
598660-638906 1955-1960
638907-673459 1960-1964
673460-743137 1965-1969
743138-780288 1970-1974
786289-827760 1975-1979
827761-857063 1980-1984
857064-868171 1985-1989
868172- 1990-
Notes on Serial Number Data
Kundo Clock Germany
1. Most clocks are numbered on the case and the movement. These numbers in most all cases match, but occasionally movements were switched by the factory or the retailing jeweler.
2. The serial number record data shows the sale date of a given serial number. Prior to 1910 inventory control was not optimized and finished clocks remained in company inventory for years. The dates above show the average sale date for a given serial number. Specific clock sale dates may vary significantly.
3. Serial numbers were issued consecutively as movements were manufactured in groups of like type movements. These were then fitted to cases to meet special orders or for general stock.
Gustav Becker 2 Weight Wall Clock Made In Tschechoslovakia ...
4. The record books appear to have been transcribed from working lists by clerks. Occasionally omissions and errors are noted.