Models
The Atmos with calibre 540
Calibre 540 introduced a new generation of the Atmos in 1983. Many of these clocks are now between 25 and over 40 years old – and they regularly come to our workbench for a service. What sets the calibre apart and what you should look out for.
What was new
Calibre 540 above all brought a new face: the movement plates were redesigned, some gear sizes were changed slightly and room was left for later complications. Construction and function, on the other hand, stayed the same – inside works the proven Atmos.
Production years and serial numbers
Calibre 540 appeared in the catalogues from 1983 and was built from 1984 until about 2001. The clocks of this calibre that we have serviced start with serial numbers around 601,000 from 1984; the highest we know of is 707,093, a rhodium-plated 540.
How old your clock is exactly can be found with the search in our timeline.
Models with calibre 540 and its variants
- Classic – matt base and frame, polished columns; built 1984–1987
- Elysée – polished base, frame and columns, with an additional locking screw in the base plate
- Fontainebleau, Vendôme, Opéra and the Royal of the so-called third family
- Moon phase – calibre 544, from about 1994/95; the first one we saw had a serial number around 679,000 from April 1994. Very rarely also with thermometer and hygrometer.
- Atlantis and Du Millénaire – two very distinctive designs from this period
Stopped? Usually just a service
Worried owners often write to us because their 540 has stopped. They fear a major repair, a faulty capsule or a broken suspension spring. There is no reason for that at first: as a rule only a service is due, and if the clock has not been mistreated, without spare parts. Process and price: Service & Repair.
Locking correctly – the last bit counts
The locking lever of calibre 540 sits under the dial and must go all the way to the right. At first it moves easily, the last bit is stiff: that is exactly where it clicks in behind a small, invisible cam. Many owners do not dare to push that firmly – and the clock is only half locked.
During transport the lever can then work loose and the pendulum comes free. Typical consequences:
- a torn suspension spring
- a bent or broken fine-regulation tube
- a bent pallet fork
- a damaged locking mechanism
Many 540s have a small attachment with a rubber stopper on the lever that stops it slipping back when the glass is closed; it tends to get lost over the years. If your clock has the additional locking screw in the centre of the base plate, like the Elysée, tighten it gently with your fingers until it holds the lower tip of the pendulum.
How to pack the clock afterwards: How do I ship an Atmos safely? The video in the instructions shows the movement.
Your 540 is coming to us?
We will gladly send you a softly padded shipping box that makes the journey safe, or arrange insured door-to-door transport. Write to us or give us a call.
- Workshop Würzburg, Alexander Heeg: +49 178 8170215
- Aschaffenburg, Rüdiger Heeg: +49 175 9371074
- Email: info@atmos-atelier.de
