marc newson atmos 566 and hourglass

‘atmos 566’ by marc newson

two years ago, to mark the 80th anniversary of the atmos, australian designer marc newson was given carte blanche to redesign the famous clock . surrounded by a baccarat crystal bubble, the pure, contemporary curves of the ‘atmos 561’ by marc newson commanded immediate attention.

the mechanism is driven by infinitely small successive changes in temperature

this year, the artist wished to renew his cooperation with jaeger-lecoultre. entranced by the magic of complex horological mechanisms, he has chosen to lend a new face to ‘calibre 566’ which was featured in the atmos astronomique presented in 2008.

detail

two versions – a limited series of 28 in blue and another 48-piece translucent edition – showcase a cross between contemporary art and fine craftsmanship, and between technology and aesthetics. the generously proportioned cabinet allows light to flood in and illuminate the complicated mechanism. the hours and minutes rub shoulders with the sky chart of the northern hemisphere, with the cardinal points and zodiac. the months are displayed on a rotating disc at 6 o’clock along with the equation of time.

marc newson examines the baccarat glasses

marc newson in the atelier jaeger-lecoultre

the ‘atmos 566’ has been presented in geneva at the salon international de la haute horlogerie (SIHH) from January 18th to 22nd 2010.

recently ikepod has teamed up with marc newson to make this time measuring sculpture in borosilicated glass (3mm thickness). it is a timer for 60 minutes (weight 6.7 kg / size 265 mm x 300 mm).

the hourglass by marc newson with low carbon- or nickel plated nanoballs

the hourglass by marc newson filled with gold plated nanoballs

the hourglass was shown at baselworld 2010, the world watch and jewellery show, march 18 – 25, 2010.