Atmos Clock Instructions and Care

Since Atmos Clocks run by Perpetual Motion, they do not require any manual winding and when running properly, they can run keep accurate time for many years before any type of service is required.

There are a few things that you should know however in order to guarantee that your Atmos clock will stay running properly:


Leveling:

Atmos Clocks are designed to operate best when placed on a level surface; in fact most Atmos Clocks will not operate at all unless they have first been properly leveled.

Most Atmos Clocks have one of the following built-in Leveling Systems:

1. A built-in ‘bubble’ level seated in the front base of the clock.

2. The Pendulum has a 'centering point' on the underside (directly underneath) and depending on the model, there is either a small black 'mark' (or an impression) centered on the inside bottom base of the clock or a small raised "cup".


Leveling an Atmos that has the built-in bubble level:

Place the clock in the desired location and turn the inside front screws until the bubble in the level is completely centered. Turning these screws raises or lowers the base so if the screws appear 'tight' when turning, lift up on the front of the clock slightly with one hand while turning the leveling screws.

Once the 'bubble' in the Level is centered, start the Pendulum by moving the Pendulum Locking Lever all the way to the right, this will start the Balance Wheel rotation; set the clock to the correct time by using the minute hand only, do not touch the hour hand.


Leveling an Atmos using the "centering points' (clocks with no bubble level):

Place the clock in desired location; locate the 'centering point' directly underneath (on the underside of the Pendulum) and also locate either the 'black mark' (or) a small 'cup' in the center of the inside base.

The purpose is to center the point underneath the Pendulum directly with the mark or 'cup' on the base while turning the Leveling Screws. Once the clock is leveled, set the clock to the correct time by using the minute hand only.

If you are unable to level your clock using either of the above methods, take a small hardware store level and place it on the top front of the clock and level the clock using the leveling screws as outlined above.

IMPORTANT:

The area where you place your Atmos (table, mantle, display case, etc) must also be as level as possible.
Do not place an Atmos Clock on a tilted table or an uneven surface, unless you're prepared to "shim" up the back of the clock with folder paper or coins, as you may not be able to level the clock otherwise.

As level the surface, the easier it will be to level your clock; use a separate Level placed on top of the clock as mentioned above if necessary.

Remember that Atmos Clocks run best when they are placed in 'low traffic' areas where the clock can run undisturbed and not be jarred.


The Importance of Locking the Pendulum

Caution: Moving an Atmos without first locking the Pendulum can cause damage to the Movement. The Pendulum must be in the LOCKED POSITION before moving the clock for any reason.

The Locking Lever for the Pendulum on most Atmos Clocks is located either directly under the Dial, or directly underneath the Base on the front the clock.

Moving the lever to the LEFT - UNLOCKS the Pendulum, to the RIGHT - LOCKS the Pendulum.

If you find it necessary to move your Atmos, WAIT until the Pendulum stops moving and then immediately slide the Lever to the RIGHT. Do NOT stop the Pendulum while the clock is in mid-rotation.


Restarting an Atmos Clock

If your Atmos Clock has stopped abruptly or was accidentally jarred, DO NOT 'spin' the Pendulum around by hand in an effort to restart the clock, as this can cause damage to the Suspension Spring.

To restart an Atmos that has abruptly stopped - have the Pendulum in the UNLOCKED Position and slowly move the MINUTE HAND (only) around one complete turn clockwise; do not touch the hour hand. This should restart the Pendulum rotation again. Afterwards, Set the clock to the correct time using the minute hand only.



Time Changes for Areas Observing Daylight Savings

To set your clock back, stop the clock by using the Pendulum locking lever. After one hour or so has passed, start the clock again and adjust the time if needed with the minute hand only (never touch the hour hand).

To set the clock ahead, stop the clock with the Pendulum locking lever (wait until the Pendulum stops moving) and then move the minute hand ahead to the proper time. Immediately restart the clock afterwards and reset the time if necessary with the Minute Hand.

NEVER move the hands backwards (counter-clockwise) on an Atmos Clock.



Atmos Speed Adjustments - Only When Necessary!

Atmos Clocks are very sensitive in nature and can react significantly to even the slightest adjustments.

If your Atmos is running fast or slow, you can make speed adjustments by using the Speed Adjustment Lever.
This 'Lever' is located on the top of the clock frame.

Imprinted in between the lever are "F/A" (Fast / Advance) and "S/R" (Slow / Retard) marks. Between the 'FA and "SR" are 'graduation marks' which represent very sensitive speed adjustments.

Ideally, if an Atmos clock is running properly and keeping correct time, the Speed Adjustment Lever should be exactly centered between 'FA and 'SR'. Obviously, moving the Speed Adjustment Lever to the RIGHT will increase the clock speed, to the LEFT will decrease the speed.

Important:

If you find it necessary to increase or decrease the speed of the clock, it's best to move the Speed Adjustment Lever by only a fraction of a graduation mark each time; allowing several days or even a week for the clock to adjust.

Moving the Lever too many times in too short of a period can cause extreme differences in the way the clock runs.

Remember that each 'graduation mark' represents 10 Seconds per day (fast or slow) and providing the clock is running properly one complete oscillation of the Pendulum represents 60 seconds, exactly.


NOTE: Some older, antique Atmos clocks have a long "knob' in the front or the back of the clock, which is used for speed adjustments instead of a lever. Turning this knob to the RIGHT increases the speed of the clock, to the LEFT decreases the speed.



Cleaning and Caring for Your Atmos Clock

Keep Atmos Clocks away from direct sunlight and avoid exposure to excessive heat or cold. Atmos Clocks operate best when room temperature is in the human comfort zone (68-80 degrees, F).

To clean fingerprints and/or dust from the case (brass or glass panels), use a small amount of water-diluted window cleaner and apply that to a soft, non-abrasive cloth.

NEVER use any abrasive cleaners when cleaning the metal. NO brass or copper cleaners, etc.




 

Over 40 years experience by
Swiss Master Clockmaker!

 

CLOCKMAKER - ANDRE WALLIMAN - ATMOS CLOCKS

E-mail: clockman@atmosclocks.com

Atmos Clock Repair
9583 Randall Drive, White Plains, MD 20695 (703) 318-6292

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