Friday, August 14, 2009

Up Close with Jaeger-LeCoultre's AMVOX2 Chronograph Racing

Up Close with Jaeger-LeCoultre's AMVOX2 Chronograph Racing jaeger le-coultre amvox2 chronograph

Jaeger-LeCoultre and Aston Martin have been together for more than fifty years, ever since Aston won its first Le Mans in 1959 with a DBR1 sporting a Jaeger clock. The two companies began to make the most of that partnership only a few years ago, when Jaeger-LeCoultre introduced the AMVOX1.

The second generation timepieces -- easily remembered as AMVOX2 -- begin with this, the AMVOX2 Chronograph. The vertical-trigger chronograph is the first of its kind to dispense with push-buttons: the timing mechanism can be stopped, started, and reset by pressing on the upper and lower edges of the sapphire crystal face. The chronograph functions can also be locked in position with the 3-position slider on the right.

Other details surrounding Jaeger-LeCoultre's Chronograph Caliber 751B include the red lever mechanism between 4 and 8'o'clock, and black applique numbers on a satin-finish dial that mask the white discs of the chronograph. You can peruse the details of Jaeger's AMVOX2 and survey the five years of timepieces the partnership has produced below.


Gallery: Jaeger's AMVOX Watch Collection



PRESS RELEASE

AMVOX2 Chronograph Concept
Jaeger-LeCoultre's most dramatic innovation: the Vertical-Trigger Chronograph.

By introducing the second generation watch in the AMVOX collection, Jaeger-LeCoultre once again redefines high watchmaking standards and sets a new milestone in its partnership with Aston Martin. AMVOX2 Chronograph Concept will stun technical enthusiasts and watch connoisseurs alike with its latest patented technical breakthrough: the vertical-trigger chronograph. This ingenious mechanism makes it possible to start, stop and reset the chronograph simply by pressing on the sapphire crystal of the watch case, so there is no need for push buttons. Issued in limited editions, AMVOX2 Chronograph Concept brings together powerful design and daring performance, making it truly the ultimate driver's watch.

AMVOX2 Chronograph Concept is a clear demonstration of the Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre at its very best, able to combine high-tech engineering with the finest watchmaking expertise.

Revolutionary innovation
In keeping with its spirit of breakthrough innovation in fine watchmaking, Jaeger-LeCoultre is revolutionizing the sports watch segment with its vertical-trigger chronograph system: gone are the 'traditional' push-pieces so characteristic of chronographs. They are replaced by an amazing new mechanism that makes it possible to start, stop and reset the timer device simply by pressing on the watch's crystal sapphire surface. An absolute first in the world of fine watchmaking. With this new patented device, Jaeger-LeCoultre's recently developed Chronograph Caliber 751B will be even easier to use.

AMVOX2 Chronograph Concept will forever change the way the performance-minded driver will interact with his watch. Just as effortless as pressing the Engine Start button in an Aston Martin car, the lucky owner of an AMVOX2 Chronograph Concept will be able to trigger and disengage the chronograph function with a simple and completely instinctive movement: by pressing on the sapphire crystal at the 12 o'clock position. To reset, the driver will simply press on the crystal at the 6 o'clock mark.

An exceptional new integrated mechanism
Behind this unparalleled ease of use is the high-tech engineering of AMVOX2 Chronograph Concept and a completely new integrated mechanical system. Inside, a clever ball-joint system allows both the case and bezel to pivot away from the shoulders of the watch, activating a series of levers that instantly transmit impulses that control the chronograph. Each lever is mounted on a miniature stainless-steel ball bearing containing seven 0.1mm-diameter balls.

A three-position cursor rounds off this revolutionary construction. When positioned on the side of the case at 9 o'clock, this selection device locks the chronograph so that it is not triggered, disengaged or reset with the driver's normal or inadvertent hand or arm motions.

A powerful design inspired by cutting-edge engineering
AMVOX2's design features reveal the creativity and beauty of Jaeger-LeCoultre's watchmaking savoir-faire.
The luminescent black appliquéd numbers around the dial could only have been dreamt up by a design team passionate about the power and soul of Aston Martin cars. The 30-minute and 12-hour chronograph dials on luminescent white discs stand out clearly on the watch face, recalling the awesome headlights of an Aston Martin car or that invigorating feeling as the dashboard counters light up during at night.

The dark-hued highlight that runs around the dial is interrupted only between 4 and 8 o'clock in order to provide a glimpse of the astonishing lever mechanism that controls the functioning of the chronograph – distinctively red, it is reminiscent of the most striking of the optional colours for Aston Martin's brake calipers.

The detailing achieves a degree of perfection that even the most demanding Aston Martin connoisseur might hardly imagine possible: the emblematic dark grey colours of the sports car brand; the dial with its circular satin finish, similar to the surface effect of the brake disks; the five markers on the highlight band, inspired by the DB9's dashboard instruments; the refined contrasts between shiny and matte, reminiscent of the
attractive co-existence of polished chromes and sand-moulded engine parts. Of course all of the above along with the distinctive 270 degree sweep of the dial, recalling the historic Jaeger automobile counters, remain true to the stunning yet understated design identity of Jaeger-LeCoultre's AMVOX collection.

A high-performance mechanism
AMVOX2 Chronograph Concept combines extraordinary mechanical innovation with the qualities of reliability, sturdiness, longevity and precision that are the hallmarks of all Jaeger-LeCoultre mechanisms. Powered by the new Calibre Jaeger-LeCoultre 751B, AMVOX2 Chronograph Concept is a watch of exceptionally daring character. The 72-hour power reserve increases still further the length of time during which the watch can be relied on to function with optimum accuracy. Meanwhile, a complex column-wheel (a defining feature in high-end chronographs) and an extremely sophisticated vertical coupling system guarantee the chronograph's accuracy. The adjustment of the balance wheel's inertia thanks to the presence of four screws on its felly ensures the
setting remains stable in all conditions. Finally, the rotor's ball bearing contains ceramic balls providing the clear advantage of never needing lubrication, thus further enhancing the watch's long-term reliability.

Limited series
AMVOX2 Chronograph Concept will be launched in three limited series. There will be an edition of 250 in titanium, with a particularly high-tech aesthetic, endowing the watch with a striking personality. The steel and titanium case is covered in a slick black coating of titanium oxide sealed with silicium oxide, an immediate and highly recognizable visual cue to the watch's technical prowess. This will be accompanied by two other versions: the first is an edition of 750 in titanium with brushed and polished finishes; the second, a limited series of 200, marries a titanium case with a platinum bracket. The high-quality individual design and technical detailing makes each of these series unique. In every aspect, AMVOX2 Chronograph Concept is a revolutionary limited series by Jaeger-LeCoultre to be reckoned with by pace-setting technical enthusiasts and watch connoisseurs alike.

AMVOX2 Chronograph Concept epitomizes the values shared by Jaeger-LeCoultre and Aston Martin, the highest level of fine watchmaking prowess, powerful design and daring performance. Simply, the ultimate driver's watch.

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