Jaeger-LeCoultre AMVOX II: Design & Technicality

amanico · 2022-01-04T08:29:32Z

Explore the Jaeger-LeCoultre AMVOX II chronograph's design and technical innovation. Discover its unique glass-activated chrono and collector insights.

amanico

WPS member · Jaeger-LeCoultre forum

40 replies10028 views14 photos

Amanico's deep dive into the Jaeger-LeCoultre AMVOX II chronograph offers a rare glimpse into the genesis of a truly innovative timepiece. His detailed account, enriched with original design sketches and patent descriptions, illuminates the collaborative design process and technical ingenuity that brought this unique watch to life. This article is essential reading for understanding how JLC pushed the boundaries of chronograph operation.

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Let's see how the idea was born, and what are the key details of this watch.

The idea come from the Creation - Design Department of the manufacture, and more precisely from the collaboration of two talents, Magali Metrailler for the dial, and Francis Cretin for all the other parts of the watch ( case design and conception, hands, glass, the shape of the crown, well everything else ). The Creation-Design Department submitted the first sketch in December 2004, which was accepted, and the watch was unveiled one year after, in December 2005, before its official launch at the SIHH in April 2006.

The original sketch from December 2004:

As you can see, we are still a bit far from the definitive watch, as the chrono sub dials are conventional, as well the chrono lever which don't appear, on this sketch.

Description of the Patent:

" The watch has a case (9) with a fixed part (10) and a mobile part (11) comprising a middle (21) and a movement (23) that are pivotally mounted on the part (10) along a swivel axis (32) by a pivot (31) for performing a tilting movement of the part (11) along two opposite directions. The movement activates start/stop and zero reset chronograph functions and has control units controlling the functions of the movement, where the units are accessible from the exterior of the movement. Actuating mechanisms (44, 45) mounted in the middle transform the tilting movement into an action on the units."

The technical drawings:

Now, some pictures showing Francis Cretin and Magali Metrailler with the Amvox II Black Concept.

That being said, let's see the main details of this watch, and more specifically, the influence of automotive.

- The case:

The 44 mm big and 15, 35 high pivoting case makes me think of a sequential gear box. Indeed, as you know, this is the only chronograph to be activated by the glass, replacing the traditional pusher(s).

You want to start? Press the glass at 12 o clock. To stop the Chronograph, press once again at 12 o clock. Do you want to reset it to zero, press at 6 clock.

Like on a sequential gear box. You want to change up, you press the knob in one direction, and to change up, you activate the knob in the opposite direction. Simple, intuitive.

- The Crown:

Here, no hesitation, the crown is shaped like a fuel tank cap. Not an ordinary crown, for sure, but a very sensuous one. I have been told that the Creation - Design Department got their inspiration from a Vanquish. There is worse, as a source of inspiration.

- The Dial:

There are many things to say here.

- The most spectacular detail certainly is this aperture between 4 and 7 o' clock, showing the chronograph levers, in red, an evocation of the racing brake calipers.

- The red and yellow touches are typical from the sports car universe. Here, they are not too intrusive, as you can see.

- The applied hour markers make me think of a rev meter while the minutes ring can be seen as an allusion to a speedometer.

- The chronograph counters, ear shaped, remind me of the oil and water temperature indicators.

- Last detail, which can be noticed under a certain angle and light, the AM logo just under the axis of the hands.

To me, this watch is not far from perfection.

I would have changed two things on it, though: The date, of course, which ruins the dial a bit, and this curious, very curious alarm ring which doesn't have its place on a " Chronograph Only ". I would change it for a tachymeter, which would be much more appropriate for a racing chronograph.

To date, one of the most original modern chronographs, in my opinion. And one of my favorites, too.

Looking forward to reading your comments and thoughts.

Best,

Nicolas

PD: I would like to thank Francis Cretin for the long discussions and the informations on the Amvox II. We both share Passion for this watch.

About the Jaeger LeCoultre Amvox2 Ref. AMVOX2

The Amvox2 represents Jaeger LeCoultre's approach to contemporary sports timing, offered here in the Steel Black series configuration. This 44mm reference positions itself as a substantial automatic chronograph within the Amvox2 collection, distinguished by its monochromatic steel and black dial treatment.

The 44mm steel case houses an automatic movement and features a black dial beneath sapphire crystal protection. Water resistance extends to 100 meters, while a fixed bezel completes the case architecture. The steel construction and automatic movement provide the mechanical foundation for this chronograph reference.

This Steel Black series Amvox2 appeals to collectors seeking a modern Jaeger LeCoultre sports chronograph with substantial wrist presence. The 44mm case diameter and black dial configuration offer a contemporary alternative within the Amvox2 range, providing automatic chronograph functionality in a steel sports watch format. The combination of size, materials, and dial treatment positions this reference for collectors focused on modern Jaeger LeCoultre sports complications.

Specifications

Caliber: Cal.751

Case: Steel

Diameter: 44 mm

Dial: Black

Water Resist.: 100m

Crystal: Sapphire crystal

Key Points from the Discussion

The AMVOX II's use of Grade 5 titanium contributes significantly to its scratch resistance, and the brushed steel date wheel is a subtle, yet appreciated, design detail. The vertical clutch allows for continuous chronograph operation without wear concerns.
The AMVOX II's tactile experience, with its unique glass-pressing chronograph activation, offers a distinct pleasure compared to traditional pushers, highlighting its enduring innovation.
The initial sketches from December 2004 suggest the AMVOX II concept might not have been originally conceived under the AMVOX line, given the different dial setup and hand shapes.
Despite its innovative design, some collectors question the practical necessity of the 'searched for' innovation, noting that traditional pushers are already intuitive and reliable, and the glass activation may lead to frequent cleaning.
The AMVOX II is a special watch due to its large yet light profile, pusher-less chronograph, multi-dimensional dial, and subtle branding, often surprising those unfamiliar with its unique chrono activation.
The development of the AMVOX II was very costly, leading to suggestions that JLC could relaunch the design in another line, potentially even a DBS version with car-opening functionality.

The Discussion

Chronometer (aka yacomino)

Jan 4, 2022

Wow, ok now I am speechless! What a cool watch this is!

amanico

Jan 4, 2022

Thanks for looking, my friend.

MCG (Markus)

Jan 4, 2022

Amazing watch and mechanism, Nico!

I like it from a design and concept standpoint. Always liked it. However, I find the innovation a bit „searched for“ because the button operation has proved to be intuitive, incredibly reliable and operation-save. I am not sure here. And to be honest, I don‘t want to clean the crystal after every usage… 😅😉 PS: seeing the nr. of posts I did… : Happy 2022❣️🤩

amanico

Jan 4, 2022

LOL! Good one about your number of posts, but please don't wait for 2023 to post your 2023th! As for the watch, needless to say I like it, and even better, I admire it.

kkochheiser

Jan 4, 2022

Thank you so much!

Great insights and drawings. Now I need to get mine out of the safe and back on my wrist! Kent

amanico

Jan 4, 2022

There is so much to love, with the Amvox 2!