Jaeger-LeCoultre

Well, finally I have it on my wrist. I have only been obsessing about this watch for more than a year now. Some of you Gentle Purists have tired of me, I fear. This is THE watch that has kept me up many, many nights over many, many months. Its hold on me has been strong and constant.

Everything has been said before about this watch, and more eloquently than I may write; and some very gorgeous photos have been posted here as well. Neither my skills nor my equipment is up to the task of photographing the AMVOX2 DBS well enough to capture a watch that changes so dramatically depending upon the lighting and angle of view. 

 

 

So my “review,” such as it is, is very personal and probably overly passionate.

What a nice crystal, no?

First so much has been written about the unique pusherless vertical trigger chronograph system of this watch, that I can add little to the previous reviews except to say that for me this feature was like the siren’s song. 

The extremely light 44 mm titanium case wears smaller than I had thought it would, perhaps due partially to the case lugs sloping gently inward, with alternating polished and brushed titanium. The racy DBS strap, with its mix of leather, cordura, and alcantara, perfectly suits the AMVOX2. Then, too, I appreciate the historical reference of the AMVOX cases derived from the case design of the original Polaris.

The crown is cleverly designed to include a small cutout to provide a clear view of (and service access to) the screw upon which the pivoting case/movement of the watch hinges when you engage, disengage and reset the chrono functions.  JLC thought of everything!

I do seem to favor the chronograph complication above all others, so the A2 was a natural fit for my wrist. The complex case design, integrating the crystal itself no less into the start/stop/reset of the chronograph, is as brilliant as it is unorthodox.

 

The earlier versions may more closely reveal the obvious resonance between the dial and an AM dashboard, but just to get some glimpse into the movement on any AMVOX is really special. It is lovely to see its "heart" pulsing, or rather its engine racing, amid the ruthenium-colored bridges and mainplate, while the watch is on your wrist and not have to resort to a display caseback, which the A2 does not have. 

As I see it, a look under the hood at the engine seems harmonious with the Aston Martin association – after all, one could not fully admire such a car without looking at the engine.  

 

I am typically drawn to dials with interesting topography, and the A2DBS dial’s "landscape" fascinates me no end: the applied numerals and markers laid out in the dashboard speedometer 270° pattern, the several dial levels, the inner white 30-seconds track that seems to float above the counters and movement, the transparent subdial counter disks, not to mention the exposed red “brake calipers” levers pivoting on micro-ball bearings visible through the aperture at 6 o’clock. 

The crystal is large, leaving practically no bezel exposed, and giving the impression that the entire dial landscape is under a glass dome. The numerals really do catch the light in interesting ways.  Note the somewhat quirky diminutive “1” and “11.”    

I have found myself quite distracted by the A2 in more than a few meetings during the past week. 

The combination of materials used to make the case and dial is wonderful, and reflect the materials used in the racing cars themselves, including the red anodized aluminum levers (i.e., just like auto brake calipers).

 

 With the innovation of the chronograph setting mechanism, the AMVOX2 really is a concept watch particularly in the titanium.  I know not everyone is a fan of the openwork dial, but in the case of the DBS, for me at least, it works so well with the idea of a concept watch such as this. I like all of the A2 models well enough, and probably would have been happy with any of them, but the semi-open face dial of the DBS with the transparent counter subdials and   transparent bridge supporting the chronograph counters really sends this version of the A2 over the top for me. Note that the subdial counters, somewhat atypically, rotate beneath the fixed pointers – fun to observe. The partially skeletonized hour and minute hands extend the openwork theme.  Even the transferred or painted numerals on the subdial counters have a depth to them that can be seen under certain lighting.  What strikes me most about the titanium A2DBS is the perfect coherence of concept, design and execution.

 

As I see it, a look under the hood at the engine seems harmonious with the Aston Martin association – after all, one could not fully admire such a car without looking at the engine.  

The relationship with AM is nicely in keeping with the Manufacture's history as a supplier of measuring instruments, primarily dashboard instruments such as speedometers and fuel meters for certain car brands (e.g., AM) and high end racing cars as early as the 1920’s. I gather that some dispute the shared history as JLC presents it, but no matter; it falls under the category of “good enough for me.”

While the innovative pusherless chronograph may not be a major milestone in horology, it advances the field nonetheless, I think.  With now fully 3,448 AMVOX2s produced or to be produced in every variation (plus some undisclosed number of Transponders for AM car owners), the A2 is not as rare as it once was.  But no matter, more people should share in the joy of this racing watch! And each person may choose his own special version.

 

Yes, mechanical perfection!

Even the polished steel crown is inspired by the AM petrol tank cap. 

The subtle and only literal Aston Martin reference on the dial side appears on the seconds subdial (indicateur de marche). The AM logo really is quite subtle, only visible half of the time, and one really must look for it, which I think is appropriate.   Look above - now you see it; look below - now you don't. Where is the AM logo?

I really like movement indicators that are not specifically seconds subdials because they provide a frivolous amusement for simple minds like mine to enjoy when the chrono function is not engaged. This was one of the key design differences between the DBS and earlier editions of the A2 that swayed me to the open face dial. I love the operating indicator featured on the EWC, too.  The A2 DBS’s caliber 751E ("E" denoting the inclusion of the operating indicator)  has a generous power reserve of 65 hours, so I suspect the movement indicator will rarely stop.

The splash of red incorporated with the silver and black also seems to harmonize with the coloring of the cars.  It is exciting to watch the long, slender red seconds hand race around the dial.  

I thought long and hard about the AMVOX2 during the past year or more.  Did it really add something extra beyond what I had with the Extreme World Chrono? In fact, it lacks some of the key features that the EWC boasts and which made the EWC a more practical first JLC piece for me.  I know some will disagree with me on this, but I regard the EWC as a great nearly-all occasion, go anywhere watch (provided one has a big wrist and a good selection of straps and perhaps a bracelet). However, maybe I should have next moved on a true dress watch? But I kept returning to the A2; I did not NEED it, to be sure;  but I certainly WANTED it desperately. 

The A2 DBS just makes my heart beat a little faster every time I look at it. I feel lucky to have found a new one (with a nice number to boot) since the A2DBS was presented at SIHH 2007, already more than 2 years ago.

 

 

Good grief, I am quite in love.  Thanks for looking and reading.

 

respo

 

Many thanks for your photos and all of your writing.  A pleasure to see this passion about the amazing concept Amvox 2

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You finally came on the way of TRUTH!



This is a wonderful write up about one of my Favourite JLC Watch.

I wrote a lot about it, so you know my Love and Admiration for this stunning original Chrono.

You will see that with time passing, you will love it more and more.

Congrats, HUGE congrats, Respo, for this superb addition.

Best,

Nicolas This message has been edited by amanico on 2009-04-15 06:59:23

I always knew the TRUTH, but as you once said, to fight it was futile.  I lucked out in that my AD was able to work with his JLC rep to locate one quite quickly.  So, the final stage of waiting was very brief.  It arrivied almost exactly one year after I was able to first try on a prototype of the A2DBS, at which point I think I was fatally bitten.

You and Jerome both have written passionately about the AMVOX range, and your earlier posts inspired me to get one.  I continue to be drawn to the AMVOX1, but I wanted to try the A2 out for a while first before deciding on another AMVOX to add to the family. Thank you again for all that you and Jerome have written about the AMVOXi.

I am loving the A2 more and more even though I have had it for only a week so far. It is obviusly one of my favorite JLCs, regardless of price, value or haute horology.

Thanks for the nice words and for reading my post.

respo 

Not the nicest JLC, but one of the more lovely, I agree!

Any hunt on the alarm?



Best,

Nicolas

I know one or two places where I can get the AMVOX1, but I want to wear the A2 for a while before deciding.  I am not fully convinced on adding the A1 yet to my JLC family. I can be a bit more patient now (I hope) with an AMVOX on my wrist already.  can't wait to see what tey announce in June for Le Mans.  I hope it is not anything like the Reverson Aston Martin JC did a few years ago, but rather somethin more substantial. 

I did have a chance to see the A1 R-Alarm in platinum not long ago, and at a good price, but I let it go preferring the SS version of the AMVOX alarm.  The R-Alarm is stunning, and I absolutely LOVE it in photographs, but once on the wrist it did less for me than the "standard" AMVOX1, which impresses me equally in photographs and on the wrist.. Funny how that works.

I'll keep you posted.

Best,

respo

...nicely written and passionate words and stunning photos.
All together an excellent review, thank you.
N

I AM pretty passionate about this watch.

respo 

Congrats! What an amazing art to wear on ur wrist. Enjoy it to the max with positive energy...
B well,
Matrix.

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here you go: only for your eyes...







(as seen in dubai last week during a fantastic event at the JLC boutique in Dubai Mall)

The car for me is not an option!  But your photos of the AM DBS are spectacular!  I loved your report on the event you attended.  made me envious to be there as well.  You surely got to see some amazing JLC pieces and to meet Me. Lamber.  The detail of the AM parked just outiside was very nice.  Did you get to test the Transponder on the car?

Thanks for taking a look at my posting.

respo

in fact every person that evening was like a kid in a toy store.I think the security outside the mall was starting to worry because there was this incredible sports car with lights flashing evey 5 minutes but nobody would ever come to seat in it and drive it.

There is possibly more features to come combining a high end mechanical watch with an electronic module, but, (for very understandable reasons) the JLC staff would not say more than "watch this space..."

I suggested that for the next gathering or JLC event, one of the lucky guests wins a test drive of the Aston. I am already quite happy with the test run of the chronograph (ah,ah...)

Congrats!  I never tire of seeing this watch, whether in photos or in the flesh.  Your words completely echo my feelings about this model.  A truly well-integrated concept watch.  Lovely!

Enjoy your new timepiece!

Cheers,

Daos

I never tire of seeing it either, whcih is why I finally had to move on it.

respo

Excellent post! Your love for this piece is quite apparent. Your post has given me a new perspective and appreciation for the DBS. At first, I favored the original Amvox 2, but now I think I like this one more. I used to own an Amvox 1 in steel and still miss it. Frankly, I like all of the Amvox editions. But wow, now I am thinking I may have to get one of these. The others on my short-list include the newly announced Navy Seals Diving Alarm and the EWA.

Enjoy that beauty for years to come. I am sure that it won't grow old because of all the great detail.

Thank you for the nice words. 

As I wrote several posts above, I remain very keen on the AMVOX1 in SS, but want to live with the A2 for a while before acting on the A1 -- a shame you still miss that one.  For me the A2 DBS had to come first.  One obsession at a time. LOL. 

The EWA and the Navy Seals Alarm are two other great alarm watches from JLC.  It does become hard to choose among them. 

Thanks again.

respo

from one (future) owner to another
congratulations
cheers

And is that why the MC Memovox is going?  Hopefully you will get your A2 soon. 

Thanks for reading my posting.

respo

yes- I have too many watches and promised myelf that for every new one, another has to go.....
cheers

The waiting is the best part. 

respo

I got it last week and it is superb
cheers

Congratulations! Let's see it.

I wore mine to a production of "Hamlet" last night:  "So hallow'd and so gracious is the time." The AMVOX2 can be, um, well, a distraction at times. Meetings, concerts, and plays -- not recommended with this on your wrist. What a piece of work is an AMVOX!

Enjoy yours!

respo

for the proper background in order to show its beauty.
Also I have never posted photos on this forum before but I hope that it would be easy to do
I will do so soon
cheers

but I do not have one, maybe a driving glove???
cheers