Jaeger-LeCoultre

So if you asked me five years ago, would I ever purchase a watch like the Amvox 2, I wold have looked at you horrified.

My first "good" watch was a Blancpain Leman Grande Date. Simple elegant, classic....

And then my tastes slowly evolved.... my first JLC was the Compressor GMT, which was an aesthetic stretch for me... (I also have the GO Nav Pano-date, a pretty classic and simple Pilot watch).

But I quickly fell in love with the "bold" look of the GMT; the red accents, the compressor crowns, etc...

And then my eye caught the Amvox 2. I looked at the many posts here about the watch, and became more intrigued....

 I found myself drawn to the original dial, finding (for me) the later models not quite as legible... but it was a bit more than I have spent on a watch, and I have an IWC Aquatimer Chrono that I never wear... so wasn't sure I "needed" a chronograph.

So I sort of ignored the impulse.

 I was in LA in February and visited the Boutique to pick up a rubber strap for my GMT.

Seth had a new Amvox 2 black PVD that I tried on, and was just taken by the beauty of it-- but decided I REALLY didn't need another watch, much less a chrono.

So I didn't buy it. Got back home, and couldn't stop thinking about it.

 Read every post about the various models here... And was still drawn to the original-- somehow it spoke to me the most-- seemed the most "pure" of the concept-- since it WAS the concept.

And while I wasn't sure about the black.... it was my birthday, and I called Seth... and it showed up the next day....

A totally rash decision.... which I am SO glad I made. First off...

I had a slight concern the watch would look too "dated", too 2005.

 I'm not in love with the GO sixties collection, or the new 70's collection... or the PP Nautilus (70's) or pretty much any AP (also too 70's for me).

But, here I was buying it 4 years after it first appeared, and it spawned so many variations....

So there must have been SOME sort of classic appeal to it....

Anyway, I have had it 2 months now-- and the two times I wore a different watch, I regretted it all day.... hopefully that is just a function of "new watch love".

 Though I am pretty sure I will sell my IWC chrono.

So here are my thoughts: I think it's a phenomenal piece that marries form, function and aesthetics in a fantastic manner.

 I put on my other watches, and they look like antiques, watches old men should wear (not that I am so young....!)!

 I find it quite versatile-- I have worn it with suits as well as casual-- and noticed the first PR pics of the watch have the designers wearing evening wear with the Aston Martin.... and the watch looks great with the suit!

As I may have mentioned, I wasn't sure about the black case...

 I am now deeply in love with it. I have seen some say it makes the watch look "cheap", like a Swatch.... well I disagree.

I find it rather interesting that the watch was designed by a woman under 30 years old-- what would she use as an aesthetic reference-- a watch from 1935 like so many "classic" watches today? NO!

 She will look to her own experiences for her inspiration-- which include the entire Swatch movement of the 80s-- and I find it a thrill to look at the complex dial and see not the usual or expected variation on every other watch from the last 70 years, but something fresher.... without, IMHO, being so "out" there as many concept watches can be.

As to the chrono function-- I have learned having it so simple to use allows me to use it a lot more!

With the IWC I had to unscrew the crown before pushing the button, a total pain in the butt.

 But with the Amvox, I use it all the time. Cooking, Parking meters, lunge-lining my horses (so they get the same time on each direction).

I use the complication way more than I expected-- mostly because of its ease of use.

And then the much discussed and mostly loathed original band... which I have come to love! For one, conceptually, it is of a piece, meaning the concept of the PVD is purposeful-- to keep it scratch resistant.

 As is the "skin" on the strap. and after a few weeks, I cant imagine another strap.

For one, the strap dresses the watch up, and lets me feel comfortable wearing a suit with it.

 For another, the strap and case almost seem one unit when I glance at the watch, directing all of my attention to the amazing bezel-less face.

Anyway, as you can tell I adore this watch-- way more than i thought I would. I hope the love lasts! So here are some terrible iPhone snaps....

This message has been edited by amanico on 2011-04-06 10:29:52

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I'm very happy to welcome you, especially after such a beautifully written post.

A LOVE SONG!

As you read all the posts on the Amvox II, you know my love for this watch,  so we're on the same wave.

The originality of the concept, which is unique,  the young and fresh design, the very nice presence on the wrist, all pleads in favor of this watch.

The PVD, even if I'm not a big fan of the black case, enhances  its concept watch look.

Very happy to welcome you in the amvox Family.

Looking ofrward to hear more form you,

All the best.

Nicolas.

Im a writer by profession, so it better be well written!

very happy to read such positive impressions about it. Thanks for the review and best of luck with it.

Cheers,

Filip

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the MOST understated (and underated) chronograph on the market today, IMO.

Congrats!

-Dean

Welcome to the forum!

I am really glad that you posted your impressions of the AMVOX2 Black Concept.  When I saw the thread title, I was secretly hoping it was about this specific version of the AMVOX2, which has been on my mind a lot for a while now.  I had one of the later versions of the DBS with the openwork dial, but eventually sold it.  I also find the original generation more legible than the DBS generation A2s, and I feel the same way about the Black Concept, with the Black case being just right for this Concept watch. 

I am glad you are enjoying this watch so much.  Your enthusiasm may cause me to move on this one sooner rather than later...who knows?

Continue to wear the watch in good health,

Best,

respo

I just spent the last three days with my GO Navigator... put on the Amvox2 today and --wow-- it;s SUCH a fantastic piece! I just love it. Particularly the black case and strap combo...

The contrast from the pretty classic 70 year old design of the Navigator is stunning-- how contemporary the Amvox 2 feels. And not in a tacky bad way IMO. The black case really makes everything disappear but the silver dial and the red seconds hand waiting-- pleading-- to be pushed!

I am glad you like it.

I had the same problem with the NSA. When the watch originally came out I did not like it at all. It was a no wat watch for me. Then I saw it in the flesh and aminico started to give me the history of the watch. After that i was dead and had to have the watch. I hesitated a little and finally got one. Today I have no regrets at all.

Best regards,

George

And kudos to Seth at the BHB!

Every time I see the AMVOX2, I am wowed by its technical details and its presence on the wrist. 

Love the PVD as well!  Congrats on a great piece and a well written review!

Wear it well and proud.

thanks for sharing your passion, you made me want to put one on my wrist myself (not that I can dream of affording another watch).

--Sancerre

Just looking at the watch again, I am so struck by its combination of classic and contemporary. It's clear evolution from the Polaris and amvox 1.

And yet is this aesthetic masterpiece of originality. And I include the black pvd and strap in that opinion.

As I said, I love how this watch makes a suit feel less stuffy-- but the silver of the numeral dial almost give it a formal look at the same time. This is another reason I prefer the concept version to pretty much all of the later amvox models. I can't see most of them with a suit-- as JLCs own advertising... With a couple of exceptions of the 5 and the toubullion maybe. Though I still think the original more....low profile.

It's intestine, I wonder whether Nicolas would say the same about the platinum version he has. Believe it or ot, I almost think the pvd version is more 'formal' looking than the plat!

Fro me, I think the one word description of this watch is: unexpected.

Everything is unexpected. And yet, somehow harmonious. And, I think, classic, circa 2007. And, I hope, we will say the same in twenty years about it.

A good friend of mine let me his Amvox II Black for a few days, and I have an excellent souvenir.

Damn ... I have to go to the Bank to take mine for some wrist time!

Since it was revealed, in December 2005 ( 6 years ago, yet! )  its look is very actual,  which is a good sign for the future.

It is certainly a nice page of the JLC Book, in my opinion.

Best,

Nicolas.

which, when molten, has carbon poured into it to make it a certain color of black that is the choice of the manufacturer. Black steel (ala Breitling) is the same.

The buckle, on the other hand, might be pvd over normal titanium. Only time and scratches will tell.

-Dean

Are you sure about that?

I think I managed to have a tiny tiny scratch on an edge of the 1 o'clock lug, and I'm petty sure I see a miniscule bit of silver...

I received confirm on that from the JLC concierge, when inquiring about a re-coating. By the way they do not recommend any recoatings...

and a truly original concept. Like yourself, I love the original AMVOX2 for its beauty, functionality and orginality. But sadly I won't be able to consider it just yet (still too expensive for me) while I am still saving up for the AMVOX1.

 

The AMVOX 2 was released shortly after I really started getting interested in watches and horology. So you can imagine what an impression the AMVOX 2 made on me....it was like BAM! A totally new and original chronograph concept. I really love the Aston Martin /auto racing inspiration taken for the brake callipers and it actually works, not just aethestics. And then double BAM!! to find out it was designed by a lady below her 30s. A truly refreshing breakaway from the stereotyped watchmaker.

 

And that was it...it sealed forever my love for JLC and belief that they are truly THE manufacture ( at least for me )

 

Do keep us posted on your thoughts, 6mths later, a year later, 5 years later.....after you truly pass the the "new watch love" phase.

 

Wear it in good health.

A real cool watch in our time,

will it be cool in next 20 years, only time will tell but definitely will be part of history.

a real pleasure to read your post

I may advice you to get another strap with orange lining if you prefer sportier looks.

totally change the look of the watch,

or some dressier strap, black crocs with white lining for platinum edition,

I wonder if they sell on the SC

best,

ES

It looks great on your wrist!

 

 

I am no big fan of PVD coating or chronographs for that matter…

 

But this one looks really good!

 

Again, congrats – give her a good life!

 

 

Best

 

Blomman

Nor was I into black or PVD...until I got one!

Now when I wear a SS it looks.... gaudy to me! The black seems so under-stated and technically contemporary.

But, after few days, the AMVOX 1 "grows on you".

Congratulations for the report.

Cheers

... am sure you will not regret of having such great AMVOX.

stefan

Congratulations to your decision!

When I saw the first pictures of the Amvox 2 I thought I could resist, especially since I already had an Amvox 1. At a preview I had my first - and for many years to come only - encounter with the watches and the black PVD version immediately got me! Due to their limitations I never was able to see any of them at ADs... till 2008! The decision was made within minutes and no regrets ever since! However, it took me another year until I could start wearing it, but that's another story.

My 'honey moon' period is still on, so many details to observe and to discover (only looking at the case back already made me want to buy the watch, or have you ever 'charged' the dial for an extended time and noticed the night design of the dial?)...

I still like the original strap but recently switched to the Amvox 3 Platinum version's strap... as it is with cars, changing the rims has quite some impact on the look without changing the DNA...

Enjoy your beauty!

 

Great strap choice-- I'm sticking with the the one it come with-- for one, my wife will kill me if I have another watch purchase.... for another, yours would be a strap I would probably wear on the weekend-- and I'm still in the honeymoon phase, and want to wear it all week long.

in fact Im traveling on business, and NOT wearing my compressor GMT.

I just can't take the Amvox2 off for that long!

The whole concept of the watch is so pure to itself.

And I'm really fascinated by what Magalii (spelling?) did-- the whole idea of a young woman designing such a piece-- I think it is one of the main reasons this is such a novel piece.

I love the platinum version than Nickolas has.... but I'm now so used to the black.. and the weight, that I'm pretty sure I prefer the black ....even if I had an opportunity with the plat.

And it's funny, I'm wearing it not with a black jacket, black jeans, and even a black vest-- and it looks like a dress watch-- with an edge!

Which is why I love it so.... I'm not a gold watch guy.... My wedding ring is plat, and I suppose I would buy a platinum watch...maybe....?

But now, anytime I wear one of my SS watches..... I miss me my Black PVD!

Agree. The black in combination with titanium is definitely THE Amvox 2 for me. The lightweight of the watch despite its rather biggish size fits the 'technical' part of the watch nicely.

I'm also not a yellow/rose gold person and also our wedding band is platinum (wouldn't be surprised if your box had the same color as ours ;o)). As I mentioned before, the lightweight of the titanium case has its appeal, but the substantial additional weight one carries with a platinum watch is DIVINE! Having said that, it's not the preferred case material for the Amvox 2.

As I attended a Master Class on the  751 caliber which is used in the Amvox 2, please see some pictures I've taken. Seeing the 'naked' movement really reveils its very compact size. I assume Magali could also give some input in terms of caliber size and layout when JLC (re-) designed it to make her design 'work'. I'm sure Nicolas has the insights.

PS: On these pics my Amvox had the DBS strap on. Not sure whether you're wearing cufflinks, but there are (at least) 2 great matches (in terms of appearance and thematically) from 2 other Richemont brands. Not sure whether I'm allowed to mention them or not. Hence, if you're interested, I can email you some pics ;o)

I'm amazed by the compactness of the movement!

Re; cufflinks-- I wear both French cuff and button cuff...and never button either. One for the watch (even a slim one), and also because I guess I am slightly affected.... And I also just find it more comfortable....

LOL

thanks for sharing the amazing pics!

I have one question as to a preference for legibility. I sometimes wonder of the digits on the sub dials-- the chrono dials-- I sometime wonder if the were oriented not on the circle radiating out, but rather stacked in a horizontal manner, so the numerals were horizontal and easier to glance at and to read.

That said-- all the other numerals radiate outwards, so aesthetically, maybe bad.

On the other, other, hand, the date window is NOT radiating out, and is the only numeral that is not-- what is the word-- biased?-- centered?-- on the dial.

I note on a lot of the DBS versions, they changed the spot where you read the chron dials to the top of the dial (the 12'0clock position) , so the numerals are indeed horizontal.

But you lose the elegant and almost DEFINING windows of the original Amvox 2

Sigh.

I guess I will trust our beautiful designer and not complain.

I love about this watch is.... it doesn't scream money. In fact, I've yet to notice anyone noticing it! Which is fine by me....

Ironic considering its cost.... But I love that it isn't flashy.... and yet that silver part of the dial gives it a unique "class" feel.

And I have also gotten quite spoiled by its (lack of) weight.