The eighth anniversary of the partnership concluded between Jaeger-LeCoultre and Aston Martin is being celebrated with the presentation of the AMVOX7, the first vertical-trigger chronograph equipped with a radial power-reserve display. Developed by the Manufacture from the Vallée de Joux, the AMVOX line has for almost a decade been appealing as much to devotees of fine watchmaking as to motor sports fans. The AMVOX7 Chronograph displays the signature characteristics of an iconic collection within a new case featuring an even more ergonomic shape, and testifies to the avant-garde spirit of an alliance entirely dedicated to aesthetic and technical innovation, inspired by the prestigious British car maker.

Refined design serving intuitive functions

Before inviting closer inspection, the AMVOX7 Chronograph immediately draws the gaze to the motif adorning its dial and featuring the pattern of the radiator grille of the Vanquish, the brand-new model unveiled by Aston Martin last June. Nonetheless, this obvious similarity served as a background canvas against which to undertake formal research entirely in tune with the technical characteristics of the watch. The Jaeger-LeCoultre watchmakers and artisans have devoted particular care to creating refined decorations. The diversity of the finishes enhancing the various surfaces lends remarkable visual depth to a black dial with anthracite grey counters featuring red and white accents ensuring optimal readability.

A new function makes its entry into the AMVOX line: the radial power-reserve display. On the AMVOX7 Chronograph, this indication appears through two apertures in the upper part of the inner bezel ring, on either side of the black dial. When the watch is wound, the red powerreserve discs draw closer as if to embrace the 12 o’clock numeral, and as the barrel winds down, they disappear again in order to gradually reveal the chronograph levers. Once again, this instinctively perceived display mode is entirely in tune with the sense of immediacy created by a sporty driving mode.

The grade 5 titanium case is enhanced by supremely refined technical finishes. The bevels of the lugs are meticulously polished, while the ornamentation of the crown and the trigger are distinguished by alternating shotpeened, polished and satin-brushed surfaces. Finally, the case middle and the underside of the lugs are delicately horizontally satin-brushed.

In 2005, the Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre presented the brand-new vertical-trigger chronograph. It represented the first intuitive technique serving to measure short time intervals. Before the start of an event, the user no longer needs to hold the push-piece down in order to ensure instant activation of a race start, because a simple press on the watch glass is enough to pivot the case along its horizontal axis and thus immediately start a new measurement. Like all revolutionary inventions, this system appeared so simple that sports enthusiasts keen to time the progress of their performances already wondered how they could have done without it. A press at 12 o’clock starts or stops the chronograph mechanism, while the same operation performed on the lower end of the dial resets the chronograph hand to zero. To avoid any inadvertent handling, a trigger located on the side of the case serves as a control lever: when placed in its central position, all the chronograph functions operate according to the above description. Conversely, the locked position, when it is pushed upwards, blocks the chronograph, while the lower position serves to start or stop the chronograph, but also to deactivate the resetting function.

This intuitive immediately is not confined exclusively to the watch mechanism, but also extends to the displays. The chronograph counters on the openworked black dial appear in anthracite grey, the two colours making a perfect contrast with the white hands and numerals. The everuseful movement operating indicator occupies the lower part of the dial, above the date window at 6 o’clock.

Technology to match the aesthetics

Moreover, the bodywork of this high-tech device built for fine performances has also been the object of meticulous care, and the case of the AMVOX has been given a complete facelift. It now incorporates lugs in the shape of a monobloc construction that enabled improved integration of the strap to ensure an optimally ergonomic fit. The crown has undergone a similar evolution: also integrated into the case, it now offers the two-fold advantage of an easier grip and more accurate handling. However essential, these characteristics must nonetheless not divert attention from a crucial breakthrough achieved by the subtle change in the shape of the case in order to facilitate improved positioning on the wrist. The addition of a new element on the case-back enables the wristband to maintain a perfect curve and thus guarantee the ergonomic fit of the watch on the forearm. This proves a decisive asset on the road as well as in other situations of daily life where even the slightest discomfort may be a hindrance to taking immediate and appropriate decisions.

For both Jaeger-LeCoultre and Aston Martin, it would have been inconceivable to stop there. While others might have been satisfied with the result achieved, the development team of the AMVOX7 Chronograph further enriched this prodigious range of innovations with a system enabling quick and easy wristband change according to the mood and the needs of the moment: a metal bracelet will prove a worthy companion for sporting feats and outdoor activities, while the sobriety of its leather counterpart will accentuate the distinction of a watch that smoothly adapts to the most elegant circumstances.

Such sterling qualities call for an “engine” endowed with characteristics on a par with the expectations generated by such an impressive appearance. In this field too, connoisseurs will appreciate the Jaeger-LeCoultre mechanical automatic Calibre 756. With its frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and its 65-hour power reserve, it displays an impressive track record in terms of sturdiness, reliability and precision. What else would one indeed expect from a mechanism of which the performances will necessarily be compared with those of the new Aston Martin Vanquish?

An association is fuelled exclusively by the momentum injected into it by each of the two partners. While it may seem simple for a prestigious watch brand to enter into an alliance with a renowned car manufacturer, the flame of enthusiasm unanimously sensed when signing such an agreement soon dwindles to nothing in the absence of shared values. The partnership between Jaeger-LeCoultre and Aston Marin is more vibrantly alive than ever as it enters its eighth year. This association has already given rise to some exceptional creations embodying major progress in the field of technology. The secret of this long-term success is firmly based on a shared vision, nurtured from both sides by an authentic passion for innovation.