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As my friend Amanico likes to say, “A fresh shot of an old friend” (Une nouvelle image d'un vieil ami)
Aug 14, 2017,21:18 PM
The Jaeger LeCoultre AMVOX II 50th
Anniversary Racing Edition
From a heritage standpoint, as a supplier of
instruments Jaeger provided speedometers and tachometers for Astons running at
LeMans dating back to the 1930’s. During
its watchmaking relationship with Aston Martin, Jaeger LeCoultre created some
uber cool timepieces wholly inspired by crossing the DNA of these two outstanding
manufacturers. A variety of AMVOX models
include complications such as alarms, world timers, chronographs, and even a
version that can lock and unlock the lucky owner of a DB7. The offerings are reminiscent of the Aston
brand, but I believe many would agree the AMVOX line may have very well ‘jumped
the shark’ when JLC released the Master Compressor Extreme Alarm Aston Martin, signifying
the end of the partnership with Aston Martin.
I love watches way more than I love cars. In fact, people often find it funny when I
tell them I’d spend a hundred grand on a watch long before spending the same on
a car. The brand new and completely
stunning Aston Martin DB-11 has a retail price of $215,000. The Jaeger LeCoultre Hybris Mechanica Gyro
Tourbillon is a completely fantastic unparalleled tribute to time with an
estimated price of 350 grand. To be
sure, I’d rather have the watch. But
since I can afford neither of these precious items, I am happy to say I luckily
own an AMVOX II, which is one of the chronograph versions of the AMVOX family,
with a major distinction – the chronograph has not buttons.
Traditionally, watches equipped with a
chronograph function have the start and stop button located at 2:00, with the
reset button located at 4:00. Not so
with the JCL REF 192.T.25 (QT192T400).
This chronograph is activated by pressing down on the crystal at 12:00,
and stopped in the same manner. The
reset is accomplished by pressing down on the crystal at 6:00. To keep from accidentally activating (or
deactivating) the chronograph, the JLC engineers included this nifty slider
gizmo on the side of the case at 9:00.
In the top position, the chronograph cannot be activated. In the middle position, the chronograph is
fully functional, in that it can be started, stopped, and reset. With the slider in the bottom position, the
chronograph can only be started and stopped, it cannot be reset.
Like most of us, I own several watches, but I can say
unequivocally that this one is my favorite.
I don’t want to hurt the feelings of any of the other watches in my
small collection, but for me this one pushes all the right buttons simply by
having no buttons. At 43mm’s it’s sits
perfectly, is easy to read, and since it’s made of titanium it is super
light. Like all things Jaeger the strap
and clasp are very comfortable and even after a full day of wear sometimes I
forget I have it on.
Robert Downey Jr. Watch
Maybe A Little Too Extreme?
So a good thing is there are only a hundred of these. A bad thing? There’s no bezel, so the crystal is fully exposed to door jams. A good thing is the DLC titanium case and the way it “rocks” to control the chronograph functions. A bad thing? The crown has never been easy to work with because it is both difficult to grasp and too close to the case.
And yes, just a little difficult to photograph. My friend, the professional photog, gave me a couple of tips. But in spite of all, I cherish this watch more than any car. Besides, as mentioned I can ill-afford an Aston Martin. A guy can dream through his watch, can’t he?
Have A Great Week, Everyone.
- Scott
