Jaeger-LeCoultre

respo
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AMVOX2 DBS, Old School

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

What a nice crystal, no?

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.

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 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.”

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.

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

respo