Jaeger-LeCoultre

I remember this day like it was yesterday. The wait was very long, because I fell in love the day it was unveiled, in the last days of December. 

My AD gave me a call to tell me that I would probably love what I would see. He showed me the first press files pictures, the different versions ( 3 ), and I told him that I will get one, but that I would wait to see them in the real, because I was hesitating between the PVD Black and the Platinum. 

The Black PVD: 

The Platinum, the first press file picture: 

March or April 2006, I attended my first SIHH. I had eyes only for the Amvox II, while other marvels were unveiled, such as the Reverso à Triptyque, for example. 

Back to Paris, I immediately ordered the platinum, the only version I couldn't see there because it was not totally ready, but I took the bet, even if the PVD Black convinced me a lot, but I was afraid about the fragility of the PVD coating.

Two things  pleased me a lot: The choice of platinum for the case, and the superb grey and silver dial. 

Why platinum? It is a weird choice for a sports watch, the titanium pad would have been a more consistent option... But I wanted something special for a special watch. The reserve is the weight. Much heavier than the titanium case, less comfortable. 

As for the dial, it is just eye catching, and much better in the reality the on the official pictures where it was a bit flat. 

The date, located at 5 o' clock, was not much my taste, to be honest, and I would have preferred not to see this hole in the dial. 

Forget the original strap, it is a pity.It doesn't resist to time, and it is cheap looking. There is a solution, though: Go for the Amvox III strap, the one I mounted as soon as the Amvox III was unveiled. 

The rest is a feast for the mind and the eyes, and 12 years after, this watch perfectly aged. 

The original chronograph sub dials look like the joy sticks on the steering wheel, the crown is shaped like a tank cap, the dial takes its inspiration from a rev counter or a speedometer, without forgetting the main asset of this watch, the pivoting case which replaces the traditional chronograph pushers: Push at 12 o clock, on the glass, and it will start, push again at the same place and it will stop. Now, push at 6 o' clock and it will reset to zero. 

Funny and original. Unique ,too, as this is the only chronograph which uses this technical solution. 

A last funny detail on the dial, the hour markers are luminous, as well as the " joy sticks " of the sub dials. In the dark, it gives an original look to the watch. 

The Amvox IIP on its papers, signed by its designer herself, Magali Metrailler. 

Some thoughts on the case. With a diameter of 44 mm and a height of 15 mm, some will think that the Amvox II is too big. See it in the reality. It wears a tad smaller, and the proportions are not so bad, at the point that I would not imagine it smaller nor thinner! 

It is a cool watch, a sports watch, not a refined watch. So these generous dimensions are not lacking consistence with the true spirit of this chronograph. 

An eternal youth which I have a lot of pleasure wearing, after all these 12 years. 

Issues? Yes, I had one. I received one of the first to be delivered. After a few months, the glass broke, making an unwilling line between 4 and 8 o' clock. I sent it back to Jaeger LeCoultre who fixed the issue in three weeks. I have been told that it happened on a few first pieces... 

Other than that, it keeps perfect time, the chronograph works flawlessly. Just as it should be. 

In my opinion, Jaeger Lecoulte never made a better Amvox than this " II ". 

Let's end with two fresh pictures, taken to celebrate this birthday: 

A keeper. 

Best,

Nicolas

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