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Jaeger-LeCoultre

Comments:

Opinions sought for AMVOX2 !!!

By: cholack : April 2nd, 2012-19:52

Dear Purists,

I am writing you to ask for opinions on three AMVOX2 chronographs, which I may have the good fortune of acquiring. To be clear, and unfortunately, I have only funds for one and must choose one out of the three. My options are the titanium versions (no PVD’d titanium) :

AMVOX2 Chronograph (ref 192T440)

AMVOX2 DBS (ref 192T450)

AMVOX2 Racing (ref 192T430)

I have tried on the AMVOX2 DBS and am very fond of it. It felt very concept-like with the open dial and translucent chronograph wheels. You got the sense that you could be a James Bond-like character as it was sporty yet sophisticated.

Unfortunately, I have not been able to try on the other versions of AMVOX2 and will probably never get a chance to try on the AMVOX2 Racing version given its rarity. However, at first glance and quite obviously, the AMVOX2 Chronograph is more conservative and a more suitable for dress-shirt attire; this is evident even on JLC’s advertisement which shows a man in a tuxedo wearing this version of the watch.

On the other spectrum, the AMVOX2 Racing is marketed as a pure-sports watch that may not be suitable for dress shirts.

If you will notice, I do care if the watch I select will pair well with a dress shirt. It matters as I am a young professional and need to wear more formal attire on a daily basis.

And so, here is my dilemma - I have finally sourced an AMVOX2 Racing, which is fairly difficult to find. Unfortunately, its rarity requires me to act somewhat promptly, which I admit can cloud one’s judgment. I will also not have the opportunity to purchase this piece in person (but do trust the seller). My concern with the AMVOX2 Racing is that this watch will be too casual as my everyday watch at the office. Am I wrong about this assumption?! PLEASE prove me wrong. And if you have the time, please post some WRIST SHOTS of your AMVOX2 with a cuffed shirt (to help convince me).

Yours truly,

Cholack

I had both the first Amvox II and the Racing.

By: amanico : April 2nd, 2012-20:04

I ended with the first edition, and very happy with my choice.

I got a bit tired of the semi open dial, to say all, and I prefer(red) the most versatile look of the first version, with its plain dial.

Yes, you can wear it with a suit, or with a pair of jeans, while it is more difficiult to do so with the DBS or the Racing.

But to each his own.

Best,

Nicolas

Hi Cholack...

By: Echi : April 2nd, 2012-20:33

You seem to have really "formal" requirements. Assuming that you're really just restricting yourself to these 3 (lots of round dial choices for business/casual in and outside of JLC), the first one (AMVOX2 Chrono) would be the one that may wear well over time.

The busy dial on the DBS and the Racing may prove too casual and may leave you being really uncomfortable about wearing a watch that is not suited for the occassion... sort of like finding yourself wearing jeans when everybody else is wearing a shirt and tie.

Now if you've already arrived like our Dr. Bernard Cheong then all bets are off

Good luck on your decision.

Thanks...

By: cholack : April 4th, 2012-19:31

For the comments. Does anyone have any wrist shots, and specifically of the Racing version?

Hopefully, I will have made my decision by mid-month.

Here you are...

By: amanico : April 7th, 2012-13:31

Racing Paris Boutique Edition, LE of 24 pieces.

Best,

Nicolas

I like the DBS

By: Mostel : April 7th, 2012-15:04

I like the colors and the whole layout. It feels the most sophisticated and elegant of the three somehow, even with the 'busy-ness' of the overall dial. Regarding the too casual for office... I'd submit that 99% of all co-workers will not notice or care what watch you wear. I could wear a Dufour with cut-off blue jeans and leather sandals and a my hair in corn-rows and no one would notice my watch or care. Buy what you love!

I much appreciate....

By: cholack : April 8th, 2012-00:19

The opinions given so far.

Nicholas, thanks very much for the picture; it confirms my own opinions of the Racing version, which is that it is MUCH more sport than formal....actually, a little bit more polarizing than I thought.

Mostel, yup I'm sure that very few, if any, of my colleagues will know what I'm wearing. But I never wear my timepieces for others - I do it for myself! For me, I am a little obsessed with the watch fitting the attire...I guess for me its like wearing a tuxedo shirt and bow tie with ripped jeans and sandals - I just like to match.

Hope everyone is having a good Easter weekend.

Cheers

The simpler, the better....

By: tinker2 : April 12th, 2012-06:17

IMHO.

The watch is already quite complicated, especially for more formal wear.

I bought the original Ti-PVD last year, and simply LOVE it. It is not my daily wearer, but I wear it probably at least half the week. And it IS my dress watch. I have posted elsewhere that I am not a gold watch kinda guy, and I have a nice dressy Blancpain that I find a bit too dressy (and now my wife wears it-- i literally haven't worn it in years).

I love this watch, and never tire of it. It totally goes with a suit-- and I think the non-PVD version you are looking at is even a bit more appropriate with a suit.

I can't say enough about this watch. Even the much maligned strap has grown on me. It shows absolutely NO wear a year later (as it was advertised to do). Whatever fabric they put on top of the leather WORKS.

Here are pics of me wearing it with a suit.

One last thing--

By: tinker2 : April 12th, 2012-06:19

I for one find your second option rather hard to read-- it's a pretty busy dial without the open face. but I am getting older!

Thanks Tinker

By: cholack : April 12th, 2012-15:59

For the pictures and opinions. What has always held me back from going forward with the PVD version is the question of its durability/longevity. My personal type is somewhat OCD, so the thought of a shiny sliver of metal peek out under the PVD coating would drive me mad. However, I absolutely love the look and it really bring out the forward concept of the watch. It would've been perfect with a ceramic case IMHO.

That said, looking at your pictures, it looks like the case is pristine!

Tinker did you have any comments on JLC's PVD re: durability?

PVD

By: tinker2 : April 12th, 2012-16:32

Well, I have only had the watch about 18 months, and bought it new at JLC BH.

But.... It is absolutely immaculate, not a scratch on the PVD-- so far so good. And I am not "easy" on my watches. That's not to say i am rough on them, but I try not to be crazy about worrying. They are meant to be worn and enjoyed, a scratch to me is part of my life. And yet this watch, over my others, has remained the most pristine. As I said, even the band looks brand new (it has some sort of special fabric covering the leather, and as I said, looks as brand spanking new as the PVD case).

All that said, the all black is a definite aesthetic, and I am not sure if I saw the black and the silver side by side, which I would go for. The black seems more "concept" and more stealthy. The silver ring where the numbers are really pops out, and the overall feel of the watch feels smaller than it is because of the black. At first, I worried that the all black gave the watch a more "cheap" look. It doesn't "look" like metal-- i had read wear some people on the boards thought it looked like a swatch-- and while I don;t think it does in person, I can understand the sentiment. That said, I have caught people staring at it, interested by the uniqueness of the dial no doubt, but totally unaware of the complication.

I have never seen the original silver version in the flesh (only later versions), so I can't compare. When I first got the watch, I wondered if I would have preferred the silver-- at first the all black felt a little too bold, a little too concept-y for me (I'm not into "loud" or bold watches). But now I love it-- the watch is surprisingly understated on the wrist. But if I had seen them side by side-- I don't know which I would have bought! I happened to stroll into the BH shop around my birthday, tried it on... and had to have it! (after I thought about it for a week or two)

But to your main point-- I love wearing it with a suit. But for me, the original is the only version (whether black, silver Ti, or Plat) that is most comfortable with more formal wear (IMHO).

I really think, given your criteria, the silver Ti is THE best for you. It might feel just a bit more right with a suit, and seem a bit less "committed" to being a "concept" watch. But either way, you won't regret it. Its a really unique, beautiful piece!

I agree

By: sgexpat : April 13th, 2012-22:06

After being initially skeptical, I gave in t my wife's claims I could wear my Amvox 2 chrono (non dbs) with a suit.... and it really does look great. I think a bit large for more formal settings / client meetings but for a normal day in the office its fine!

I have no problems wearing it at the Court.

By: amanico : April 13th, 2012-22:36

It is sport chic, and not bling bling.

For once that a watch is not a Rolex....

Best,

Nicolas

Very cool (nt) [nt]

By: sgexpat : April 16th, 2012-15:43

No message body

Which watch did you end up going for? Pics please :)

By: gknix : June 10th, 2012-10:25

I'm also recently interested in the AMVOX 2. As much as I love my Tribute to Deep Sea Alarm, I am always thinking about the plexi glass on my watch.

I find the AMVOX 2 to be a great daily wearer (at least from pictures, I wish I could see it in person), and it'll match up well for both weekdays during work and weekends.

I'm also stuck in the decision right now as I'm browsing around online for a choice between Titanium and the PVD version. I can't tell if the PVD will make the watch too informal for wear with a suit. I know Tinker has shown photos, but I wish there were more available to see!

Take some pictures of your new purchase with a suit on, I'd love to see!