Jaeger-LeCoultre to launch the exciting AMVOX 3 at SIHH-2008.

[Jaw]

AMVOX3 Tourbillon GMT



the watch with the dual mechanical heritage.

Born from the partnership between Aston Martin and Jaeger-LeCoultre, the AMVOX line has asserted itself within just a few years as the ultimate expression of the imaginary world of these two legends. Loyal to the sporting and elegant nature of the collection, the new AMVOX3 immediately proclaims its membership of the most select fine watchmaking circles. Its round ceramic case is the first ever made in this material by the Grande Maison in the Vallée de Joux. It houses the automatic Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 988 tourbillon movement, driving two time-zone displays and a date making a larger jump between the 31st day and the 1st day of each month so as not to obstruct the full view of the tourbillon mechanism. The extraordinary openworked dial enables one to admire the rutheniumcoated bridges and baseplate, as well as the blackened central bridge of the AP/PM indicator.

As befits such supreme exclusivity, the AMVOX3 Tourbillon GMT will be produced in a limited edition reflecting that of Aston Martin cars, also issued in small series so as to remain a luxury reserved for a privileged few.

Revolutionary form and content The AMVOX3 Tourbillon GMT strikes an undeniably perfect balance between strength and performance. In making its ceramic case, the Grande Maison in the Vallée de Joux opted for a cutting-edge process designed to ensure that the AMVOX3 Tourbillon GMT meets the quality criteria expected of an Haute Horlogerie model. A mixture of zirconium and yttrium oxides is heated at high pressure to a temperature of over 2000 degrees so as to combine the two components into strongly cohesive blocks. To avoid any risk of porosity, the homogeneity of the material is also subjected to radioscopic scrutiny. This material is then ground in order to shape the case. This stage is performed with five-axle CNC equipment in order to specifically work on each facet and each contour of the complex AMVOX case. This final stage calls for the use of special tools coated in diamond crystals as well as diamond powders for polishing. The type of ceramics used by Jaeger-LeCoultre features peerless resistance and stability, for a material that is barely harder than titanium, as well as far lighter and twice as hard as steel.

Just as a sports watch is equipped with an engine on a par with its ambitions, the AMVOX3 Tourbillon GMT houses a high-performance movement that enjoys the privilege of incorporating the patented oscillating weight of Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 988C, the movement powering the Master Compressor Extreme LAB. This 21st century automatic movement is distinguished by the presence of a new oscillating weight featuring redesigned geometrical shape and affording a considerable improvement in winding performances. Its weight is 28% lower than classic rotors, since it is made from an alloy of platinum and iridium, the densest non-toxic physical body currently machinable. The use of avant-garde materials also serves to slim down the construction and achieve a far thinner result. Its arms are made from carbon fibres so as to make them lighter and more rigid. Friction is further reduced by mounting the oscillating weight on tiny ceramic ball-bearings. The design of the parts and the nature of the materials used in making them further enhance their shock-resistance and their durability.

The natural harmonies between fine mechanical engineering and Haute Horlogerie What would be the point of technical inventions if they were not accompanied by an aesthetic quest capable of nurturing emotions and reams? Likewise, the seductive appeal that Aston Martin cars have for decades exercised on demanding drivers stems from their unique blend of sport and style, of cutting-edge technology and classical design references. Faced with the rough gem represented by the splendid high-tech case with its intense black sheen, Jaeger-LeCoultre designers decided to cultivate the natural harmonies between fine mechanical engineering and Haute Horlogerie, between noble materials and contemporary technologies, by associating ceramics with the classic beauty of 18-carat gold in its most exquisite shade.

The black hue of the case, the numerals and the dial echoing the characteristic structure of car radiator grids, makes a striking contrast with the 18-carat pink gold of the polished crown, the back bezel and the double folding clasp, as well as with the gilded accents of the luminescent broad pointers including a delicately openworked minute hand.

The fascination of complications: tourbillon and dual time zone Since the AMVOX3 Tourbillon GMT is intended for devotees of mechanical engineering,
whether dedicated to automobiles or to precision timekeeping, it naturally sought to provide an ample view of the exceptional capacities of its revolutionary mechanism – starting at 6 o’clock, with a clear vision of the fascinating motion of the tourbillon. This brilliant mechanism that emerged during the first golden age of watchmaking two centuries ago has retained the original operating principle while improving its efficiency by the choice of state-of-the-art materials. Its grade 5 titanium carriage features ruthenium-coated bevelled, drawn and polished edges and weighs no less than 280 mg. The 4N gold-plated upper bridge features a splendid openworked design vividly evoking of the finest hours of automobile sports. The tourbillon is equipped with a variable-inertia balance oscillating at a cadence of 28,800 vibrations per hour.

Imbued with an inimitably British touch of elegance, this newcomer to the realm of sports watches, naturally could not forego the indispensable dual time-zone display, indicated by an additional hour hand and complemented by the ever useful AM/PM indication at 12 o’clock.

The main hour hand is adjustable in one-hour backward or forward increments by rotating the crown. Finally, to ensure that the tourbillon is visible at all times, the slender date hand pointing to the monthly calendar inscribed around the inner dial ring, performs a jump between the 31st day and the 1st day: an exceptional accomplishment for which patent has been duly registered.

Further revealing the feats achieved by Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 988, the central dial opening affords fascinating glimpses of the ruthenium-coated bridges and baseplate, as well as of the central AM/PM indicator blackened with a PVD coating.

The first AMVOX model with sapphire crystal case-back And since everyone knows that enthusiasts of fine English cars love to lift up the hood to
admire the running of the engine, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s designers have fitted the case of the AMVOX3 Tourbillon GMT with a sapphire crystal case-back.
Power and elegance The AMVOX3 Tourbillon GMT testifies to a powerful spirit that vividly reflects its dual heritage.

It embodies the power, style and performance of sports cars, as well as the technical innovation, reliability and artistic sophistication of a Manufacture uniting over 40 professions under one roof. Its appearance echoes that of the Aston Martin world through its avant-garde movement, its generous black ceramic case measuring 44 mm in diameter – a cutting-edge achievement in its own right – and aesthetic reminders relating to the signature codes of prestige automobiles, such as the driver’s strap in perforated black calfskin with white overstitching and the winged Aston Martin logo appearing at 6 o’clock on the dial and admirably matching the brand’s emblematic J and L capital letters at 12 o’clock.

Issued in a limited, numbered series of 300, the AMVOX3 Tourbillon GMT combines admirable strength and elegance, entirely dedicated to the masters of speed and of time.

AMVOX3 Tourbillon GMT: technical characteristics

Movement:
• mechanical automatic Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 988, crafted and decorated by hand,
ruthenium-treated bridges and mainplate
• 28,800 vibrations per hour
• 48-hour power reserve
• 323 parts
• 35 jewels
• 7.49 mm thick
• Automatic tourbillon with a large 11.5mg x cm2 variable-inertia balance
• Tourbillon carriage in grade 5 titanium, bevelled, hand-drawn and polished, with ruthenium treatment, weighing 280 mg
• Upper tourbillon bridge in 4N gilded metal aluminium, automobile design
• AM/PM indicator bridge in black eloxed aluminium
• Patented oscillating weight with segment in platinum-iridium alloy and carbon fibre arms

Functions:
• local hour, minute
• reference time (2nd time zone)
• AM/PM indication, linked to reference time
• tourbillon with seconds indication
• calendar with jumping hand

Dial:
• Black with gridwork motif inspired by automobile air inlets
• Black luminescent numerals.

Hands:
• Local hour and minute: gilded brass baton type, luminescent, openworked
• 2nd time zone: rhodium-plated openworked brass baton type
• Date : white-lacquered brass, gilded triangle

Crowns:
• 1 crown to start the watch and adjust local hour, reference hour, minute and date
• Crown in 18-carat pink gold

Case:
• ø 44 mm in ceramics, with back bezel and crown in 18-carat pink gold
• cambered sapphire crystal, hardness N°9
• sapphire crystal case-back revealing the movement
• water-resistant to 50 metres

Strap:
• Black leather
• Folding clasp in satin-brushed 18-carat pink gold.
References:
• 193 C4 50, limited series of 300 in ceramic and 18-carat pink gold



1833-2007
A major player in watchmaking history, Jaeger-LeCoultre is celebrating its
175th anniversary this year. The Grande Maison in the Vallée de Joux is taking this opportunity to reread some of the finest pages in its ongoing epic and to write some even more beautiful ones. The Manufacture has an impressive range of world firsts, superlatives and legendary models to its credit, including the Reverso, the Duoplan, the Master Control, the Memovox Polaris, the Gyrotourbillon I and the Atmos. In 2008, around 1000 people mastering over 40 watchmaking professions and over 20 cutting-edge technologies will continue to pay tribute to the pioneering spirit of the House founders by creating new masterpieces in harmony with the grand watchmaking tradition. In 2010, pursuing the multiple extensions around Antoine LeCoultre’s original workshop, Jaeger-LeCoultre will welcome a new building providing 9,000 square metres of additional workshops.

[Jacky]

Black and gold is always the best....this one is extraordinarily good...

[Wimster]

love it! very exquisit design and a beautiful masterpiece...

cheers, Wim

[Submersible]

Extremely interesting I have to agree the black and gold are such a great combo. Love the numbers as well. Very well balenced piece.

[Monochrome]

Really excellent design IMHO... very nice!!

[Ken]

Thanks Jaw on this great piece.

It seems that the black ceramic cases are getting more popular.

I like the Black dial with gridwork motif inspired by automobile air inlets
but curious to know how the Black luminescent numerals `will appear` in the dark.. interesting indeed.

Cheers,