Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Grande Tradition à Tourbillon 43 Pink Gold (1662510)

The 2009 edition of Le Mans 24 Hours thrilled both motor sports enthusiasts and fine watchmaking devotees.
Fifty years on from Aston Martin's victory in the 1959 Le Mans 24 Hours, the Aston Martin Racing team has exceeded all expectations by finishing an excellent fourth overall in this year's race, having been quickest of the petrol runners from start to finish.
Despite the Aston Martin Racing's LMP1 car being new for this year, with the Le Mans programme only confirmed six months ago, the fourth-placed 007 car - crewed by Jan Charouz (CZ), Tomas Enge (CZ) and Stefan Mucke (DE) - exhibited perfect mechanical reliability, with only a puncture and a minor issue with the headlights getting in the way of its serene progress to the chequered flag.
As part of the three-year partnership signed between the two exceptional brands this spring, Jaeger-LeCoultre celebrates Le Mans with two limited editions of the AMVOX2 Chronograph Racing model, which is still the only chronograph operating without pushpieces thanks to its revolutionary patented vertical-trigger system.
Driving the 009 car with Stuart Hall (GB) and Peter Kox (NL), Harold Primat (CH) was wearing the prototype Number 1 of the AMVOX2 Chronograph Racing (regular titanium edition). The watch experienced the tracks of the legendary Le Mans circuit, proving its high reliability in extreme conditions.

A winner to the core
For the first time, the AMVOX2 Chronograph Racing limited editions are distinguished by carbon fibre chronograph counters evoking several structural elements of the Aston Martin Racing prototypes competing on racing circuits, such as the monohull chassis, brake discs and pads capable of withstanding temperature of over 300 degrees Celsius without the slightest technical hitch. There is indeed no shortage of common denominators between the latest racing car prototype developed by Aston Martin Racing and the revolutionary AMVOX2 chronograph conceived by the "Grande Maison" in the Vallee de Joux. Echoing the V12 engine powering the two cars equipped with a six-speed sequential control transverse gear-box, the 751E chronograph movement is distinguished by the ingenious nature of its levers that transmit pressure on the watch glass to the movement in order to control the functions of the vertical-trigger chronograph.
In terms of their sturdiness, these two masterpieces of horological and automobile engineering certainly display extreme endurance characteristics. Since the temperature inside the cockpit can easily rise to 60 degrees Celsius during a race, Aston Martin Racing has developed an air-conditioning system designed to guarantee a temperature of no more than 32° in the driver's seat. As far as the AMVOX2 Chronograph Racing is concerned, its ability to run smoothly even in extreme conditions is ensured by a mechanism boasting the legendary qualities of reliability and sturdiness typical of all timepieces from the Manufacture and duly certified by the famous 1000 Hours control which subjects all Jaeger-LeCoultre watches to stringent demands.

The fiery temperament of the AMVOX Chronograph Racing is revealed through a multitude of design details that predispose this ultimate sports chronograph to rise to the most daunting challenges. The 65-hour power reserve further lengthens the period during which the watch runs with optimal accuracy. The complex column-wheel and the elaborate vertical coupling-clutch guarantee peerless timekeeping precision. The inertia of the balance is adjusted by four screws around the outer rim or "felly", thereby ensuring the stability of its rating in all circumstances. And finally, the rotor is mounted on a ceramic ball-bearing mechanism that requires no lubrication and further enhances the long-term reliability of its operation.
The unmistakably competitive spirit inscribed in the genes of the engines on both these extraordinary technical accomplishments is also revealed on the face of the watch. The chronograph levers, hands and dial inscriptions, as well as the overstitching on the leather strap all echo the distinctive orange colour of the cars prototypes. The minute counter features a chequered structure evoking the black and white finishing flags, as well as the dates 1959-2009 celebrating the presence of Aston Martin Racing in Le Mans half a century after its spectacular victory.
The secrets of the vertical-trigger chronograph
Jaeger-LeCoultre is revolutionising the watchmaking world with its vertical-trigger chronograph system. Gone are the 'traditional' chronograph pushpieces and instead, an ingenious mechanism enables the wearer to start, stop and reset the chronograph simply by pressing on the watch's sapphire crystal. A single movement, so natural that it becomes an extension of the hand, is enough to operate the various functions at any time and without disturbing the user's concentration.
The chronograph function can be triggered and disengaged by pressing the sapphire crystal at the 12 o'clock position, while resetting is done in a similar way by pressing at the 6 o'clock mark.
The vertical-trigger system ensuring this fabulous user-friendliness is based on a mechanism integrated within an unprecedented watch case. Inside, a clever ball-joint system allows both the case and bezel to pivot away from the shoulders of the watch, activating a series of levers that instantly transmits impulses that control the chronograph. Each lever is mounted on a miniature stainless-steel ball bearing containing seven 0.1mm-diameter balls.

 
Designed for great feats
The AMVOX 2 Chronograph racing is issued in two limited editions of 100 each: one with a case in black PVD-coated grade 5 titanium with black dial and white luminescent numerals; and the other in grade 5 titanium with white dial and black luminescent numerals.
The dial decoration revealing the movement reproduces the characteristic gridwork motif of car radiator grills and is framed by a black flange. The movement bridges and plates are coated with ruthenium, while the chronograph levers in orange eloxed aluminium appear through an opening between 4 and 8 o'clock.
The case-back is engraved with the inscription Aston Martin Racing, the dates 1959-2009, the Jaeger-LeCoultre signature and the numbers 007 and 009 borne by the two Aston Martin Racing cars that made a fine showing in the Le Mans 24 Hours preparatory races.
Aston Martin Racing and Jaeger-LeCoultre are united by shared values such as their competitive spirit, their strength of innovation and their consistent determination to take up new challenges. Like the LMP1 cars, the AMVOX2 Chronograph Racing are ready to push through barriers hitherto regarded as insuperable.