Jaeger-LeCoultre - AMVOX2 Grand Chronograph Adrián Fernández
Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre introduces AMVOX2 Grand Chronograph Limited Edition inspired by the renowned international racing driver Adrián Fernández, thus reasserting the b partnership between Jaeger-LeCoultre and Aston Martin with this exceptional watchmaking creation bringing together powerful design and daring performance.
Born in Mexico, Adrián Fernández began his illustrious racing career in 1973, taking part in motocross competition. By 1981, he was racing in Mexico's 24 Hours for the first time. In 1983, he won the Mexican Formula Vee Championship - the first of several titles. His career took a big leap forward in 1987 when he moved to England to compete in Formula Ford 1600 competition, claiming solid results while working as a mechanic and driving instructor to support his passion. In 1992, he made his U.S. racing debut capturing the Rookie of the Year title in Indy Lights competition. Subsequently, he advanced to the top levels of the sport with multiple wins in the Champ Car (CART), IndyCar and the American Le Mans Series with the Lowe's Fernández Racing Team in addition to several appearances in NASCAR competition. In 2010, he became the official driver for the Aston Martin Works Team.
For Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre, the career of such an acclaimed international racing driver is consistent with its own ideals, exemplifying individuals who have turned their careers into concepts of innovation, discipline, hard work, and dedication, all values shared by Jaeger-LeCoultre.
"The way they work is like in racing", - said Adrián Fernández following his visit to Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre. "You have engineers, technicians, designers, mechanics, watchmakers to assemble and tune… They make a team to produce very unique watches. I was very impressed with their attention to details and dedication."
The AMVOX2 Grand Chronograph is a watch that stuns technical enthusiasts and watch connoisseurs with the patented breakthrough: the vertical-trigger chronograph. This ingenious mechanism makes it possible to start, stop and reset the chronograph simply by pressing on the sapphire crystal of the watch case, so there is no need for push buttons. A powerful design and high-tech engineering make it the ultimate driver's watch.
The AMVOX2 Grand Chronograph is an astounding development based on the historical Memovox, ensuring a direct link between sports mechanics and superlative watchmaking. Endowed with the highest accuracy and reliability, this creation by Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre epitomizes a revolutionary invention and a breathtaking result of a relentless pursuit of aesthetic and technical excellence.
The lucky owner of an AMVOX2 Grand Chronograph Limited Edition watch inspired by Adrián Fernández will enjoy the privilege of interacting with the watch just like with a car. Just as effortless as pressing the Engine Start button in an Aston Martin car, the owner of an AMVOX2 Grand Chronograph will be able to trigger and disengage the chronograph function with a simple and completely instinctive movement: by pressing on the sapphire crystal at the 12 o'clock position. To reset, the driver will simply press on the crystal at the 6 o'clock mark.
Behind this unparalleled ease of use is an exceptional integrated mechanism. Inside, a clever ball-joint system allows both the case and bezel to pivot away from the horns of the watch. This system activates a series of levers that instantly transmit impulses that control the chronograph. Each lever is mounted on a miniature stainless-steel ball bearing containing seven 0.1mm-diameter balls. A three-position cursor rounds off this revolutionary construction. When positioned on the side of the case at 9 o'clock, this selection device locks the chronograph so that it is not triggered, disengaged or reset with the driver's normal or inadvertent hand or arm motions.
On the outside, the dial adopts a distinctive 270-degree sweep evocative of dashboard instruments found in racing cars. At a glance, it is evident that its grey luminiscent numerals and painstaking detailing could only have been conceived by designers who are truly passionate about the power and soul of Aston Martin cars. The 30-minute and 12-hour chronograph dials on white discs stand out clearly on the watch face, recalling that invigorating feeling as the dashboard counters light up at night. The outer dial ring interrupted between 4 and 8 o'clock to provide a glimpse of the astonishing lever mechanism that controls the chronograph.
Everything and more than even the most demanding Aston Martin aficionado could have expected is there: the traditional colors of the famed automobile manufacturer, the circular graining finish on the dial, the design discreetly hinting at the surface effect of brake discs, the five DB9-inspired indicators, the impeccable finish and the refined contrast of polished and matte surfaces, reminiscent of co-existance of polished chromes and sand-moulded engine parts... All attributes that showcase the fruitful partnership between Aston Martin and Jaeger-LeCoultre, which dates back to the 1920's, when Aston Martin automobiles featured dashboard instruments by the Grande Maison. Aston Martin, like Jaeger-LeCoultre, has endeavored to preserve unmistakable style and class that, even today, remain in continuous evolution and are reflected in every hand-made detail.
The AMVOX2 Grand Chronograph Limited Edition watch inspired by Adrián Fernández boasts a high degree of mechanical genius and superlative qualities, including reliability, sturdiness, longevity, and precision - the most notable characteristics of all Jaeger-LeCoultre movements, perfectly aligned with those of Aston Martin. The 65-hour power reserve further increases the length of time during which the watch can be relied on to function with optimal accuracy. A complex column-wheel and an extremely sophisticated vertical coupling system guarantee the precision timing of the chronograph. The adjustment of the balance wheel's inertia thanks to the presence of four screws on its rim ensures the setting remains stable in all conditions. Finally, the rotor's ball-bearing mechanism contains ceramic balls providing the valuable advantage of never needing lubrication, thus further enhancing the watch's long-term reliability.
AMVOX2 Grand Chronograph inspired by Adrián Fernández will be crafted in a limited series of 50 pieces in pink gold. In honor of the origin of the celebrated racing driver, the dial and the strap of this edition will feature the green, white, and red colors of Mexico's national flag. The dial features the initials of Adrián Fernández between 7 and 8 o'clock, and the case-back carries an engraving with his name.