The Amvox II Family : An exhaustive summary.

Mar 02, 2010,06:18 AM
 



The Amvox II was - and still is - a very original watch, with its pivoting case and its vertical trigger Chronograph.

Here, you won't have the traditional pushers, you just have to press on the sapphire glass, at 12, to start and stop the Chronograph, and at 6 to reset it to zero, which allows you a very intuitive use of this complication.

Born in 2006, the first pieces came at the AD Shops and JLC Boutiques late in the same year.

Till 2010, JLC released 3772 Amvox II ( Transponders not included, but these last one are only available at the Aston Martin Shops ), which all use the same movement, the Cal 751.

In 2006, the first generation saw the light, with a multi layered dial, young and dynamic, sport, but also looking like a concept watch.

750 in Titanium:



500 in Titanium PVD:





200 in Platinum, with a subtly contrasted dial, grey and silver, instead of silver and black, on the 2 other versions:



Then, in 2007, came the Amvox II DBS and its semi open dial, and their much better made straps ( a blend of cordura and leather ).

Another detail, the DBS has a small operating indication just above 6 o clock, a kind of half wheel bearing the discrete Aston Martin Logo, while, on the former Amvox II, it was printed on the dial and was hardly visible.


999 in Titanium:



300 in Rose Gold, which offers a superb contrast with the dark dial:






In 2009, the DBS came with a different dial:

The center of the dial is still open, but the " perimeter " isn't smooth anymore, as it is designed like a front grill, and the Minutes and Hours Counters are still round, they are now plain.

In SS ( 499 pieces ), it is the only Amvox II to be in Stainless Steel!



In Platinum ( 100 pieces ), the dial has a very nice light grey color, and as I never posted good pictures of this watch, here are some I recently took at the Paris Boutique:




The same year, for the 24 Hours Le Mans Race, JLC celebrated the 1st victory of an Aston Martin with the Amvox II Racing, a DBS last generation with a very nice racing look, the concept pushed at its limits :

100 pieces in Titanium White Dial, the " bright side " of the A II :



100 pieces in Titanium PVD Black Dial, the powerful dark side of the A II :



And 24 pieces in Titanium PVD White Dial, for the Paris Boutique, a kind of 21th Century Paul Newman Chronograph, with its " exotic " dial, which strongly contrasts and matches, at the same time, with the Black case:



In 2010, JLC ended this collection with the Amvox II Grand Chronograph, which has a 1 mm bigger Rose Gold case ( 16, 1 mm, which corresponds to the case of a Amvox II Transponder, but without transponder ), compared to a " normal " Amvox II ( 15, 1 mm ), and shares its dial with the latest DBS.

This is a Limited Edition of 200 pieces:



And a very special DBS, the DR 5 ( which stands for Don Ramon de La Cruz, 5, the address of the JLC Boutique ) , a Limited Edition of 25 pieces for the Madrid Boutique, a 2007 DBS, receiving a PVD titanium case, and a nice blackened dial, which, finally, never saw the light.







To be complete, JLC also released 2 versions including a Transponder, to allow you to open and close your car by pushing the crystal at 9 and 3, added, naturally, to the Chronograph.

The DBS:



The Rapide:



I've been told that less than 100 DBS and Rapide Amvox II Transponders were made, and that they are only available at the Aston Martin ADs.

So, as to give a conclusion to this post, the Amvox II is certainly a hit, due to its originality, its young and refreshing design.

Some will love the plain dial of the first version, others will prefer the open dial of the latest releases, and some others will be unable to make a decision between them ... smile



Anyway, the Amvox II may not be seen as a true limited edition, but as a short limited production, as less than 4 000 watches is not really an important production for such an original timepiece.

After an only 5 years Life, as it is certain there won't be any new Amvox II to be released, it was time to give them the Hommage they deserve.

They will certainly be considered as a nice page of the JLC History Book.

Best,

Nicolas This message has been edited by amanico on 2010-03-02 06:20:16 This message has been edited by amanico on 2010-03-05 14:24:42
This message has been edited by amanico on 2016-08-28 11:21:13 This message has been edited by amanico on 2016-08-28 11:22:29


More posts: Amvox1 AlarmAmvox2Aston Martin

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great hommage

 
 By: ChristianDK : March 2nd, 2010-06:38
Nico. Thank you for making an overview af this very special watch. I agree on your conclusion at 4000 watches it is not strictly limited but certainly a limited and VERY unique watch. There has been some discussion here and other places if it was becoming... 

Hi, Christian

 
 By: amanico : March 3rd, 2010-07:56
If you think about it, you have, at the end, 2 kind of Amvoxes II: The plain dial ( Amvox II ) , and the open dial ( amvox II DBS ). In each of these 2 categories, it would be very amazing if you can't find the one which better corresponds to your taste, ... 

Not a sporty guy but...

 
 By: moc : March 2nd, 2010-07:23
I must admit that the AmvoxII chapter is one to reckon with in the JLC history book. A very eclectic watch,versatile to style changes and always very well suited. Your PT with a soubtle dial change is to me the most tasteful,I was impressed by it. As you ... 

The Amvox II chapter is closed, now, Mo

 
 By: amanico : March 3rd, 2010-08:13
And now, we can have an overall view on this part of the JLC Sport Watches Family. And if you think about it, the Amvox I page has been turned more than one year ago, too. There is now some place for new Amvox Watches. Let's see what the Future will reser... 

It would be.....

 
 By: MiniCooper : March 3rd, 2010-09:46
very hard to surpass the Amvox 2 DBS...... both its unique chrono as well as its semi open dial....... a true sports and driving limited production watch..... certainly JLC does have a task in their hands..... but I think it would be difficult.... same ca... 

One of my favorite collections from JLC

 
 By: dxboon : March 2nd, 2010-08:15
Thanks, Nicolas for revisiting all the Amvox IIs. They really are unique chronographs with a wonderful sporty air about them! I love the first opened-dialed DBS chronos the best, but the Racing are not too far behind in my estimation! Gorgeous watches! I ... 

Agreed, Daos.

 
 By: amanico : March 3rd, 2010-08:18
I'm curious to see how people will see the Amvox II in , let's say ...20 years. There is soemthing audacious, and also classic in the design of this piece, which would make it age very nicely. A future Classic? Best, Sister. Nicolas

In my opinion.....

 
 By: MiniCooper : March 3rd, 2010-09:52
it will definitely be a future classic..... the question is to what level... Polaris? Daytona? (although jlc is not as popular as rolex is) it will be definitely a drivers watch..... cheers

A stunning pair Nicolas!

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : March 2nd, 2010-08:22
I think you have picked the two most beautiful of them all! Best Blomman

The first, and almost the last...

 
 By: amanico : March 3rd, 2010-08:22
As you know, now, I'm feel always guilty when I take two watches of the same... Here, the variations can't make me forget that I own 2 Amvoxes, but with a different character. And as I love them so much...I feel less guilty. Best, and thanks, my friend, f... 

When it’s two such a beauties…

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : March 3rd, 2010-10:06
No one can blame you for picking both! J Best my friend Blomman

thanks for putting this informative summary...

 
 By: FanFrancisco : March 2nd, 2010-08:33
hope one day to get one of them to home. stefan

Sincerely wish you the same, Stefan

 
 By: amanico : March 3rd, 2010-08:24
It is such a lovely watch ,with such a strong presence on the wrist... Best of Luck! Nicolas This message has been edited by amanico on 2010-03-03 08:24:51

Thanks for the great report...

 
 By: sten : March 2nd, 2010-09:22
it really opened up my eyes. Love the look and design of the Amvox II chronograph. Simple and clean look, but yet complicated. Boy, am I in trouble... (not that I wasn't already...)

I understand you, Sten...

 
 By: amanico : March 3rd, 2010-08:27
" Simple and Clean look, but yet complicated " ...Superbly put. I think this is why I love it so much. Best, Nicolas

Thanks, Nicolas, for this great service

 
 By: respo : March 2nd, 2010-09:39
It is good to have all of the AMVOX2s in one thread for easy comparison, and to get the numbers correct. When seen together, it is an impressive range for JLC. A unique watch and beautifully executed in every detail. Thanks again for doing this post -- it... 

It was really very tempting ot have them all in one and only one thread, Respo.

 
 By: amanico : March 3rd, 2010-08:29
As it is the only way to get the interest, pros and cons on each of these one. Best, my friend. Nicolas

Thank you..

 
 By: MiniCooper : March 2nd, 2010-11:12
for a great summary of one of the best concept watches.... as said before.... not a limited edition but rather a limited production..... as you know, I was disappointed by the new release of the rg..... but it is a very unique and superb chronograph..... ... 

Yes, I understand your point, PP

 
 By: amanico : March 3rd, 2010-08:30
But now, you own a very exclusive one, and a Friendship one, too! Best, my friend. Nicolas

Yes my friend....

 
 By: MiniCooper : March 3rd, 2010-10:01
My current one in indeed a friendship watch...... besides a friend helped designing it.... cheers

The platinum version is to die for!

 
 By: Starman : March 2nd, 2010-11:23
My God Nico, never gave this Amvox II much thought, but this platinum one with the grey dial is killing me (and yes these are great pictures! Thanks for the post. Best, Starman

Which one, Starman?

 
 By: amanico : March 3rd, 2010-08:32
The first generation or the DBS in platinum? Both are so exciting! Best, my friend. Nicolas

Well, I'm glad you cleared that up !

 
 By: MTF : March 2nd, 2010-11:28
amanico, I'm a little exhausted reading that. Did you catch every variation? Regards, MTF

:) MTF.

 
 By: amanico : March 3rd, 2010-12:18
If I got every variation? Yes! Best, Nicolas

I love this family!

 
 By: Dje : March 2nd, 2010-12:08
Hi, Thank you Nicolas for this interesting summary! I've not chosen which daughter I'll pick up for a dance! I have a strong interest for the plain dial and for the black cases, but can't get to choose! I'm tempted by the other branch of the family too...... 

While the Amvox I was a nice surprise, the Amvox II

 
 By: amanico : March 3rd, 2010-12:33
Is rather playing the card of the Innovation, indeed, and in a very " fresh " way. Playing with the sapphire to start / Stop and reset the Chrono is so funny and intuitive, too! Jerome, you really should get one... Then you'll get the car! Best, my friend... 

Thanks for resuming the Amvox II Family!

 
 By: E.J. : March 2nd, 2010-13:15
This famiily is really great. For me, there are some versions that I prefer amog the others, but I must admit that all are impressive. At least, the Amvox II must be considered, IMO, like a great innovation in the Horological World... a strong, beautiful,... 

That's all I wish for the A II, Hermano

 
 By: amanico : March 3rd, 2010-12:54
That it will belong to the JLC History Book. A nice page, indeed. Best, Hermano! Nicolas

Your killing me Nicolas...

 
 By: aboen : March 2nd, 2010-13:25
You know why :-( Well......... its not 100% gone yet . Thanks for the great AmvoxII summary..its awesome ! Best Drew

Yes, I know, Drew.

 
 By: amanico : March 3rd, 2010-12:55
And I didn't get why you sold it ( or almost ). But you will make another happy man, my friend. And, if you miss it too hard, you can hunt another one, too! Very best from Paris. Nicolas

Wonderful post.

 
 By: MichaelC : March 2nd, 2010-13:49
To see them all and be able to compare is very helpful. Under 4000 pieces for multiple versions; I do look at this watch as a limited timepiece. Favorites? The platinum, new RG Grand (really like the palette on this one), and of course, the Paris Racing. ... 

My pleasure, Michael.

 
 By: amanico : March 3rd, 2010-13:49
Your selection of favourites is impeccable, although I prefer the first RG DBS to the latest one. Best, my friend. Nicolas

Fantastic report. Thank you.

 
 By: VMM : March 2nd, 2010-14:00
I think the first DBS is my favorite: together with this beauty: The Madrid boutique limited edition also looks great, hope to see it "in the flesh" soon. I have a surprise for tomorrow but, you gotta be patience my friend Vte...  

Obviously, you like open dials, Vicente! :)

 
 By: amanico : March 3rd, 2010-13:51
Aaah the DR5... Some guys, here, in Spain, have really nice taste! Best, Nicolas

Wow Nicolas! I can't wait until Patrice visits her JLC AD

 
 By: =RWK= : March 2nd, 2010-16:43
She will have lots of great photos for us ;-) Cheers, -- Richard.

Patrice? She? He? :)))

 
 By: amanico : March 3rd, 2010-13:53

Tres, Tres Magnifique...

 
 By: InHavenPro : March 2nd, 2010-22:22
what a suitable look back at this extraordinary timepiece, thank you very , very much for this retrospective and for the great photos of the platinum DBS chrono which show the beautiful gray dial in its true colors! For me though, the PBE remains the ulti... 

It was the best opportunity to show this Platinum DBS, indeed.

 
 By: amanico : March 3rd, 2010-14:01
An Amvox II I liked a lot when I saw it last year... Thanks for your comments, Amvox... It seems that the R PBE is a confirmation for you? Best, Nicolas

You're welcome Nicolas,

 
 By: InHavenPro : March 3rd, 2010-15:36
your reviews deserve utmost gratitude and respect from the community, it really helps educate everyone in detail about all JLC products. The AMVOX2 Racing is a definitive YES for me, I have a bit more time to make a final decision between the polished tit... 

The Racing white dial, titanium is

 
 By: amanico : March 3rd, 2010-22:04
Very tempting! When I first see the all black, and the all white, I was more attracted by the all white. But I also loved the black case, for once ( I'm not a big fan of Black cases ). You can't go wrong with any of them, my friend. Let us know! Best, Nic... 

Thanks,

 
 By: InHavenPro : March 3rd, 2010-23:07
I appreciate your impression as I believe your judgment, you've had plenty of real-time with all variants so if anyone knows how the watches feel and look it's you. I also generally like plain metal cases more, but the PVD Ti PBE really works exceptionall... 

I understand very well that

 
 By: amanico : March 3rd, 2010-23:16
You don't feel very comfortable in owning 2 kind of the same type. I wondered the same, as you know. And I ended with 2 Amvoxes II... And I finally live it quite well... With your pseudo, it wouldn't be that problematic. Best, my friend. Nicolas

If looks could kill . . .

 
 By: Dr No : March 4th, 2010-22:29
g . . . I'd be dead! This might be the only 'technical' watch I'd compare in the same breath with Richard Mille . . ....  

Technical watch, indeed.

 
 By: amanico : March 4th, 2010-22:51
Thanks for your nice wrods, Art...Don't die, my friend!!! Best, Nicolas

Stop pushing me....

 
 By: nikolaj : March 3rd, 2010-01:08
over the Edge eeee eeeeee ! Nicolas, your great summary here could not have come more timely (for me). Thank you so much for presenting this wonderful and valuable overview of this truly fascinating model range. I have found my personal favourite and I ab... 

Well, Nikolaj ...

 
 By: amanico : March 3rd, 2010-14:08
The Amvox I has its own interest, and I wouldn't undervalue it at all. It is an audacious reinterpretation of a Myth. Don't forget that in 2004 / 2005, the Polaris wasn't in the tube, and that it is always risky to re interpret such a Myth as the Polaris.... 

Chonology...

 
 By: nikolaj : March 3rd, 2010-23:46
You are of course right. If watches shouldn't be considered in chronological order - what should? I agree that JLC has a very strong card in the alarm function and they can (and should) interpret it in many ways without loosing integrity. I did mention in... 

Don't worry, Nikolaj.

 
 By: amanico : March 4th, 2010-05:56
We are many to not be able to get the car... You're right, one thing first...Be you will see that the 2d is unvadoidable... Very Best, Nicolas

What a comprehensive report....

 
 By: Goh : March 3rd, 2010-04:10
of a very interesting and unique piece. I always like when a piece is offered in different colour variations to satisfy people of different tastes. I like the Amvox II very much but I couldn't pull it off on my small wrist. However that does not stop me f... 

I just noticed that the hands...

 
 By: nikolaj : March 3rd, 2010-05:55
apparently changed with the 2009 DBS version. The earlier had the odd shape (someone frivolously called it penis shaped here on the forum earlier) on the minute hand whereas the 2009 version has it on the hour hand. I personally prefer the 2009 lay-out on... 

You're correct about the moment of the change of the hands, Nikolaj.

 
 By: amanico : March 3rd, 2010-14:12
Some love this change, others not... It is always impossible to please to everybody! Best, Nicolas

From my count.....

 
 By: MiniCooper : March 3rd, 2010-09:37
the racing edition seems to be the rarest now... 224 pieces regarding cases... platinum... ss... rg... pvd... titanium.... one ss less than rg (and not counting the transporter editions....) cheers

Correct count, PP. :)

 
 By: amanico : March 3rd, 2010-14:12

Very interesting post

 
 By: Geo : March 4th, 2010-13:14
Really enjoyed that and I had no idea it was such a large family of watches. The platinum Boutique version is really something. GEO

Thanks, Géo.

 
 By: amanico : March 4th, 2010-13:38
The amazing thing is to give to the same watch such a different personality, indeed. That's the magic of the Amvox II. Best, my friend. Nicolas

I Like the 09 version best

 
 By: gazoz : March 6th, 2010-15:11
great review nicolas as always i would like to see this watch in the real as only then can i give a proper view on this beauty of Amvox

Pictures reposted. [nt]

 
 By: amanico : August 28th, 2016-11:21

Love These - Buying one this week

 
 By: dmv4star : December 11th, 2016-11:44
I've narrowed it down to the Black PVD (500 pieces) or the Paris Boutique edition (24 pieces) I love the Paris Edition and contrast on the Dial.