Jaeger-LeCoultre and Aston Martin celebrate their three original timepieces
The partnership established almost a decade ago between two iconic names that have made a strong contribution to the development of their respective spheres of activity – Fine Watchmaking and sports cars – has given rise to spectacular technical innovations and watch creations reflecting the values shared by these two legendary brands.
In 2013, on the occasion of the 180th anniversary of the Grand Maison in the Vallée de Joux and the centenary of the famous English car manufacturer, three original timepieces symbolise the ties between these two avant-garde companies of which the history has constantly run along parallel lines, grounded on a constant quest for perfection. This philosophy relentlessly forged day after day has raised the two brands to icon status.
To celebrate these two memorable anniversaries, Jaeger-LeCoultre and Aston Martin have organised “Anniversary Follow the Drive”: a journey through the two partners’ history and heritage.
Darren Turner, official works driver for Aston Martin Racing, who has competed for Aston Martin Racing in Le Mans and in the FIA GT WEC championship, will head the field on an amazing adventure leading from Aston Martin’s headquarters in Gaydon to the Vallée de Joux.
He will be accompanied by friends and devotees of the two brands, who will enjoy the privilege of driving the latest models by the British manufacturer and of wearing the recent watch models from the Aston Martin line. After crossing the Channel, the tour will stop off in Paris in front of the Jaeger-LeCoultre boutique on the Place Vendôme, the brand’s largest own-name store in the world.
Aficionados of fine mechanics in all its forms will then hit the road en route to the Vallée de Joux, the cradle of fine watchmaking where Jaeger-LeCoultre has been solidly rooted since 1833. The personnel of the Manufacture will doubtless extend a particularly warm welcome to these hardy adventurers, since the ties that have been woven between the various departments of the two brands have steadily intensified as their cooperation continues to give rise to a string of remarkable technical innovations.
During the trip from England to the Vallée de Joux, fans of watchmaking and motorsports will enjoy a chance to discover the first models in the Aston Martin collection, as well as the brand-new AMVOX5 World Chronograph equipped with a high-tech case in reinforced cermet combining lightness, resistance and excellence performance.
The partnership signed between Jaeger-LeCoultre and Aston Martin in 2004, setting an official seal on a longstanding cooperation, was a self-evident development resembling a logical meeting of great minds. While talent itself is uncommon, the association between two icons is as rare as the simultaneous appearance of two stars in the inventive firmament.
The ties established between the two brands’ Research and Development department have steadily intensified as their cooperation has given rise to remarkable technical innovations. The latest among these include the transponder composed of a micro-transmitter built into a timepiece and controlling the central locking system of the cars; the vertical-trigger chronograph so intuitively user-friendly that it resembles that instant sense of ease a driver feels when getting behind the wheel of an Aston Martin; the introduction of movements with specific features designed to match sports driving requirements; and the development of materials boasting innovative properties.
Loyal to the shared values of performance and innovation, this association has deep historical roots, since the first Aston Martin racing cars were equipped with Jaeger dashboard counters already known for their precision. The characteristic design of the AMVOX models pays tribute to the inventiveness of these talented pioneers by reproducing the 270° sweep of these legendary instruments.
For Jaeger-LeCoultre CEO, Jérôme Lambert, the success of this long-term partnership is easily explained: “The tradition of excellence represents the foundations of a dynamic and enduring alliance based on the specific expertise of each company and nourished by horological inventiveness illustrated by the countless patents registered by the Manufacture in the course of
its history that already spans 180 years.”
As far as Aston Martin CEO Ulrich Bez is concerned, “The success of this exceptional British brand in this our centenary year comes from a combination of people, heritage and product; above all, it’s about the passion in everything we do. Aston Martin is a world leader in design and luxury – offering the very best of craftsmanship and technology with engineering that embraces excellence and ingenuity in every one of our products.”
In 2013, the close relations between Jaeger-LeCoultre and Aston Martin adopt a new appearance with the presentation of the two first models in the Aston Martin collection. This collection offers Fine Watchmaking connoisseurs a range of exceptionally sturdy and reliable timepieces endowed with useful functions and featuring a design subtly evoking the distinctive world of the prestigious British car maker. Finally, a new worldtime chronograph celebrates the first entry into the AMVOX line of a case made from ain innovative high-tech material, reinforced cermet.
