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.

Jérôme Lambert & Johann Sauty

In the workshops of Gaydon and the Vallée de Joux, generations of artisans unite their extensive range of skills, meticulously breathing life into exceptional timepieces and automobiles that are eagerly awaited by a dedicated audience of sports lovers, aesthetes and connoisseurs.

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.

Above: Master Compressor Extreme W-Alarm Aston Martin Watch - Below Left: AMVOX5 World Chronograph Cermet Watch - Below Right: Master Hometime Aston Martin Watch - All by Jaeger-LeCoultre

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.

Source: Jaeger-LeCoultre