Jaeger-LeCoultre AMVOX2 DB9 Transponder – Click above for high-res image
Getting into your car is getting slicker all the time. Remember when you used to have to physically put your key in the door to get inside? Most undignified. Keyless entry remotes were followed by automatic proximity transmitters that unlock the doors for you when you walk up to the car. But even that requires a superfluous keychain dongle. Swiss watchmaker Jaeger-LeCoultre has the answer, but only if you happen to drive an Aston Martin. And have nearly $25k to spare.
Following the transponder wristwatches unveiled for the DBS and Rapide, JLC has now announced the AMVOX2 DB9 Transponder. It features a touch-sensitive sapphire crystal face: touch the glass where it says "open" and it unlocks the doors. Press where it says "close" and it locks 'em. Press both at the same time and the doors stay locked, but it will help you find your car by turning on the headlamps. Nice trick, all enabled by a micro-transmitter built in to the titanium timepiece. Details in the press release after the jump.
[Source: Aston Martin]
ASTON MARTIN AND JAEGER-LECOULTRE INTRODUCE THE AMVOX2 DB9 TRANSPONDER
- New AMVOX2 timepiece with ability to unlock/lock DB9
- Third in series following AMVOX2 DBS and Rapide transponder watches
Gaydon, 1 November 2010. Aston Martin and horological partner, Jaeger-LeCoultre are pleased to announce the launch of the AMVOX2 DB9 Transponder timepiece which affords the owner of a DB9 the luxury of opening their sports car by simply pressing on the sapphire crystal of their watch.
The AMVOX2 DB9 Transponder heralds the third generation of the revolutionary creation that sealed the ties between Aston Martin and the Swiss watchmaker Jaeger-LeCoultre.
Released two years ago, the DBS Transponder watch was the first mechanical watch developed with the ability to control access to a luxury sports car by means of a built-in micro transmitter system serving to lock and unlock the Aston Martin DBS.
As the driver nears the car, all he need do is press the OPEN position on the watch glass (between eight and nine o'clock) in order to unlock the car, whereas doing the same thing on the CLOSE position between three and four o'clock will lock the vehicle.
By pressing simultaneously on the "OPEN" and "CLOSE" rectangles, the watch emits a signal recognised by the car as a "FIND ME" function: the headlamps light up for several seconds, without unlocking the car, so as to enable the owner to find the car at a glance.
By integrating the transponder circuit into the body of the watch, Jaeger-LeCoultre has created a timepiece that is entirely functional yet discreet, a masterpiece of miniaturisation and engineering that not only functions as a chronograph but as a key, making it the ultimate accessory for the ultimate sports car.
In-cased in grade five titanium, the black dial of the AMVOX2 DB9 Transponder is adorned with a grille-type motif and bears rhodium-plated metallic numerals coated in the centre with a luminescent black substance. The DB9 logo, which is gilded as are the hands and hour-markers, appears to be floating in the centre in a window revealing the ruthenium mainplate and bridges of the exquisitely refined movement.
The AMVOX2 DB9 Transponder watch is available to order now from the Aston Martin dealership network priced at: UK: £12,426, EU: €15,833, US: $24,400 exclusive of local taxes and customs & duties charges.
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