Most car owners like their gadgets, and as one ascends the ladder of automotive excellence, the technological trickery becomes more and more intense. A particular predilection we've noted is for high profile partnerships between the upper echelons of the automotive world and their horological equivalents - Breitling for Bentley, Parmigiani for Bugatti, Audemars Piguet for Maserati, etc., etc.
One collaboration that's in especially rude health is the hook-up between Aston Martin (opens in new tab) and Jaeger-LeCoultre (opens in new tab).
see more images of the AMVOX2 DBS Transponder (opens in new tab)
After creating the AMVOX chronograph - a strictly limited edition timepiece with a titanium case and Aston Martin-sourced calfskin leather strap - the next step was the AMVOX2, with a 'vertical trigger' chronograph that was operated through a simple press on the sapphire crystal of the watch face. Now - in honour of Aston Martin's flagship DBS model - we have the AMVOX2 DBS Transponder, a new watch that combines the clickable watch face with a crucial new function; the ability to lock and unlock your own DBS.
Launched at the 2008 Paris Motor Show (opens in new tab), Wallpaper* has had exclusive access to the €27,500 chronograph - plus a Touchtronic-equipped DBS, fetchingly finished in Aston Martin Racing Green - in order to experience this skilful blend of technologies at first hand.
The new watch is nicely weighted, with a partly exposed mechanism, black dial and gold case. Once you've acclimatized to the cleverly incorporated transponder mechanism, it takes nothing more than a touch to unlock the doors; at night, the welcome glow of the DBS's interior lights rise to greet you. It's the ultimate party trick, the kind of sleight of hand that helps to excuse the thunderous echo of the V12 in the small hours of the morning - there's no such thing as a silent exit with this car. The AMVOX2 doesn't just open doors, it marks the first foray into a whole new domain of highly technical timepieces.
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