Watches and Aston Martins - maybe the best of both worlds

[v8woollie]

As some of you may know by now I love my watches as much as my Aston. After organising a get-together of around 30 watch fans recently in London (at which Le Yeti was present), I was speaking to some people at the Jaeger-LeCoultre manufacture who said they would rather like to organise an Aston Martin drive out to the JLC manufacture in Le Sentier, just to the north of Geneva in late September or early October (certainly it is hoped before any snow falls).

A some of you may know, JLC has close links with Aston Martin, and the manufacture would be interested in the photo, PR and marketing opportunities of such a trip as well as entertaining those present, including a tour of the manufacture.

However, tours of the manufacture are booked well in advance and before pushing for a slot, I suggested to JLC that I see what, if any, is the level of interest in a 3-4 day drive out to Geneva and Le Sentier. There are still lots of details to be worked out, such as itineraries and routes, and I am hoping that we can get some involvement from AM as well as JLC in finalising the details. But for now, a simple indication of whether anyone may be interested would be good.

[v8woollie]

yeti said:

I think it goes without saying Simon... I'm in!

Lancaster Reading organised one of these last year but for 4 days, it was £4000... I just couldn't justify it. Hotels and restaurants were expensive for the sake of it! Needs to be half of that, or around that area.

The roads through the Jura mountains are wonderful. It's also the type locality for the 3 epochs of the Jurassic period so expect me to bore you at lunch stops in the mountains

Well I am hoping that some of the cost will be borne by JLC, maybe some by AM and some by the attendees.

I know that many will wish to have an idea of the cost before deciding so a bit of a catch 22, but just knowing if in principle the interest is there is sufficient for now.

Happy to hear about the geology of the area - I vote Yeti for tour guide All I know about Jurassic periods is being on the beach at Charmouth hacking away at black rock!

[v8woollie]

michael gould said:

do we get a free JLC watch as part of the visit ?

There has been talk of some sort of transponder for opening and closing your car, but certainly not in the normal Amvox DBS watch.

[v8woollie]

Jockman said:

Le Yeti, you need sex

There is definitely a pattern to threads going off piste, and that pattern is named Jockman

[v8woollie]

Jockman said:

Sorry Woollie

No need to apologise - Yeti does seem to need some form of sexual relief

[v8woollie]

yeti said:

Interesting that the smilie in the picture is blue...

Woollie, I am intrigued that JLC/AM may contribute in costs. Quite a departure from the normal trips I guess... And equally an opportunity that can't be missed.

I am working with the UK Sales & Marketing Manager of JLC and with Yves (whom you met) who is the International Retail Director of JLC. As I said, I am 'hoping' that they will contribute (it is partly their idea anyway).

[v8woollie]

yeti said:

So far:

v8woollie
yeti
Jamesc12
Rusty123

How many cars do they visualise on this trip?

10-20 would be great but I don't know if they have an expectation. I assume the more there are the more the marketing and PR value.

The ideal would have been to go to the SIHH in January but there would probably be too much snow at that time of year (although to be fair the Swiss are very good at keeping major roads clear).

[v8woollie]

Snap:

[v8woollie]

yeti said:

Packing for 10 days in France... that's the essentials sorted



TAGHeuer Monaco (re-edition)
Panerai Radiomir 8 Days
Heuer Carrera (original 1964)
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Retrograde Chrongraph

Hey Lewis, travelling light? I suppose you can afford to take extra baggage now that you have saved 11kg on the car

[v8woollie]

Thanks for the information. They sound like great events. The actual dates will to some extent be dictated by the manufacture but we can hope they may coincide.

[v8woollie]

Sounds like there is interest at least so that is good. I am awaiting more feedback from the manufacture and then I hope to be able to give more detail around the potential dates and format.

[v8woollie]

Sory for taking so long but here is an update on things.

Let me start by saying that I know this is close to the Autumn Outing event and so is probably not possible for people, but here it is anyway.

I have arranged with Jaeger-LeCoultre to have up to eight spaces reserved for us for a visit to the Manufacture in Le Sentier on 11th October. We can either fly to Switzerland (a one day trip), in which case JLC will arrange for Aston Martin cars to be waiting for us when we arrive in Geneva to take us to the Manufacture and then back to the airport. Alternatively we can take days out and drive with our Astons to Geneva (a three day trip). JLC are very happy to cover the accommodation and all meals for our group, so they only require that we would have to make the flights arrangements if we decide not to drive.

Is this of interest to anyone? As I said at the beginning, I know this is close to the Autumn Outing and may not be feasible. If we cannot do it this year I am sure I can arrange the same thing for a date next Spring.

Edited by v8woollie on Wednesday 12th September 12:36

[v8woollie]

George H said:

1 day vs 3 days swings it for me. Plus the ease, and it would be cheaper as an added bonus

Appreciate time is an important consideration but driving would be way more fun, albeit more expensive

[v8woollie]

jonby said:

Just been told JLC will be launching a new Amvox/s in November

I don't know whether to hope it's a V12VR watch or not, as I'd struggle to resist one with matching numbers

The thought occurs that a centenary watch would fit in with that launch date, as would a zagato watch, a new vanquish one and even a skyfall Amvox

my money is on centenary or v12VR

Join the trip - I bet we'll find out

[v8woollie]

yeti said:

1) V8Woollie (AMVOX II, EWC, Squadra Hometime, Reverso Date, 1956 Memovox)
2) Yeti (Reverso GranSport Retrograde Chrongraph)

I am working those days, we have no money due to a wedding/tax bills/cars but if we can get this sorted - I'm there!

Would much prefer the drive there than a flight - we have Aston Martins after all! October in Le Sentier... actually the weather >should< be OK, was in Geneva last September and it was gorgeous. Jura mountains here we come

There >may< be a small lecture on the Geology of the area - this is the type locality of the Jurassic, important stuff

Edited by yeti on Wednesday 12th September 13:24

Updated the list of watches

[v8woollie]

George H said:

I won't be able to make it in October anyway, I'm in Malaysia for MotoGP. If there's one at a later date please can you send me the rough costs of it

No problem. Costs would be return flight (around £130) or petrol. Meals and accommodation (the latter if driving) are paid for my JLC.

[v8woollie]

yeti said:

Can I include my radiomir 8 Days? Has a JLC twin-barrel movement after all...

Are you forseeing partners being involved in this trip Simon? Could fly Mrs Yeti one-way at least. Or at least offer

Of course you may add the Rad. Add mine too

The limit on this trip is eight spaces on the tour. So wives are welcome as long as the total on the Manufacture tour is only eight.

Edited by v8woollie on Wednesday 12th September 14:00

[v8woollie]

yeti said:

Surely there's the option for those of a more timid nature to fly, and those of a more heroic stature to drive..?

Wouldn't want poor Georgie's car to get gwubby or have those howwible miles put on it

Be good to meet up down there I reckon. Maybe one now as a recon mission and then another in spring?

We can certainly mix and match. The problem part was getting spaces on the Manufacture tour as it is booked months in advance so how we get there is secondary as long as we all are there for the 11th.

[v8woollie]

yeti said:

When you say three-day trip to drive - I assume you mean both ways?

Geneva is not far at all really.

Out on the 10th, overnight on the 10th and 11th and back on the 12th.

[v8woollie]

jonby said:

I have no JLC and as someone recently reminded me (was it you Yeti?) I'm not even an Aston owner at present ! :-)

My watch list is not the most serious in the world: 1980 GMT Master (pepsi bezel), 2006ish anniversary Sub (green bezel), Gold/SS Cartier Santos 100 XL (launch edition)

But if I still qualify, I'm up for it. Flying of course.....

If they don't launch a V12VR watch, I have my eye on the V12 Vantage Amvox 5

You don't have to have a JLC watch or an Aston, although of course the ideal attendees from JLC's perspective are people that have both or at least one of the two as it shows an appreciation of each. At least you have a V12VR on order

As an alternative to flying you could maybe blag a spare seat in a car.