Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The Steel Editions of the Compact March LA.B AM2 Slim GMT
Two compact 36mm stainless steel AM2 models with a practical traveller’s complication join the permanent collection.
Founded in 2009 by three friends united by their passion for surfing and retro 1970s design, MARCH LA.B’s watches might have square profiles, but are as hip as they come. The French brand’s shaped watches offer a range of functions from dressy Mansart three-hand automatics to day-date and date references, calendar models and GMTs. Earlier this month, we covered the more compact 36mm Titanium AM2 Slim GMT, a sold-out limited edition that anticipated the introduction of two permanent collection models in the same case size in stainless steel.
The LA.B component of the brand name does not allude to a laboratory but to the residences of the founders. Designer Jérôme Mage lives in Los Angeles, and CEO Alain Marhic and financial advisor Joseph Châtel in Biarritz; the name March responds to the month in which all three founders were born and appears in green on the date wheel once a month. With a nine-hour time difference between Los Angeles and Biarritz, the office GMT function makes sense in March LA.B’s universe.
The two new AM2 Slim GMT models come in compact 36mm stainless steel cases with a thickness of 12.5mm. The bold angular case exudes a strong 1970s flair with its octagonal profile and radically sloping facets, six of which are polished for extra impact. Another distinctive trait is the large, engraved screw-down crown at 4 o’clock. Coupled with the screw-down caseback and the dual-seal system, the case is water-resistant to 100 metres. The polished lugs have a pronounced depression in their centre and hug the satin-brushed links of the H-shaped bracelet with quick-release spring bars.
Shielded by a glassbox sapphire crystal, the dial features a peripheral two-tone 24-hour scale for the GMT function. The model with the black dial (Empire) has a gold and silver track, while the white dial (Shelter) has a black and golden 24-hour track.
The slightly raised central area of the dial has a textured crosshatch pattern and is surrounded by a chapter ring with the brand’s distinctive polished bar indices. Arranged horizontally, vertically or on a slant, the size and position of the indices vary according to the space. Another distinguishing feature is the fork-shaped hour and minute hands with a sliver of luminescent material. The co-axial perforated green GMT hand matches the GMT inscription on the dial and the green third day of the month in the framed date window at 6 o’clock.
Powered by a GMT version of the La Joux-Perret G100, the G110 automatic movement has a robust 68-hour power reserve. Visible through the green-tinted sapphire window, the G110 movement has a customised March LA.B openworked rotor. However, in keeping with the brand’s French identity, the Swiss movement is assembled in France.
Available with three strap choices, the AM2 Slim GMT on a steel bracelet retails for EUR 2,245, on a black alligator leather strap for EUR 2,245 and a black perforated buffalo leather strap for EUR 1,995. More information at march-lab.com.
