With a mission to make its watches “as French as possible,” March LA.B took an important step recently when it switched from Japanese movements to Swiss-made La Joux-Perret movements assembled by Humbert-Droz in Besançon, France. Showcasing these new Franco-Swiss movements are the March LA.B AM2 Slim watches, which feature highly distinctive seventies-era-inspired designs in an approachable compact size. 

The design blueprint of the AM2 Slim isn’t new – it’s based on the AM2, which has been a mainstay of the March LA.B’s catalog since the early days of the company. However, as its name suggests, the Slim iteration offers more restrained proportions for those who prefer smaller watches. As such, the AM2 Slim watches sport 36mm stainless steel cases that are 11.32mm thick. The octagonal case silhouette includes plenty of angles forming the lugs and flanks while the combination of brushed and polished finishes serves to highlight those defined edges. 

As is customary with all March LA.B watches, the crown protrudes quite dramatically from the 4 o’clock position creating a signature look that ties all of the brand’s watches together regardless of shape or style. Furthermore, the crown is intricately decorated with the three lines of March LA.B’s logo. The number three is significant to March LA.B as it represents its trio of founders, and we see frequent nods to this number. For instance, the “3” in the date wheel is the only numeral that appears in green (a color that’s also important to the brand), and “March” in the company’s name is the third month. In case you were wondering, LA.B stands for Los Angeles and Biarritz – two cities that March LA.B calls home. 

The faceted case of the AM2 Slim is paired with a softer rounded square dial, which is shielded by a beveled sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment. March LA.B offers the AM2 Slim watches with three stepped dial options. The AM2 Slim Grall includes a dark green dial while the AM2 Slim Navy has a sunburst blue dial – both featuring vertically brushed finishes and light gray minute tracks around the sunken periphery. Conversely, the AM2 Slim Shelter has an alluring two-tone step dial that includes a vertically brushed steel component at the center and a lower-level gold edge with a black minute track. Of all the colorways, the Shelter is the one that leans into that seventies aesthetic the most, and to great effect.  

Steel batons with deep center grooves are used to mark the hours, each accompanied by a small lume plot. The batons at 1, 5, 7, and 11 o’clock are unconventionally laid horizontally rather than vertically, which adds yet another intriguing design twist to the watches. The chiseled steel-framed date window is placed at 6 o’clock where white numerals (except for the aforementioned green trois) are read off a dark background. At the center of the dial are the tuning fork-shaped hands – again, celebrating old-school cool. The upper portion of the dial is home to an applied logo while the bottom is inscribed with “Automatic” and “Made in France.”

March LA.B provides three options for the band: a perforated wild bison strap, an alligator leather strap, or a stainless steel bracelet. The handsome bracelet features seven rows of brushed links with beveled edges and emphasizes the retro vibe of the timepiece. The quick-release system allows for simple strap changes and the 20mm lug width means endless options for bands. 

The back of the AM2 Slim watch is where we get to see that Franco-Swiss G100 automatic movement in action. Peering through the green tinted round window at the center of the screwed-in caseback, we see the custom rotor perforated with the 3 intersecting March LA.B lines. The movement supplies the AM2 Slim with 68 hours of power reserve and the watch is water resistant to 100 meters.

Everywhere you look, the March LA.B AM2 Slim watches reveal unexpected details, all coming together in one cohesive and striking package. Proudly seventies inspired, effortlessly chic, and superbly charming, the French-made AM2 Slim Automatic Shelter, Grall, and Navy watches are priced at $1,500 USD with perforated leather straps and $1,688 USD with alligator straps and steel bracelets. Plus, ABTW readers can receive a free Made in France leather strap (which retails for 95 Euros) with every AM2 Slim watch purchase. Simply add the leather band of your choice to the cart along with an AM2 Slim watch and use the code ABTW at checkout. For more information about the March LA.B AM2 Slim watches, please visit the brand’s website.

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