March LA.B recently announced a new and very limited edition of their AM3 model which has been made exclusively for the Paris based retailer Colette. Limited to only five pieces, the AM3 Legionnaire Limited Edition is an intriguing design which mixes the recognizable style and flare we expect from March LA.B with a color scheme that pays tribute to the historic French Foreign Legion (of the 19th century). This 38mm automatic three-hander is upgraded over the standard production AM3 with a black PVD case, an olive green dial, gunmetal indices, and a genuine Louisiana alligator leather strap. The colors are based on traditional legionnaire uniform colors. The strap carries a matte green finish which matches nicely with the dial and mixed finishing of the black case. I really enjoy the contrast between the sandy-green tone of the dial and the darker tones of the gunmetal indices and PVD case.
The AM3 Legionnaire features all of the details which make March LA.B watches stand out in the fray, like their uniquely styled screw-down crown, green date text and rear crystal, and custom decorated movement. Refreshingly, March LA.B has opted to use the more expensive ETA 2892 Swiss automatic movement as opposed to the more common 2824-2. The 2892 is one of the best mass produced movements available to a small brand like March LA.B. The same base movement was, for example, used by Omega for their calibre 1120 and later used as the base for their co-axial calibre 2500. With a watch that carries an above-entry-level price, it is certainly nice to see that they are taking advantage of the availability of the 2892 and sourcing a premium movement. The AM3 Legionnaire’s domed crystal is sapphire and features an anti-reflective treatment, while the rear display crystal sports a sapphire coating and March LA.B’s unique green tint.
The dial color choice is in tribute to the legendary (in France) French Foreign Legion and the olive drab coloring they utilized for their uniforms. I think you’ll agree that a March LA.B AM3 is not the first watch which comes to mind when imagining military-inspired limited editions, but I think they have pulled it off nicely and that this limited edition has a distinct appeal that still works within the aesthetic of the AM3 line up. The AM3 Legionnaire will be available exclusively through Collete for €2490 (~$3130 USD) and with only five units being produced, it’s safe to say that March LA.B has guaranteed a high level of exclusivity for this truly unique and cool version of the AM3.
Written by James Stacey