March LA.B caught my attention in 2024 with the release of the AM2 GMT Grall Edition.
However, this French brand has been around much longer - since 2008. It was founded by three friends, Alain Maric, Jérôme Mage, and Joseph Chatel, united by a passion for surfing and 1970s design. Maric serves as CEO and works in Biarritz, France, while creative director Mage resides in Los Angeles. This is why the brand name features "LA.B", reflecting the connection between these two cities. Each March, the brand releases a special Millésime series, and in 2024 it includes the AM2 “Nyctalope” Carbon - a lighter version of the popular AM2 with a forged carbon fiber case. Let's take a closer look at it.
History of the March LA.B AM2 “Nyctalope” Carbon
Every March, March LA.B celebrates its anniversary by releasing a limited Millésime series. These special editions not only pay homage to the brand's history but also showcase a conceptual vision for the future, becoming a sort of storyteller.
Last year, the brand introduced the AM2 Slim GMT with a Grade 5 titanium case, which looked very attractive. This year, the Millésime series has been expanded with the AM2 Automatic featuring a forged carbon case and voluminous 3D hour markers made from Super-LumiNova. As expected, these indices glow brightly in the dark, earning the model the nickname “Nyctalope”. In French, this word refers to people who see well in the dark or in low light, as well as animals with excellent night vision.
However, the 3D luminous markers are only part of the "night" concept. If you shine a UV flashlight on the watch, the forged carbon case will glow bright green. Even in normal lighting, the two-tone lightweight case immediately catches the eye.
Technical Specifications of March LA.B AM2 “Nyctalope” Carbon
Let's look at the main parameters of the model for a better understanding:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Case Diameter | 38 mm |
| Case Length | 44 mm |
| Case Thickness | 12.8 mm |
| Strap Width | 20 mm |
| Water Resistance | 100 m |
| Case Material | Forged Carbon |
| Case Shape | Octagonal |
| Crown | Black PVD, fluted, at 4 o'clock |
| Dial | Dark green, two-layer, with 3D Super-LumiNova markers |
| Glass | Sapphire with green tint |
| Movement | La Joux-Perret G100, automatic |
| Balance Frequency | 28,800 vibrations per hour |
| Power Reserve | 68 hours |
The case features a fluted crown at the "4 o'clock" position, a signature of the AM2 series. Although for visual balance I would have preferred it at "3 o'clock", in practice it did not cause any inconvenience when wearing.
The dial is crafted in two parts: the central zone is adorned with an "armor" motif inspired by jacquard straps, while the outer part contains large 3D luminous markers connected by a white minute scale. The markers at 1, 5, 7, and 11 o'clock are horizontal, adding character to the design.
Design and Functional Details of the Dial
On the outer side of each hour marker is a small dot marker, glowing brightly blue in the dark. At the "6 o'clock" position, there is a date window with white numbers on a black background. An interesting feature is that on the third day of each month, the number "3" is displayed in green, symbolizing the brand's founding month - March. This subtle yet pleasant touch is for those familiar with the history of March LA.B.
The hands are made of steel with a gunmetal PVD coating and filled with Super-LumiNova, glowing bright green in the dark, just like the large hour markers.
Straps and Materials
The set includes two jacquard straps made by the Julien Faure factory from Saint-Etienne, France - the same manufacturer that supplies fabric straps for Tudor.
- The first strap is black and green with a black PVD steel clasp.
- The second is entirely black with a titanium clasp with black PVD coating.
The strap holders are adorned with small French flags, and the long end of the first strap is stitched with green thread. These details highlight the quality and design attention characteristic of Julien Faure.
La Joux-Perret G100 Movement
Through the green sapphire glass of the black PVD-coated case back, you can see the La Joux-Perret G100 automatic movement. It operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, has 24 jewels, and a power reserve of 68 hours. The movement is decorated with a skeletonized rotor and is neatly finished.
It's worth noting that the movement can only be fully seen after removing the strap, as the sapphire window is partially covered. This can be considered a kind of "Easter egg" for the owners.
Wearing Experience of the March LA.B AM2 “Nyctalope” Carbon
The case size is ideal for a wrist diameter of 18.5 cm (7.3 inches). The watch has a noticeable presence on the wrist, but thanks to the lightweight case material, it is comfortable for everyday use. The forged carbon gives the model a modern character, distinct from the retro style of the classic steel AM2.
The combination of the case material and large luminous indices is particularly impressive, highlighting this special edition of the Millésime series. The texture of the dial is subtle and harmoniously complements the straps. The case is adorned with neat edges, emphasizing its shape.
The only unexpected aspect was the absence of a screw-down crown - instead, a standard push/pull design is used. Although it is more convenient to use, I expected to see a screw-down crown for greater water resistance.
Final Impressions of the March LA.B AM2 “Nyctalope” Carbon
All the nuances did not prevent me from enjoying wearing this model. The limited edition released for the brand's anniversary is a great idea. The new model successfully combines the retro style of the AM2 with a modern forged carbon case, demonstrating the versatility of the series.
Special details, such as the green sapphire glass and the green "3" on the date disc, bring the watch's story to life. The ability of the case to glow under ultraviolet is a pleasant surprise that makes you want to carry a UV flashlight for added enjoyment.
Pricing and Availability
The March LA.B AM2 “Nyctalope” Carbon model is a limited edition of 169 pieces and costs €2,495. Considering the materials used, the movement, and the unique features, the price seems quite justified.
This is a quality release from March LA.B with a forged carbon case, bright luminous markers, and a reliable movement. For me, this model was a great introduction to the brand, and now I am interested in exploring other AM2 GMT versions.
March LA.B will participate in the Watches and Wonders exhibition from April 14 to 20, 2026. If you plan to attend the event, I recommend checking out their stand.