Precision. Style. Rarity
Precision. Style. Rarity
Vintage chronographs have always caught the eye. But what sets the C65 AM 2 VEV SE apart is its combination of authentic motorsport styling – witness those intricately designed subdials – and near-perfect accuracy, courtesy of its thermo-compensated Swiss movement.
As elite motor vehicles – especially Aston Martin’s – have always inspired us, we decided to create two exceptional chronographs based on perhaps the most beautiful racing car of all time, the Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato.
Launched in 1961, the Zagato was fielded by John Ogier’s Essex Racing Stable, and driven by the likes of Jim Clark and Roy Salvadori. Only 19 Zagatos were ever built, which goes some way to explain how one of the first four – registration number ‘2 VEV’ – was sold for £10.1m in 2018. And it’s this particular car the watch is named after.
Make no mistake, this is a timepiece that does the Zagato name justice in every facet. To maximise comfort, the watch boasts a Light-catcher™ case in marine-grade steel, with the caseback deep-stamped with an imprint of a Zagato wheel.
Powered by the 27-jewel ETA 251.233 quartz movement, there’s a wealth of timing options on show, too. As with the C65 AM 1 VEV SE, the watch delivers stopwatch functionality, but here the 30-minute subdial is replaced by a 12-hour counter. If you want to gauge speed when trackside, using the tachymeter bezel alongside the stopwatch will provide you a reading you can rely on.
There are just 150 C65 AM 2 VEV SE’s in existence. And while you may never own an Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato yourself, you can pay tribute with a watch that’s every bit as beautiful. And a little easier on the wallet.
ETA 251.233 quartz movement
ETA 251.233 quartz movement
One the most accurate movements on the planet, the 27-jewel ETA 251.233/1 boasts a tolerance of just -2.2/+2.2 per month.
Boasting a frequency of 32’768 Hz, it offers a wide range of chronograph functions. Aside from telling the time, it carries a 12-hour subdial plus a 1/10 seconds register. There are both centre-stop seconds and minutes hands, a date wheel and a small seconds subdial to monitor ‘regular’ timekeeping.
The ultimate sports dial
The matte-black dial plays host to a variety of subdials, which not only deliver stopwatch functionality, but provide satisfying visual balance.
Stamp of authority
The back of the marine-grade steel case is deep-stamped with an impression of the Zagato’s vintage racing wheels. It also carries the serial number of the individual watch.
The light and comfortable case
The Light-catcher™ case, inspired by the graceful arcs of vintage car design, has been designed to sit snug on the wrist. Ideal if you wear long-sleeve shirts.
Racetrack-ready timing
The centre-stop seconds hand is painted white, while the centre-stop minutes hand is red: a detail that increases legibility when you’re using the stopwatch.
Chronograph vs
Chronometer
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Change a
strap or bracelet
A new bracelet or strap is the easiest way to refresh the look of your watch. With quick-release systems included on our models, here’s how you can swap over to a new bracelet or strap.
