For Hamilton, the first Face 2 Face presented in 2013 was a great success. That watch had an oval case that swivelled horizontally, so that you could choose between a time-only face and a chronograph face. Each had its own movement. The new Jazzmaster Face 2 Face II is different because though it has the same swivelling case, it has just one movement, driving a classic chronograph display on the principal face, and a single chronograph seconds hand on the reverse. It’s a fun piece, with a chunky case whose oval shape enables it to wear well on the wrist. Both faces are crowded and not altogether logical, but enjoyable all the same. The swivelling case sets it apart from most watches, and the blue stitching and soft turquoise lining on the black strap coordinate with the chronograph second hand in the same colour.
Two faces
On the front, the hour and minute hands refer to a circular chapter ring. The dauphine-shaped hands are coated in SuperLuminova. On the left, another black ring is for continuous seconds, but the seconds hand is short and doesn’t get even close to the second indications. That part of the watch is made more complex by the fumé sapphire glass revealing parts of the date and day rings in the deconstructed dial. The chronograph minutes subdial in the 12 o’clock position is interrupted at two places by the continuous seconds chapter ring. The chronograph hours subdial at 6 o’clock is clearer to read but also has a ghostly continuation of the seconds chapter ring.
On the back, the new H-41 chronograph movement made exclusively for Hamilton by ETA is revealed, with skeletonized oscillating weight and engine-turned bridges. The central chronograph seconds hand runs anticlockwise, above the oscillating weight, and there are scales for tachymeter, pulsometer and telemeter. It’s more of an entertainment than a tool watch, you can get at best approximate readings. The movement is self-winding, and provides a power reserve of 60 hours.
The watch is 53 mm across and 44 mm high, in stainless steel, water-resistant to 5 bar (50 metres). The strap has a folding clasp.
Price
The Jazzmaster Face 2 Face II is a limited edition of 1,999 pieces. Each costs 3,895 Swiss francs, €3,795.
