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Armani Exchange AX2652 Gunmetal IP Black Strap Watch - W65559
Ref. AX2652
At 7mm thick, this is noticeably flatter than most chronograph cases at 42mm — it sits against the wrist rather than away from it, and will pass under a shirt cuff where bulkier sport watches will not. The gunmetal IP finish absorbs light rather than reflecting it, which keeps the whole thing quiet and consistent in almost any light. The silicone strap suits the brief well: pliable enough from the first wearing, resistant to moisture, and in keeping with the matte register of the case rather than working against it.
- Reference
- AX2652
- Brand
- Armani Exchange
- Case size
- 42mm
- Case thickness
- 7mm
- Case material
- Stainless steel
- Case shape
- Round
- Dial
- Black
- Crystal
- Mineral
- Movement
- Quartz
- Functions
- Chronograph
- Water resistance
- 50m
- Bracelet / strap
- Silicone strap
- Strap colour
- Black
- Clasp
- Buckle
- Lume
- Luminous
- Retailer
- F.Hinds
Learn more about Armani Exchange
Giorgio Armani launched A|X Armani Exchange in the United States in 1991, positioned below Emporio Armani as the group's most accessible line. Where the parent label drew on Milanese tailoring, Armani Exchange took its cues from street style and club culture, and priced itself accordingly.
Ownership took years to settle. A joint venture with Como Holdings was formed in 2005 to accelerate the line's growth, with Armani initially holding a minority stake. He bought a further quarter in 2008 and the remainder in 2014, bringing the brand fully in-house. In 2017 Armani Jeans was folded into it, consolidating the group's casual offering under one name.
The watches are made under licence by Fossil Group, the same manufacturer behind the Emporio Armani line, and they sit at a similar price point. The styling is the difference. Armani Exchange runs larger, brighter and more heavily branded than its sibling, with visible logos and bolder case treatments, which is the point rather than an oversight.
- 1991
- A|X Armani Exchange launches in the United States.
- 2005
- Presidio Holdings joint venture formed to expand the line.
- 2014
- Giorgio Armani takes full ownership of the brand.
- 2017
- Armani Jeans is folded into Armani Exchange.
No longer listed
No retailer we track is currently selling this reference. The specifications below are kept for reference, and the page returns to normal if it is listed again.
What the specifications mean
Strengths
- 7mm is unusually slim for a 42mm case
- Luminous hands and markers for low light
Worth knowing
- 50m suits rain and handwashing, not swimming
Armani Exchange AX2652 Gunmetal IP Black alternatives
Watches from other brands at a similar price, style and size, so you can see what else your budget can buy.
| Specification | AX2652 | R8871621042 | MK3435 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £149 | £149 | £149 |
| Case size | 42mm | 42mm | 42mm |
| Water resistance | 50m | 50m | 50m |
| Movement | Quartz | Quartz | Quartz |
| Strap | Silicone strap | Silicone strap | Stainless steel bracelet |
| This watch | Closely matched | Closely matched |
Your new watch
Frequently asked questions, and things you should know about this watch
Can I swim with it?
Showering yes, swimming no. 50m covers splashes and brief immersion, but a swimming stroke generates well above the pressure that figure describes.
Water resistance explainedWill the glass scratch?
It can, over time. Mineral glass handles daily wear but will pick up fine scratches that sapphire would not.
Sapphire, mineral and acrylic comparedDoes it need a battery?
Yes. It is quartz, so expect a battery change every two to three years at a jeweller.
Quartz, automatic and solar comparedIs it a men's or women's watch?
Listed as men's.
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