This year, Maurice Lacroix is enriching its collection with new Masterpice Gravity watch, one of the most impressive and the prettiest models in the brand’s entire history. The company’s latest timekeeper features an asymmetrical dial which reveals its new automatic Caliber ML 230. This proprietary movement which was entirely made in-house in the brand’s workshops in Saignelegier is distinguished with the heavy use of silicon in the making of its regulating organ which can be observed on its asymmetrical face, since it is exposed and magnified with the watch’s box sapphire crystal. The novel in-house movement likewise utilizes the brand’s own hairspring and it is neatly decorated and exposed on both sides of the case. As Maurice Lacroix has decided, the watch will be available in two slightly different versions and will be limited to 250 pieces. The first version the brand dubbed Classical model is encased in a housing made of stainless steel with satin and polished finishing, while Contemporary model possesses a PVD coating on the steel basis. Regardless of the variation, the price is set at $13,900.
Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Gravity Classic Watch
Premiere of the Movement with All-Silicon Assortment
Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Gravity is heavily based on its driving force, new mechanical self-winding caliber ML 230. Even its appearance was envisioned in order to expose the movement which premiers in this new piece. More accurately, on the front side of the dial, at the four o’clock position, one can notice the regulating organ of the watch. The visible escapement of the caliber has an unusually high presence of silicon used for its parts which are recognizable for the distinctive lighter color. The proprietary hairspring is likewise noticeable on the face. When it comes to the functioning of the caliber with 35 jewels, we should say it has the frequency of 2.5 Hz and enough power reserve to keep it working for 50 hours. The caliber is adjusted in five positions after it is fully wound and reduced to two positions after a full day of ticking.
Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Gravity Classic Watch Dial
Different Finishing for Different Versions
Depending on the version, there are different finishes on the skeletonized bridge at the dial side. Classic model (the reference number MP611-SS001-110) features a bridge with Clou de Paris motif with the mixture of straight brushing, sandblasting, rhodium treatment, as well as polished beveling on the edges. On the other hand, Contemporary version (the reference MP6118-PVB01-130), displays Grand Colimacon motif with the combination of decorations such as black gold treatment, straight brushing, sandblasting and polished beveling for the edges.
There are also differences when it comes to the finishing of the bridges and the winding rotor on the opposite (movement) side of the caliber which is also exposed through the case-back. While the basic steel model displays the circular Geneva striping, the PVD treated one is with the Geneva striping and snailing.
Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Gravity Contemporary Watch Dial
Box Sapphire Crystal and No Bezel
Apart from the skeletonized movement, the anthracite (Contemporary version) or silver-colored face (Classic) of the watch also shows two dials: one for hours and minutes, and the other one for small seconds. The main lacquered white dial that displays hours and minutes is moved up and on the right. In its middle, it is slightly domed, which contributes to the overall three-dimensional appearance of the watch’s face. This main display which is held in place with two mirror-polished screws and encircled with circular-brushed flange is made with black printed Roman numerals (Classical model) or hour markers for the other version. There are two stamped and thermally blued hands with diamond cut heads which circle around the dial. Furthermore, the small seconds counter with circular brushing decoration is placed at the four o’clock position and made with Arabic numerals. It likewise involves a flame-blued hand.
The entire face of the watch is placed beneath a domed box sapphire crystal which brings multiple design benefits. It is so wide that it does not leave space for a bezel of any kind, which allows better insight on its skeletonized face. It also serves as a magnifier since it makes the balance and assortment appear bigger. When it comes to waterproofness, the model with the 43 mm wide case can be submerged to 50 meters.
For the wristlet, the manufacturer selected a strap made of genuine crocodile leather which is made with calfskin lining and which locks with a satin and polished treated steel folding clasp with push-buttons. While Classic model is with a brown colored strap, the darker Contemporary one is paired with a black one.
