BASELWORLD 2017: MASTERPIECE - Excellence

BASELWORLD 2017: MASTERPIECE - Excellence

The Masterpiece Collection is the perfect synthesis of Maurice Lacroix know-how. This collection spearheads the brand, and, its interpretation is a wonderful illustration of complications, especially retrograde displays, that Maurice Lacroix has been specializing in since 1999. In 2003, Maurice Lacroix unveiled its first double retrograde model. Ever since, this genre of timepiece has played a key role in the history of the progressive brand.

This year, Maurice Lacroix returns to its roots, unveiling two types of retrograde watches: the Masterpiece Double Retrograde and the Masterpiece Moon Retrograde. Each model embodies watchmaking craftsmanship and is delivered in either a classical or a modern design style.

The Masterpiece Double Retrograde

The 43mm stainless steel case provides ample size to display all indications clearly. The dial features hours, minutes and a small seconds display at 9 o’clock, with a power reserve indicator adjacent the crown. Below noon, a retrograde hand displays the hour in a second time zone, while above 6 o’clock the date is imparted with a retrograde hand. Despite displaying several indications, the dial remains simple to interpret.

Prospective purchasers can choose from a silver or black dial, adorned with either a rhodium or a blue ‘M’ logo and matching hour markers, depending on the dial color chosen. The watch is supplied on a black crocodile leather strap. The purity, the quiet poise of the design that emanates from these timepieces cannot fail to evoke the most beautiful and unique architectural creations where design, distilled to its purest essence, transfigures form and function. The various indications of the Double Retrograde are powered by the automatic manufacture movement, the ML191, which can be admired via the exhibition case-back.

The Masterpiece Moon Retrograde

The moon has a huge significance on our lives. It influences the tides and is a symbol of love and wisdom. Maurice Lacroix has always been synonymous with timepieces equipped with a moonphase and, therefore, it seems only fitting that it should combine this indication with another area of its expertise, namely, the retrograde. The combination of the two complications confers an undeniable uniqueness to this timepiece.

Delivered in a 43mm stainless steel case, the dial options include silver, black or blue. The silver hued dial evinces a classical character. Alternatively, modernity is conferred with the black and blue dial options which stylishly feature a Côtes de Genève motif or a vertically brushed effect. The ‘M’ logo and indexes encircling the dial are presented in either rhodium or blue, depending on the dial option selected. The hands are diamond-cut and colored to suit the choice of dial.

The automatic manufacture movement ML192, containing 344 movement components, powers an array of indications, including hours and minutes and a date at 10 o’clock with a retrograde hand. Additionally, the day is shown along with a moonphase indication at 6 o’clock. Finally, a power reserve indication resides at 2 o’clock. The watch is supplied with a black crocodile leather strap, paired with a deployment buckle. The case features an exhibition case-back, according sight of the manufacture movement within.