Swiss watch manufacturer Maurice Lacroix recently launched the 1975 Master Grand Date Retrograde giving a new perspective on time with its 26th Masterpiece calibre that features a retrograde day indication, grand date and eye-catching skeletonised display.
Since the company was launched back in 1975, it has developed a number of watches that have reimagined the indication of time. For example, in 1999 Maurice Lacroix produced the Calendar Retrograde, following three years later with the Double Retrograde, with both timepieces featuring proprietary mechanisms.
The new model features an expansive sapphire crystal box that really absorbs light, providing excellent readability as well as a retrograde indication coupled with a grand date display, while the skeletonised display reveals several components that are normally hidden from view.
The 42mm stainless steel case is enriched with a combination of brushed and polished surfaces and fitted with an exhibition caseback which shows off the Masterpiece ML302 calibre, which is adorned with various finishes, including Côtes de Genève, perlage and colimaçon.
The underside of the mainplate is visible from the front and features a sandblasted finish and black rhodium treatment whilst the trapeze-style hour and minute hands feature white Super-LumiNova and a rhodiumed external flange frames the display.
When you look at the watch from the side, you will notice that the sapphire crystal box reveals a fascinating arrangement of levels, revealing depths, colours, textures and angles as well as several mechanical processes at play.
Maurice Lacroix has given this latest model a large date display as well as two discs to indicate the tens and units, making the display really easy to read. The date discs are fully revealed, allowing you to see the mechanism at work.
Also fun to watch is the blue hand which begins its weekly journey, first indicating ‘Monday’ before subsequently sweeping right before reaching its end point on ‘Sunday’ before the new weekly cycle starts all over again. Another nice feature is the arcing track which is formed of sapphire crystal and is intentionally thin, delivering a high quotient of transparency, providing a view of the various components positioned below.
Water resistant to 50 metres and fitted with a beautiful black calf leather strap that incorporates an alligator-style texture and is embellished with a debossed M-logo, this is a practical watch. Add to that the Maurice Lacroix Easy Strap Exchange system which means that you can very easily change the look of your watch with just a few user-friendly clicks without the need of any tools.
Stéphane Waser, Managing Director of Maurice Lacroix, commented:
“For more than 25 years, we have created models equipped with retrograde indications, a rare complication in the watch industry but one that has become a signature of our brand. On this occasion, we have chosen to unite a retrograde day display with a grand date complication, another speciality of our Maison. We have housed the movement within our 1975 model, a classical design encompassing traditional lines and featuring a retro-modern box sapphire crystal. Skilfully crafted within our Manufacture in Saignelégier, this watch delivers accessible excellence, respects our legacy and provides an insight into our vision for the future.”
For more information on the new Maurice Lacroix 1975 Master Grand Date Retrograde, which is priced at £6,950 and comes with a two-year warranty, please visit: www.mauricelacroix.com.
Author Bio:
Simon Burrell is a UK-based travel and motoring journalist and editor, a former member of The British Guild of Travel Writers and professional photographer.
Photographs courtesy of Maurice Lacroix
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