A Square That Revolves – was an unknown term in horology industry until the Swiss luxury watchmaker Maurice Lacroix launched the Masterpiece Square Wheel (formerly the Masterpiece Roue Carrée), an exceptional mechanical timepiece which feature a functional square wheel mechanism to indicate time.
This concept was invented by Michel Vermot, a watchmaker and engineer at Maurice Lacroix, invented this concept and developed in collaboration with the Haute Ecole Arc, based in Le Locle. With its patented design, the Masterpiece Square Wheel remains the only watch with a functional square wheel mechanism. Now the story continues with two new models, the “Classic” and the “Vintage”.
The Masterpiece Square Wheel dispenses with a normal dial, instead revealing the movement bridge, effectively the chassis of the movement within. The stainless steel case, measuring 43mm in diameter, provides the optimum size for the depiction of time, ensuring ease of readability.
The “Classic” features a black canvas on which to express time. Diamond-polished and faceted, luminescent Hours and Minute hands stylishly convey the moment. An alluring three-dimensional quality is accorded to the display. The applied indexes and power reserve indicator scale sit proud of the movement bridge interfacing with available light and enhancing legibility.
The “Vintage” employs a white lacquered dial imbued with a successful fusion of retro-inspired elements. The hands share the same appearance as the “Classic” model, but in this instance, interface with black printed indexes and power reserve indicator scale.
Both models feature two overlapping circular recessed areas, providing demarcation for the clover-shaped and square wheels. Moreover, the wheels are circular brushed to highlight their form and draw the eyes to their mesmerising motion.
The charm of the Masterpiece Square Wheel is the grace and refinement exhibited by its display. Where hours and minutes are communicated with conventional hands, the small seconds display is delivered courtesy of an open-worked square wheel with a luminous tip at its centre.
A power-reserve indicator completes the array of functions delivered. The resultant dial area is a model of restraint, avoiding the superfluous and conferring peerless legibility.
A large sapphire-crystal caseback reveals the sophistication of the Maurice Lacroix automatic manufacture Calibre ML 156, the 10th manufacture movement created by Maurice Lacroix. It is presented with Grand Colimaçon decoration, features 249 movement components, a swan-neck regulator and screwed balance.
This impressive specification stands testament to the exemplary craftsmanship practised by Maurice Lacroix in its desire to meet the demands of the most discerning clientele.
Masterpiece Square Wheel “Classic” , Ref. MP7158-SS001-301
Case
Stainless steel, Ø 43mm, satin and polished finishing
Domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides
Screwed caseback with wide sapphire crystal
Water resistance to 50 m (5 atm)
Movement Bridge/Dial
Dial in black, sun ray finishing
Applied indexes for the Hours, Minutes and power reserve indication
The square wheel and clover mesh to transfer power with the same precision as the cogs in their circular counterparts; in addition the wheel is used to indicate the seconds
The square and clover-shaped wheels are highlighted by a circular opening on the movement bridge itself, decorated with a sandblasted background
Hands
Trailing square wheel for the seconds display in nickel, seconds pointer with black luminescent coating (blue emission)
No visible rotation axis
Diamond-polished and faceted Hours and Minutes hands, coated with white Superluminova (blue emission)
Diamond-polished and faceted power-reserve hand
Strap/Bracelet
Large scale crocodile-skin strap, hand-stitched
Available in black and brown
Buckle
Folding steel clasp with push buttons
Satin and polished finishing
Movement
Maurice Lacroix Automatic Manufacture Calibre ML156
Developed in collaboration with HE-ARC, manufactured and assembled by Maurice Lacroix
Design patented (square wheel / clover-shaped wheel)
Frequency: 18,000 vph (2.5Hz)
Power reserve: 45 hours
Jewels: 34
Adjustments: 5 positions after full winding and 2 positions after 24 hours
Decoration: Grand Colimaçon, rhodium finish
Functions
Hours and minutes indicated by central hands
Small seconds by square wheel at 6 o’clock
Power-reserve hand at 3 o’clock
Masterpiece Square Wheel “Vintage”, Ref. MP7158-SS001-101
Case
Stainless steel, Ø 43mm, satin and polished finishing
Domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides
Screwed caseback with wide sapphire crystal
Water resistance to 50 m (5 atm)
Movement Bridge/Dial
Dial in white, lacquered finishing
Printed indexes for the hours, minutes and power reserve indication
The square wheel and clover mesh to transfer power with the same precision as the cogs in their circular counterparts; in addition the wheel is used to indicate the seconds
The square and clover-shaped wheels are highlighted by a circular opening on the movement bridge itself, decorated with a sandblasted background
Hands
Trailing square wheel for the seconds display in nickel, seconds pointer with white luminescent coating (blue emission)
No visible rotation axis
Diamond-polished and faceted Hours and Minute hands, coated with white Superluminova (blue emission)
Diamond-polished and faceted power-reserve hand
Strap/Bracelet
Large scale crocodile-skin strap, hand-stitched
Available in black and brown
Buckle
Folding steel clasp with push buttons
Satin and polished finishing
Movement
Maurice Lacroix Automatic Manufacture Calibre ML156
Developed in collaboration with HE-ARC, manufactured and assembled by Maurice Lacroix
Design patented (square wheel / clover-shaped wheel)
Power-reserve hand at 3 o’clock
Frequency: 18,000 vph (2.5Hz)
Power reserve: 45 hours
Jewels: 34
Adjustments: 5 positions after full winding and 2 positions after 24 hours
Decoration: Grand Colimaçon, rhodium finish
Functions
Hours and minutes indicated by central hands
Small seconds by square wheel at 6 o’clock
