In 2014, Swiss watch brand Maurice Lacroix released a new watch, the Masterpiece Gravity, featuring a silicium assortment. This new timepiece stood apart from other watches, courtesy of its iconic design and impressive Swiss craftsmanship. Now, the company from Saignelégier has unveiled a new and very exclusive version of its legendary Masterpiece Gravity, limited to just 25 examples.
A fine painting is enhanced with the judicious use of colours, textures and numerous depths. Similarly, Maurice Lacroix believe a true Masterpiece should captivate its wearer with a richly appointed dial and mechanical virtuosity.
The hours and minutes are displayed on an off-centre dial. The hands are lined with yellow Super-LumiNova and sit above a black checked surface. This patterned surface features two securing screws and the Maurice Lacroix logo and name. Encircling the centre of the dial is a vibrant yellow hour track incorporating black Arabic numerals and white applied indexes treated with Super-LumiNova. The off-centre dial is framed with a black minuterie, detailed with crisp white markings.
A small seconds display is located in the lower portion of the dial. Again, it features yellow and grey tones. The prominent hand, incorporating black Super-LumiNova, and large-format numerals ensure excellent readability. The periphery of the small seconds display features a brushed finish and is cantilevered, seemingly floating above the adjacent bridges.
The Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Gravity Limited Edition sets aside convention with its innovative design. The time indications sit atop a black gold DLC bridge adorned with colimaçon motif and endowed with gleaming bevelled edges. Adjacent to this, the other bridges are sandblasted and brushed.
The Calibre ML230 is a manufacture movement, showcasing Maurice Lacroix’s impressive watchmaking expertise. Unusually, the oscillator is positioned dial-side, allowing the wearer to observe the hairspring and balance wheel brim with life.
It is rare for a watch brand to make its own movements, let alone make its own assortment. However, Maurice Lacroix has always been a creative brand, ‘thinking outside the box’ and pushing boundaries, while upholding the traditions of Swiss craftsmanship. The silicium assortment fitted to the Masterpiece Gravity Limited Edition includes the balance staff, pallet lever, pallet staff, escapement wheel and escapement wheel pinion.
Silicium, a self-lubricating, glass-like material is three times lighter than steel. Its low mass mitigates energy consumption, enhances accuracy and does not require lubrication. In addition, silicium is not susceptible to corrosion and it is non-magnetic, two qualities that are highly prized in the world of watchmaking.
The finishing of the Automatic Manufacture Calibre ML230 is consistent with the notion of luxury. Côtes de Genève Grand colimaçon features on the oscillating weight and the bridges to the rear of the watch. This high-end finishing is visible, courtesy of a screwed caseback, incorporating a sapphire crystal. This watch may be modern, but it respects watchmaking tradition with its high degree of Swiss craftsmanship.
The Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Gravity Limited Edition looks very different from its forebears. The 43mm case is presented in anthracite PVD and is paired with a striking calf leather carbon-effect strap, featuring yellow stitching and a black rubber lining. The model is limited to only 25 pieces, conferring a high degree of exclusivity.
Technical details
Model: Masterpiece Gravity
Reference: MP6118-PVB01-332-1
Case
Diameter: 43 mm
Thickness: 16 mm
Material: Anthracite PVD
Water resistance: 5 ATM
Dial
Black and yellow dial with squared pattern (hours and minutes). Numerals applied (21-2-4-6-8-10) black, M logo RH Silver, Black brushed and yellow dial (seconds). Grey print
Rhodium plated + white superluminova
Hours and minutes rhodium plated + yellow sln. Small second rhodium + blck sln
Movement
Manufacture automatic ML 230.
Hours and minutes at 2 o’clock
Small seconds at 4 o’clock
Visible Maurice Lacroix assortment and oscillator between 6 and 8 o’clock
Frequency: 18’000 vph / 2.5 Hz
Power reserve: 50 hours
Jewels: 35
Decoration: Main plate with colimaçon, other bridges in sandblasted and brushed finishings. Grand colimaçon Côtes de Geneve on backside. Block gold DLC.
Strap
Calf leather carbon effect with yellow stitching and black rubber lining
Black PVD pin buckle
Limited edition
25 pieces
