Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Square Wheel Retrograde 43mm

The Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece collection represents the brand's evolution from its early days amidst the quartz crisis. Founded in 1975, Maurice Lacroix weathered the storm of the 1970s and 1980s by gradually establishing themselves as a prominent player in the luxury watch market. By 1990, the Les Mécaniques collection laid the groundwork for what would become the Masterpiece series, officially named in 1992. This transition marked a pivotal shift for the brand, moving from modifying off-the-shelf movements to creating highly specialised timepieces with distinctive features. This collection is filled to the brim with awe-worthy and whimsical timepieces that will surely reflect your personality on your wrist!

Design Philosophy

Maurice Lacroix's Masterpiece collection is renowned for its bold and imaginative designs. The collection features an array of timepieces that blend traditional Swiss watchmaking techniques with contemporary aesthetics. The 2010 Square Wheel, with its unique gear system, and the 2013 Mysterious Seconds, featuring an intriguing linear read-off, exemplify the brand's penchant for playful and original timekeeping methods. The collection's Masterpiece Skeleton and Masterpiece Chronograph Skeleton models further showcase Maurice Lacroix's dedication to craftsmanship, offering a glimpse into the watch's inner workings through transparent sapphire crystal.

Mechanism

The Masterpiece collection is renowned for its technical sophistication and versatility. Early models used reworked ETA and Unitas movements to incorporate advanced complications like retrograde dates and power reserves. The collection also experimented with skeletonised designs, such as the Roue Carrée, which replaced traditional running seconds with a mesmerising square wheel mechanism. The Masterpiece Gravity set a new benchmark with its use of silicon components for enhanced precision and resistance to environmental factors. The current lineup, including the Triple Retrograde, utilises thoroughly modified Sellita movements to offer complex functions like retrograde displays for date, day, and a second timezone. Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece's designs and features captivate with their mechanical originality and striking visual impact, showcasing the brand's rich history and forward-thinking spirit.