ReviewPresenting The Maurice Lacroix Pontos Day-Date In Mesmerising Bronze

Ever since their inception in 1975, Maurice Lacroix have been manufacturing timepieces that epitomise traditional Swiss watchmaking technique, an innovative spirit, and perfectionism. Based in the Canton of Jura and headquartered in Zurich, the Swiss manufacturers have consistently pushed the envelope in the field of mechanical watchmaking with their ingenious craftsmanship. Among the more recent offerings by the brand is the Pontos Day-Date with a design not much different from its previous avatars. However, the new bronze case and deep green, sunray-finished dial lend a unique personality to the watch. Giving a slight facelift to the classical and timeless Pontos design, the brand have made no compromise on the execution of the timepiece. It is distinguished, very functional, and—like many other offerings of Maurice Lacroix—very accessible. Let’s take a closer look at the aspects that make this watch special.

Redesigned To Perfection

For Maurice Lacroix, the Pontos collection—placed at the brand’s core—is their bread and butter. After its launch in 2000, the range has presented some of the most extravagant, and hefty timepieces from the brand’s portfolio. However, this changed in 2017, when Maurice Lacroix redesigned the collection with the introduction of more subtle, and elegant timepieces.

According to Stéphane Waser, the CEO of Maurice Lacroix, the decision to revamp the Pontos collection was taken after the introduction of the Aikon line-up in 2016, which offered sportier and visually louder watches. “What we have observed among customers is that they don’t always want a very specific watch (like the Aikon). They sometimes look for something that is more timeless and elegant. So that is why Pontos has gained more importance in the past two to three years,” he said.

For Maurice Lacroix, the Pontos collection—placed at the brand’s core—is their bread and butter. In 2017, the brand redesigned the collection with the introduction of more subtle and elegant timepieces

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Pontos collection in 2020, the brand added three new iterations to the line-up including the Pontos Day-Date. Towing a line between the vintage and contemporary, the timepiece not only comes with good looks but is also more refined in terms of construction. The brand have improved the timepiece’s case design, upgraded the finishing of each element, and increased the interplay of polished and brushed surfaces—enhancing the aesthetics, feel, and comfort for the wearer.

Green And Bronze—The Hottest Combination In Watches

The use of bronze as a building material for timepieces has been prevalent for some time, but such watches weren’t always accessible, as the material didn’t have much of a presence in all segments. Thanks to the likes of Maurice Lacroix, who have bronze in watches has almost been ‘democratised’, by making the alloy more mainstream in this segment. After introducing bronze watches in the Aikon collection that garnered a lot of appreciation and success, we now have the Pontos Day-Date in a 41mm bronze case. Showcasing a finely executed combination of brushed and polished surfaces, the case offers the potential of developing a unique patina over time. What truly exemplifies the high perceived value that Maurice Lacroix’s watches are about is the detailing in elements such as the timepiece’s bezel with its highly polished upper surface and satin-brushed bevelling, free of any wayward lines or human error. In addition to the crown that features the brand’s signature spiral knurling, the case also sports lugs that have a double-step design with a satin finish on the top and polished outer level. Protected by slightly domed sapphire crystal with an antireflective coating, the Pontos Day-Date is water-resistant up to a very handy 100m.

The Pontos Day-Date in a 41mm bronze case showcases a finely executed combination of brushed and polished surface. The case offers the potential of developing a unique patina over time

The dazzling green dial with rose-gold plated central timekeeping hands—which perfectly complement the bronze case—has a distinctive layout that makes it stand out among its counterparts from other brands. There is a visually pleasing central-alignment in its layout, which helps ensure that the dial doesn’t look cluttered. The date window is at six o’clock, while the day aperture is diametrically opposite at 12. The Pontos Day-Date features broad profiled minute and hour hands with truncated tips and a generous amount of Super-LumiNova coated on them. Along with a sunken minute track at the central area of the dial, we have trapezoid-shaped indices in a silver tone—providing an interesting contrast of hues on the dial. What’s more, the overall appearance of the timepiece is elevated owing to the sandblasted and sunray-brushed dial in rich green, which forms a perfect backdrop for the metallic elements on it.

Handy And Reliable

The Pontos Day-Date draws its energy from the automatic calibre ML143, based on the trustworthy Sellita SW220. Beating at 28,800vph, the movement consists of 26 jewels and offers a power reserve of 38 hours. The ML143 features traditional embellishments with circular graining, while the attached rotor is decorated with Côtes de Genève and it’s visible through the transparent caseback.

The Pontos Day-Date draws its energy from the automatic calibre ML143, based on the trustworthy Sellita SW220

The ML143 features traditional embellishments with circular graining, while the attached rotor is decorated with Côtes de Genève and it’s visible through the transparent caseback

The timepiece is presented on a brown calf leather strap, with a crocodile leather impression, paired with a butterfly clasp—heightening the sense of luxury. With the brand’s trademark initial monogram, just like on the dial, the strap not only complements the bronze case with its earthy tone, but also presents a distinctive and nuanced element.

The Finer Details

Despite being quite accessible, Maurice Lacroix have ensured that this Pontos Day-Date exudes a sense of high quality and refinement. The brand have arduously designed the timepiece while paying a great deal of attention to the tiniest details of the watch. This fact is exemplified by an interesting feature on the right-hand side of the case—two subtle extensions that flank the time-setting crown, acting like a crown guard. The timepiece truly represents the brand’s promise of accessible luxury. And if you are looking for something that isn’t your usual luxury sports watch, but rather stylistically versatile enough to perfectly pair with a three-piece suit, as well as your jeans, then the Pontos Day-Date is the right choice for you.

Explore the entire Pontos collection here