Baselworld 2015 Highlight Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Gravity “40th Anniversary” Limited Watch Review
Friday - 19 June 2015
by Angus Davies from www.espacementmagazine.com
In the world of luxury watches, Maurice Lacroix is relatively young, having only been founded in 1975. Yet, despite its comparative youth, this dynamic watch company has achieved much success, gaining an enviable reputation for its eye-catching timepieces.
The watch company is based in Saignelégier, within the Jura region, an area noted for its watchmaking prowess. At the heart of this company’s culture is a ‘passion for progress’ with thought-provoking aesthetics and cutting-edge know-how very much in evidence. This successful approach to new product development has led to the watch company receiving critical acclaim and numerous awards for its timepieces. However, Maurice Lacroix is always respectful of Swiss watchmaking traditions, decorating movements with high-end finishes often found on much costlier watches. Indeed, its products are imbued with a high quotient of quality which is evident within the first moments of placing a Maurice Lacroix timepiece upon the wrist.
The ‘Masterpiece Collection’ is the ultimate expression of Maurice Lacroix ownership with several models incorporating ‘Manufacture Movements’ and flawless finissage. In 2006, the Swiss watchmaking company designed and developed its first in-house movement and over successive years the number of Manufacture movements has grown to 14 in total.
Last year, Maurice Lacroix introduced the Gravity timepiece. Two versions were released, one in stainless steel and another in a sultry black PVD finish. These limited edition timepieces sold like the proverbial hotcakes owing to their striking, yet elegant styling.
Maurice Lacroix has also used the Gravity as a showcase for its profound watchmaking expertise and innovative approach to fine watchmaking.
At Baselworld 2015, Maurice Lacroix released the Gravity 40th Anniversary. This version is available in two variants, each limited to 40 pieces worldwide, one with a PVD finish and another with a case made of POWERLITE®, a unique alloy exclusive to Maurice Lacroix.
POWERLITE® is an alloy consisting of five elements: aluminium, magnesium, titanium, zirconium and ceramic. The alloy is anodised, an electrolytic chemical process through which pigments are inserted into the pores of the material. This treatment has been tried and tested in the automotive and aeronautical industries. By modifying the alloy in this way, the structure of the metal is reinforced. Since first using POWERLITE®, Maurice Lacroix has impregnated the material with a variety of colours. In this instance, the case of the Gravity 40th Anniversary is presented in an alluring anthracite finish.
The self-winding Calibre ML230 is an in-house movement, first seen in the inaugural Masterpiece Gravity models last year. Furthermore, the Gravity was the first timepiece to feature a fully silicium assortment.
Silicium, a self-lubricating, glass-like material, is three times lighter than steel. The low mass consumes less energy, confers greater accuracy and does not require regular lubrication.
Beyond the state of the art technology and fine craftsmanship, the Gravity 40th Anniversary also proffers an incredibly handsome mien, inviting the wearer to explore each surface of its finely executed form.
Click here for further details - http://www.jurawatches.co.uk/collections/maurice-lacroix-watches/products/maurice-lacroix-watch-masterpiece-gravity-mp6118-alb01-430-ml-1261
