BY JOVAN K
Maurice Lacroix has been quietly cooking up some really solid pieces lately, and the 1975 Legacy Small Seconds is another addition to that stack. Created to mark the brand’s 50th anniversary, the 1975 collection draws heavily on its classic design roots, specifically referencing the sleek vibe of its 1988 Les Classiques series.
With this new release, Maurice Lacroix brings back a proper petite seconde layout while adding a splash of regional Swiss heritage directly into the design. Offered in two distinct limited-edition dial finishes, it’s a dressy, vintage-inspired daily wearer that balances old-school charm with modern execution.
On the wrist, the steel case proportions hit a sweet spot for everyday versatility, measuring 39mm x 10.2mm; it brings a clean, modern stance without feeling bloated or overly heavy. The finishing is all about contrast, featuring smooth satin-brushed tops paired with vertically brushed case flanks.
To top it off, it has a box-style sapphire crystal that gives the dial a nice retro contour under the light. Turn the piece over, and you won’t find a display window. Instead, there’s a solid caseback stamped with an elaborate engraving honoring Saignelégier and the Jura region, featuring the Marché-Concours Hall and three Franches-Montagnes horses. The watch offers water resistance of 50 meters, which is typical for a dress watch.
The dial is where the visual texture really takes center stage. You can get it in either a crisp powder silver or a darker, slate-grey gunmetal option. Both versions share the “Vagues du Jura” pattern, a subtle wave-like texture inspired by the surrounding Swiss landscape that adds tons of depth without cluttering up the view.
At 6 o’clock, you’ll spot the small seconds subdial, decorated with a pleated machine-guilloché texture that catches light at different angles and a date window at 3 o’clock. For markers, Maurice Lacroix went with warm 4N gold-toned trapezoid indexes and matching faceted dauphine hands. That touch of warm gold against the cool silver or dark grey dials stands out and gives a nice contrast.
Ticking away behind that detailed caseback is the automatic ML158 calibre, which uses a reliable Sellita base. It operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) with 31 jewels, but the big upgrade here is the 60-hour power reserve. Even though you can’t see it through the solid steel back, the brand still finished the rotor with Geneva stripes and spiral patterns.
Overall, this is a neat package if you like traditional watchmaking textures delivered in a modern sizing format. It comes fitted on a classic black alligator-style leather strap equipped with a stainless-steel butterfly folding clasp, a gold-toned “M” logo pin, and their convenient Easychange quick-swap system for easy strap changes.
Availability is capped at just 500 pieces per dial variation, and pricing comes in at a fair CHF 1,950. Between the 60-hour power reserve, textured dial work, and well-proportioned steel case, Maurice Lacroix put together a very tasteful dressy watch that delivers plenty of personality for the money.
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