By Jonathan Kopp
Today we present another piece that will be auctioned during Only Watch 2015 and one that I really like.
The Masterpiece Gravity “Only Watch 2015” is probably the most stunning expression of Maurice Lacroix. And seriously I think this is sad that this piece will never be sold in series because it’s very nice.
For Only Watch in 2015 Maurice Lacroix offers a unique and amazing blue version of the Masterpiece Gravity. The case of this piece is made with a patented material called POWERLITE and is a mix of titanium, aluminium, magnesium, zirconium and ceramic. The result of the use of this metal gives the case a beautiful lightness and not to forget that thanks to this alloy the case is incredibly robust and durable.
The off-centre hours and minutes display is lacquered in blue, on which we will find rhodium plated markers and hands that give a perfect legibility. Just below, between 5 and 6 O’clock, is the subdial for the seconds, which is also blue and the indication is given by a red hand. The contrast between the red and the blue gives a really nice effect that will sure be exciting for the eyes. The main bridge of the movement, on which all the time indications are placed, is decorated with a unique and pretty “Vague du Jura” motif. The in-house developed silicium escapement is also clearly visible underneath the domed “glass-box” sapphire crystal. This one magnifies the oscillator and assortments making them appear to sit high within the case and giving a sublime three‐dimensional effect to the dial.
The movement of the Masterpiece Gravity is the automatic caliber ML230 that has been developed in‐house by Maurice Lacroix. It’s the 13th manufactured movement in the last 10 years of the brand’s existence as they start to develop in-house components and movements in 2006. That’s another example of the company’s approach to watchmaking. Everything is developed in-house by Maurice Lacroix, including the balance-wheel, hair spring, silicon escapement wheel, anchor etc. In more technical terms, the benefits of a silicon escapement are evident, as it requires no lubrication and is unaffected by magnetic forces pushing and pulling on the regulating organ. This caliber offers a power reserve up to 50 h.
Finally, the case back of the watch is equipped with a sapphire crystal, according a view of the automatic Calibre ML230 where we can see engraved the mention “ONLY WATCH 2015 – PIECE UNIQUE 1/1”.
The Masterpiece Gravity is an innovative timepiece with a great and beautiful expression of what we can make when mixing contemporary style, colours and the art of watchmaking. For more info, please visit mauricelacroix.com
JONATHAN KOPP – CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Jonathan Kopp has an avid enthusiasm for timepieces of all genre, from vintage timepieces to modern Luxury Haute Horology. His preference goes to small and independent high-end watchmakers. He loves the difference rather than classicism, although if he admits to being in love with several ultra-classics pieces. Jonathan was caught by the passion for watchmaking there are almost 6 years. For about 5 years, he wanders in this industry and was Communication-Marketing-PR Consultant for several brands. He has worked for over 2 years as a freelance for the development of the Swiss brand Arthur Oskar Stampfli (AOSWatches). To keep in touch with Jonathan you can follow him on the various social networks: Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Read his articles here.
