Maurice Lacroix has repeatedly demonstrated its prowess for design, manifest with the numerous awards
it has received over the years. Indeed, Masterpiece has become a byword for thought-provoking design, where colours, depths and textures tastefully coalesce.The Masterpiece Gravity burst onto the watchmaking scene only a few years ago, but it has already become an icon, admired by aesthetes and watch lovers alike. It broke convention by placing the escapement and regulating organ front of house, positioned adjacent the off-centre hour and minutes display.

Consistent with its contemporary outlook, Maurice Lacroix has created an additional version of the Masterpiece Gravity, overflowing with modernity. The silver-toned dial sidesteps unnecessary clutter, delivering a clean dial which efficiently imparts time. The refined pairing of silver, dark grey and white tones delivers an abundance of eye-appeal that is clear to see. A contemporary and design watch at the same time.

Now, a new version of the Masterpiece Gravity joins the current collection. Housed in a 43mm stainless steel case, it looks very different from its forebears despite sharing many design elements. Indeed, this latest model looks more contemporary and is best described as fresh-faced.

An off-centre hour and minutes display is positioned in the top right corner of the dial. Unlike earlier examples of the Gravity, this display eschews a chapter ring, conferring a neater, tidier appearance. Each hour is denoted with elongated Roman numerals, save for noon where the brand’s ‘M’ logo sits on high. The hour and minute hands are yellow gold plated, infusing the display with a soupçon of colour and heightening the sense of luxury.
 

The silver sun-brushed off-centre hour and minutes display sits above the exposed main plate which is adorned with concentric Vagues du Jura motif. A dark grey small seconds display is positioned at 4 o’clock, sitting above the main plate, but beneath the hour and minutes display, charmingly playing with depths to glorious affect. The remaining bridges are enriched with sandblasted and brushed finishing.

The left side of the dial area reveals the escapement and regulating organ. The oscillating motion of the balance wheel provides a visual spectacle that is difficult to ignore. Beyond its striking appearance, the Gravity was an early adopter of silicium technology. This glass-like material provides a virtually friction-free surface, aiding precision and obviating the need for lubrication. Moreover, silicium components have a low mass, mitigating energy consumption.
 

An exhibition caseback affords views of the automatic Manufacture Calibre ML 230, a rhodium plated movement featuring Grand colimaçon Côtes de Genève on its reverse. This latest version of the Masterpiece Gravity is supplied on a brown calf leather strap, featuring the ‘M’ logo, paired with a stainless steel butterfly buckle.

Once again, Maurice Lacroix demonstrates its technical skills with this latest addition to the Masterpiece Gravity collection. This model features a Manufacture movement, exquisite finishing and silicium technology and, consistent with other Maurice Lacroix models, an impressive quality-price ratio. But perhaps most notable of all, the Masterpiece Gravity brims with life, courtesy of its heart beating front of house, a characteristic destined to enchant onlookers.

(Images © Maurice Lacroix)