Maurice Lacroix, in celebration of its 50th anniversary, ushers in a year of horological festivities with the introduction of the 1975 collection. This new line, a nod to the brand's founding year, features both automatic and quartz models, exhibiting a tasteful vintage appeal, with a keen eye on lasting relevance. These watches are designed to be clean, sophisticated, and embody a significant perceived value, holding true to the well-known attributes of Maurice Lacroix.
Since its establishment in 1975,
Maurice Lacroix has consistently shown a spirited pursuit of innovation in timekeeping. Transitioning into a full-fledged Manufacture in 2007, the brand has introduced several inventive models like the Masterpiece Square Wheel in 2010, the Masterpiece Mysterious Seconds in 2013, and the Masterpiece Gravity in 2014. A significant turning point occurred in 2016 with the revival of the Calypso model, from the firm's archives, re-imagined as the AIKON. This urban-inspired timepiece quickly found favor with Millennials and Gen Z, demonstrating the brand's ability to connect with contemporary audiences.
Courtesy of Maurice Lacroix
The 1975 collection is Maurice Lacroix's way of commemorating its semicentennial, presenting a series of watches, each having a strong vintage aesthetic, but thoroughly designed for the preferences of modern life. They maintain the brand's characteristic blend of Swiss craftsmanship and perceived value. The designers looked back at the "Les Classique" series, originally launched in 1988, and re-envisioned these references with a retro-modern approach, utilizing new, high-quality materials. The collection, encompassing both automatic and quartz models, offers numerous options, tailored to align with the varied preferences of city-dwellers. With a variety of sizes, dial finishes, and strap choices, each watch maintains a sleek and refined look.
The Maurice Lacroix 1975 Automatic watches, available in both 36mm and 40mm case sizes, effectively merge the charm of vintage design with Swiss mechanical precision. Recognizing the diversity in customer preference, Maurice Lacroix also offers a quartz version, housed in a 39mm case. Both the automatic and quartz models come in three dial color options: a classic blue, a deep black, and a pristine silver.
The watches display time through classic dauphine-style hour and minute hands, paired with hand-applied, trapeze-shaped hour markers. These components are meticulously faceted and diamond-polished. The dials themselves boast a sunbrushed finish, artfully playing with ambient light. A date display is subtly integrated at the 3 o'clock position on the automatic models. A finely printed track encircles the dial, and a central sweep seconds hand provides a smooth, continuous indication of passing seconds.
Courtesy of Maurice Lacroix
Maurice Lacroix displays its expertise through the 'Masterpiece specification' case, which beautifully combines brushed and polished surfaces. The caseband, in particular, showcases this intricate interplay of finishes, a detail that requires substantial skill to achieve. This harmonious combination is echoed in the new 5-row steel bracelet, which features a secure folding clasp. The brand's modern and debossed "M" logo is featured on a leather strap alternative.
A key feature of both the bracelet and strap options is the inclusion of Maurice Lacroix's Easy Strap Exchange system. This practical system allows for quick and tool-free changes between the bracelet and strap, giving the wearer the flexibility to adapt the watch's appearance to different occasions or styles. The system consists of simply pushing down on two tabs, and swapping out straps.
Despite subtle variations between the 1975 Automatic and Quartz models, all share a consistent case design, bracelet, and strap, creating a unified and recognizable family aesthetic. The two size choices are great for those with smaller or larger wrists.
Courtesy of Maurice Lacroix
The 40mm case of the 1975 Automatic is meticulously crafted from stainless steel, exhibiting a balanced combination of brushed and polished surfaces. This finishing detail demonstrates a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail. The case measures 10mm in height, a dimension that strikes a good balance between presence and wearability under a shirt cuff. With a water resistance rating of 10 ATM (approximately 100 meters), the watch is suitable for everyday wear and can withstand splashes, rain, and even swimming.
The dial, available in blue, black, or silver, features a sunbrushed finish that creates a dynamic interplay with light. Rhodium-plated, faceted trapeze-shaped hour markers are hand-applied, adding depth and a touch of refinement. The dauphine-style hour and minute hands, also rhodium-plated and faceted, complement the hour markers. The slender, rhodium-plated central seconds hand sweeps smoothly across the dial. A discreet date window is located at the 3 o'clock position, integrating seamlessly with the overall design.
Powering the 1975 Automatic is the ML 115 automatic movement. This Swiss-made movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) and boasts a power reserve of 38 hours. It contains 26 jewels, which help reduce friction and wear within the movement, ensuring longevity and accuracy. The movement's finishing includes sandblasted and nickel-plated surfaces, and the nickel rotor is adorned with "Côte de Genève" stripes.
Courtesy of Maurice Lacroix
The 5-row stainless steel bracelet features a combination of brushed outer links and polished center links, mirroring the case's finishing. The bracelet is equipped with the EasyChange system. The leather straps, offered in blue, black, or beige, are embossed with the Maurice Lacroix "M" logo and have tone-on-tone stitching. They are secured with a stainless steel pin buckle.
The 36mm version of the 1975 Automatic shares nearly all of the same design features and specifications as the 40mm model. The case, also made of stainless steel with brushed and polished finishes, maintains a 10mm thickness and 10 ATM water resistance. The dial options, hands, and hour markers are identical, as is the presence of the date window at 3 o'clock. The movement remains the automatic ML 115, with the same technical specifications and decorative finishing.
The 36mm watch is, however, proportionally scaled down to suit smaller wrists. This smaller size gives it a slightly more refined feel on the wrist. The bracelet and strap options are the same, with the EasyChange system included.
Both case sizes are built with an open caseback, meaning the wearer can see the mechanics inside, which is always a nice feature for those who appreciate it. The sunburst dials can be enjoyed in many different environments.
Courtesy of Maurice Lacroix
Stéphane Waser, Managing Director of Maurice Lacroix, stated that the 1975 collection aims to embody the core values of the brand, translating them into watches that are modern, fresh, and enduring. The collection is intended as a tribute to the brand's 50-year legacy of skill and innovative spirit.
The Maurice Lacroix 1975 Automatic, with a leather strap, is priced at 1,200 CHF. The steel bracelet version is available for 1,300 CHF. This pricing positions the watches within a competitive segment of the market, offering Swiss-made quality and design at a relatively accessible price point. The watches are slated for release in 2025, marking a key part of Maurice Lacroix's 50th-anniversary celebrations.
Case: Stainless steel. Available in 36mm and 40mm diameters. 10mm height. Brushed and polished finishes. Open caseback. Water-resistant to 10 ATM.
Movement: Automatic ML 115. 38-hour power reserve. 26 jewels. Sandblasted and nickel finishing. Nickel rotor with "Côte de Genève" decoration. Hours, minutes, seconds. Date at 3 o'clock.
Dial: Sunbrushed finish. Available in blue, black, or silver. Rhodium-plated, faceted trapeze hour markers. Rhodium-plated, faceted dauphine hour and minute hands. Rhodium-plated second hand.
Strap: 5-row stainless steel bracelet with polished center links and brushed outer links; EasyChange system. Also available with leather strap (blue, black, or beige) featuring debossed M-logo, tone-on-tone stitching, and EasyChange system.
Price: 1,200 CHF (leather strap); 1,300 CHF (steel bracelet).
Reference Number: 756008-SS002-430-1, 756008-SS002-330-1, 756008-SS002-130-1, 756008-SS001-430-1, 756008-SS001-330-2, 756008-SS001-130-3, 756008-SS002-430-1, 756007-SS002-330-1, 756007-SS002-130-1, 756007-SS01-430-1, 756007-SS01-330-2, 756007-SS01-130-3
Notes: Part of Maurice Lacroix's 50th-anniversary celebration. Vintage-inspired design, revisiting the "Les Classique" series from 1988. Quartz version also available in a 39mm case.