Their MASTERPIECE collection, a testament to the Maurice Lacroix's dedication to innovation and craftsmanship, has captivated watch enthusiasts with its intricate complications and captivating designs. Now,
Maurice Lacroix joins forces with renowned artist Rodrigo Hernández to unveil a unique timepiece that transcends the conventional notions of watchmaking, the MASTERPIECE Skeleton "With what eyes?" This extraordinary collaboration seamlessly blends the worlds of art and horology, resulting in a wearable sculpture that invites contemplation and sparks curiosity. Join us as we delve into the captivating story behind this exceptional creation.
Before we embark on our exploration of the MASTERPIECE Skeleton "With what eyes?", let's take a moment to appreciate the rich heritage of Maurice Lacroix. Founded in 1975, the brand quickly established itself as a force to be reckoned with in the Swiss watchmaking industry. From its early days, Maurice Lacroix has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of design and technology. The brand's dedication to innovation is evident in its numerous patents and groundbreaking creations, such as the Memoire 1, the world's first chronograph with a memory function.
Courtesy of Maurice Lacroix
Maurice Lacroix's pursuit of excellence extends beyond technical prowess. The brand has consistently sought to create timepieces that resonate with a contemporary audience, blending classic watchmaking traditions with modern aesthetics. This commitment to design is exemplified in the MASTERPIECE collection, which showcases the brand's mastery of intricate complications and artistic expression.
The MASTERPIECE collection represents the pinnacle of Maurice Lacroix's watchmaking expertise. Each timepiece in this prestigious collection is a testament to the brand's dedication to craftsmanship, innovation, and artistic expression. From the intricate skeletonized movements to the meticulously crafted dials, every detail of a MASTERPIECE watch is executed with the utmost precision and care.
Over the years, the MASTERPIECE collection has become synonymous with Maurice Lacroix's commitment to pushing the boundaries of horological design. The collection has featured a wide array of complications, including retrograde displays, moon phases, and chronographs, all housed within exquisitely crafted cases. The MASTERPIECE collection has also served as a canvas for artistic collaborations, allowing Maurice Lacroix to explore the intersection of art and horology.
The MASTERPIECE Skeleton "With what eyes?" is the result of a unique collaboration between Maurice Lacroix and acclaimed artist Rodrigo Hernández. Born in Mexico City in 1983, Hernández has garnered international recognition for his thought-provoking works that explore the relationship between humans and the natural world. His artistic practice encompasses a diverse range of mediums, including sculpture, painting, and drawing.
Hernández's work is characterized by its intricate details, evocative imagery, and philosophical undertones. He often draws inspiration from literary fiction, Mexican pre-Columbian imagery, and personal experiences, weaving together a rich tapestry of cultural and personal narratives. His sculptures, in particular, are known for their meticulous craftsmanship and ability to capture the essence of his subjects.
Courtesy of Maurice Lacroix
The collaboration between Maurice Lacroix and Rodrigo Hernández was facilitated by TimeForArt, a biennial charity auction that supports contemporary art and artists. TimeForArt provides a platform for watchmakers and artists to come together and create unique timepieces that benefit the Swiss Institute, an independent non-profit space for international contemporary art.
Maurice Lacroix's participation in TimeForArt reflects the brand's commitment to supporting artistic endeavors and fostering creativity. By collaborating with Hernández, Maurice Lacroix has created a timepiece that not only showcases the brand's watchmaking expertise but also contributes to the advancement of contemporary art.
The MASTERPIECE Skeleton "With what eyes?" is a testament to the harmonious fusion of art and horology. This unique timepiece is more than just a watch; it is a wearable sculpture that invites contemplation and sparks curiosity. The watch's centerpiece is a handcrafted bronze dial featuring two monkeys staring intently at each other, a motif inspired by Hernández's exhibition at the Wattis Institute in San Francisco.
The use of bronze for the dial is a deliberate choice by Hernández, who appreciates the material's historical significance and enduring qualities. Bronze has been used for centuries to create sculptures and artifacts, imbuing the MASTERPIECE Skeleton "With what eyes?" with a sense of timelessness and permanence. The intricate details of the monkeys' faces, meticulously sculpted by Hernández, add a touch of artistry and emotional depth to the timepiece.
The watch's 43mm bronze case complements the handcrafted dial, creating a cohesive aesthetic that exudes warmth and sophistication. The case features a combination of polished and brushed surfaces, adding visual interest and highlighting the watch's intricate design. The artist's signature at 9 o'clock adds a personal touch, further emphasizing the collaborative nature of this creation.
Courtesy of Maurice Lacroix
Beneath the captivating dial lies the heart of the MASTERPIECE Skeleton "With what eyes?": the ML134 Manufacture Calibre. This hand-wound movement, visible through the sapphire crystal caseback, is a testament to Maurice Lacroix's watchmaking expertise. The skeletonized design of the movement allows for an unobstructed view of its intricate components, showcasing the mechanical ballet that drives this exceptional timepiece.
At the heart of this exceptional timepiece beats the ML134 Manufacture Calibre, a hand-wound movement that exemplifies Maurice Lacroix's dedication to horological excellence. This skeletonized caliber, visible through the sapphire crystal caseback, offers an unobstructed view of its intricate components and their mesmerizing interplay. The ML134 is not just a mechanical marvel; it's a work of art in its own right.
The movement's three-quarter plate, a signature element of Maurice Lacroix's Masterpiece Skeleton watches, provides exceptional rigidity and stability, ensuring precise timekeeping. The plate and bridges are adorned with a golden sandblasted finish, creating a subtle contrast with the gleaming bronze dial and adding a touch of refinement to the overall aesthetic.
The ML134's skeletonization is not merely an aesthetic flourish; it serves a functional purpose as well. By removing excess material, Maurice Lacroix's watchmakers have reduced the movement's weight, enhancing its efficiency and accuracy. The intricate openwork design also allows light to penetrate the movement, illuminating its inner workings and creating a captivating visual spectacle.
The MASTERPIECE Skeleton "With what eyes?" is housed in a 43mm bronze case that perfectly complements the handcrafted dial. Bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, has been used for millennia to create sculptures and artifacts, imbuing the watch with a sense of history and permanence. The case's warm golden hue adds a touch of vintage charm, while its combination of polished and brushed surfaces creates a dynamic interplay of light and shadow.
The choice of bronze for the case is not merely an aesthetic decision; it also reflects the watch's artistic and philosophical underpinnings. Bronze, like the monkeys depicted on the dial, is a material that evolves over time, developing a unique patina that reflects its journey through the world. This natural aging process adds a layer of individuality to each watch, making it a truly personal and evolving work of art.
Courtesy of Maurice Lacroix
The case's design is a testament to Maurice Lacroix's attention to detail. The lugs, seamlessly integrated into the case's silhouette, ensure a comfortable fit on the wrist. The crown, adorned with the Maurice Lacroix logo, is easy to grip and operate, allowing for effortless winding and time setting. The artist's signature, discreetly placed at 9 o'clock, adds a personal touch, further emphasizing the collaborative nature of this creation.
The dial of the MASTERPIECE Skeleton "With what eyes?" is a masterpiece of artistry and craftsmanship. The two monkeys, meticulously sculpted in bronze, stare intently at each other, their expressions conveying a sense of curiosity and wonder. The monkeys' gaze draws the viewer into the watch's narrative, inviting them to contemplate the nature of consciousness and the interconnectedness of all living beings.
The dial's design is inspired by Hernández's exhibition at the Wattis Institute in San Francisco, which explored the question, "Are humans the only dreamers on Earth?" The monkeys, often associated with intelligence and social behavior, serve as a reminder that humans are not alone in their capacity for thought and emotion. The watch's title, "With what eyes?", further emphasizes this theme, prompting us to consider how our perception of the world shapes our understanding of ourselves and others.
The dial's intricate details are a testament to Hernández's artistic skill and Maurice Lacroix's commitment to craftsmanship. The monkeys' fur, eyes, and facial expressions are rendered with remarkable precision, capturing their individual personalities and creating a sense of lifelike realism. The dial's bronze surface, with its subtle variations in texture and patina, adds depth and complexity to the overall design.
The MASTERPIECE Skeleton "With what eyes?" is fitted with a hand-braided leather strap that perfectly complements the watch's artistic and artisanal character. The strap's rich brown color harmonizes with the bronze case and dial, creating a cohesive aesthetic that exudes warmth and sophistication. The hand-braided construction adds a touch of handcrafted charm, further emphasizing the watch's unique character.
Courtesy of Maurice Lacroix
The strap's supple leather ensures a comfortable fit on the wrist, while its bronze buckle provides a secure closure. The buckle's design echoes the watch's overall aesthetic, featuring a combination of polished and brushed surfaces that complement the case's intricate details.
The Maurice Lacroix MASTERPIECE Skeleton "With what eyes?" is more than just a watch; it's a wearable sculpture that embodies the harmonious fusion of art and horology. The watch's intricate design, meticulous craftsmanship, and philosophical underpinnings make it a truly exceptional timepiece that will appeal to collectors and connoisseurs alike.