Baselworld 2014: Introducing the Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Gravity in-house Escapement

Maurice Lacroix is introducing a new timepiece with an entirely in-house developed and manufactured escapement (balance wheel AND hair spring as well as silicon escapement wheel, anchor and all pinions and pallets). That’s a major move for Maurice Lacroix and we’re looking forward to seeing the new escapement finding its way into the collection, starting now with the Masterpiece Gravity.

The lay-out of the new self-winding movement, calibre ML230, offers the escapement a prominent place on the watch’ dial. Time is displayed on a generously sized white lacquered off centre sub dial (hours/minutes) and a small seconds sub dial positioned below that. The hours/minutes sub dial is placed on a ‘canvas’ featuring a Clou de Paris or Grand Colimaçon pattern, which gives it a recognizable Maurice Lacroix look.

Masterpiece Gravity comes in two execution: a 43 mm case in either stainless steel or stainless steel with an anthracite PVD finish. It features a “glass-box” sapphire crystal which is slightly domed and magnifies the balance wheel, which gives a great three-dimensional view.

Some specifications:

• Case: 43 mm in diameter, stainless steel or anthracite PVD coated steel, glass box sapphire crystal above dial with anti-reflective coating on both sides, caseback with sapphire crystal pane, water resistance to 50 m (5 ATM)
• Movement: Maurice Lacroix Automatic Manufacture Calibre ML230, 18,000 vph (2.5Hz), 50 hours of power reserve, 35 jewels, in-house silicon escapement
• Strap: crocodile leather strap with steel (or PVD) folding clasp with push buttons
• Price: $13,900 USD