Maurice Lacroix has unveiled four new iterations of its popular Maurice Lacroix Pontos Chronograph watch. Imbuing elegance to a sporty silhouette, the release comprises two new dials – black and gunmetal gray – as well as a stainless steel bracelet or classic leather strap to wear for any occasion.
For this release, the horologer has implemented subtle enhancements to its already highly-refined time-teller. Now featuring Arabic numerals as hour indices, the new Maurice Lacroix Pontos Chronograph watch adds emphasis on legibility without taking away any of its sense of luxury. Elevating the dial with a touch of modernity and sophistication are its three chronograph registers, partially open-worked hour and minute hands, as well as the open caseback that reveals its ML 112 automatic movement.
Arriving in a 43mm stainless steel build, two bracelet options are offered — from a matching 3-row bracelet to a croc-grain leather strap that’s embedded with the Maison’s signature M-logo. Much like its AIKON edition, the new chronograph is equipped with the in-house Easy Strap Exchange System, which allows wearers to easily swap between the bracelets to complement different outfits and occasions.
When Maurice Lacroix is mentioned, most people think of the famous Aikon model. And for good reason: the Aikon is a surprisingly unique take on the steel sports watch buzz and delivered at a stellar price. However, the brand knows that if they only focus on one collection, Maurice Lacroix will mean nothing but the Aikon. Plus, there are also people who don’t want a trendy sports watch, but rather an everyday piece. This is where the Pontos collection comes in. It’s the middle ground between the sporty Aikon and the more elegant Eliros collection, making for a go-anywhere, do-anything watch that can easily serve as a one-piece collection.
The Maurice Lacroix Pontos Chronograph watch collection consists of the regular Chronograph 43mm and the sportier Pontos S models. This time, the Chronograph 43mm collection gets a small update. It is indeed small, as we are only talking about two new dial colours, both from the darker end of the spectrum. Surprisingly, a black dial wasn’t an option up until now. Black is by far the most versatile colour of all; it has the most GADA potential. The dial is minimalist enough with not so much going on to be worn in more elegant situations, while the chronograph function adds a casual side to the piece as well. The other new dial variant is a gun-metal grey with rose-gold accents. Both the slightly skeletonized hands and the Arabic numerals are in rose gold, making the overall feel much classier. Some white markings remain on the sub-dials and in the date window above 6 o’clock. Normally I don’t like the idea of date windows on chronographs, but in this case, it looks well thought out as opposed to other watches where the date feels like an afterthought. Both dials have a sun-ray effect and snailed sub-dials. The case remains untouched compared to all other Pontos Chronograph 43mm models. At first glance, this diameter may seem too large, but with 15 millimetres of thickness, it was necessary. Otherwise, the watch would look and feel like a filet mignon on the wrist.
Classically, the chronograph pushers are on the same side as the crown and both have been given a little flair to make the watch stand out. The pushers follow the shape of the lugs, while the crown has an interesting turbine look. Brushed and polished finishes alternate. The sides of the case and the fixed bezel are polished, while the sides of the lugs are brushed. The stepped lugs are tastefully designed and feature a distinct curve. Between the lugs is either a leather strap or a stainless-steel bracelet. The latter is a mainly brushed three-link number. The centre links are slightly more angular than the outer ones and have some polished details. With 100 metres of water resistance it can be easily taken for a swim with the bracelet. Responsible for the thick case is the Cal. ML112 automatic chronograph movement. It is the trusty ETA Valjoux 7750 with some minor changes. It runs on 4Hz and has a 42-hour power reserve. All can be observed through the exhibition caseback that reveals a movement decorated with Geneva stripes, circular graining, and a Maurice Lacroix-signed rotor.