This Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Gravity (ref. MP6118-SS001-110) was reviewed on 10 different criteria. The review is for this specific watch, other models may perform differently. Evaluation is based on my wrist size, personal opinions, experiences, and preferences.
Overall Design | 15 out of 15
The Masterpiece Gravity and Masterpiece Mystery were introduced in Basel World 2014 as Limited Edition models (250 pieces in stainless steel and 250 pieces in PVD, for each model)... proving once again that Maurice Lacroix is not only capable of making their own cases and movements, but also capable of designing and creating interesting timepieces. I first saw this watch in person last year and immediately fell in love with the design. The hypnotizing balance wheel and purple escapement wheel screams sexy, while the gorgeous white lacquered dial, thermally blued hands, and Roman numerals says class. Some may say that it looks too similar to a Breguet Tradition. Do they draw from the same inspiration? Yes. But as you can see from the image below, they are quite different. The Masterpiece Gravity is more modern, bold, and sporty (yes sporty). Quality and attention to detail on this timepiece is remarkable. Seriously though, what is there not to like about this design?
Breguet Tradition vs Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Gravity
Case | 9 out of 10
The 43mm case comes with a domed sapphire crystal on top and a regular flat sapphire crystal on the back. The domed sapphire crystal has AR coating on both sides, which minimizes glare, but it also gives the glass a blueish tint at certain angles. Personally, I am not a big fan of any coating on the outside, as it can get damaged easily and it is usually irreparable. The in-house case is simple but elegant, with a good mix of polished and satin finished surfaces. The polished beveled edges on the lugs are a nice touch, which matches perfectly with the polished bezel and the other polished surfaces on the case. Design of the crown is distinct, but it works with the overall design of the watch.
Side profiles.
One of my favorite features on the watch, the domed sapphire crystal.
Dial | 10 out of 10
Simply beautiful. This timepiece is elegant, classy, and sophisticated. The off-center elevated main dial (hours and minutes display) has a white lacquered dial, printed Roman numerals, and thermally blued hands. At least for me, this combination alone makes the stainless version more attractive than the PVD version. Around the perimeter of the elevated main dial, there is a gold colored stripe. This matches the color of the balance wheel and creates a slight gold hue on the remaining of the dial. Accompanying the beauty of the open dial is a Clou de Paris decoration under the main dial and a combination of straight brushed, rhodium treated, sandblasted, and polished beveled edges on the bridges. The Clous de Paris decoration is a classy looking pattern that adds texture to the dial while adding more class to an already elegant timepiece. The seconds is displayed at 5 o'clock on a circular brushed metallic dial with red Arabic numerals and a thermally blued hand. I love this dial... the usage of colors, placing of parts, attention to detail... but the addition of a date display or a power reserve indicator would make me love it even more. The domed sapphire crystal and the elevated main dial gives the watch plenty of depth and dimension.
Love the multidimensional look.
Strap | 9 out of 10
The stainless steel version comes with a genuine matte brown crocodile strap (with brown stitching) on a single sided deployant buckle with push buttons. The brown calf skin lining is brilliant, not only does it matches the brown crocodile perfectly, but it will also mask any sweat marks from usage. The crocodile pattern is beautiful and the amount of padding is just right. The deployant buckle appears to be of higher quality compared to the one found in my Pontos Chronographe (some of the issues I mentioned in my Pontos Chronographe review do not seem to be present on this deployant buckle). But unlike my Pontos Chronographe, where the strap length is adjusted through a pinch system, this deployant uses traditional holes on the strap. The embossed "M" looks fantastic and it is another simple reminder from Maurice Lacroix that this watch is something special... they certainly did not cut any corners on this model.
Single-sided deployant buckle with embossed "M".
Movement | 8 out of 10
Inside the Masterpiece Gravity you will find the Calibre ML230. This manufacture automatic movement has a power reserve of 50 hours, 35 jewels, and a frequency of 18,000 vph (2.5Hz). Unfortunately, the second hand does not hack when setting time. This is the first time that Maurice Lacroix features their own in-house all-silicon assortment. Apart from enjoying the balance wheel and escapement wheel on the dial, you can also enjoy the movement through the sapphire crystal exhibition back on the rear. The movement is beautifully decorated with a Grand Colimacon shaped Cotes de Geneve motif. The decoration is limited, but enough to put a smile on my face. Something as simple as blued screws on the rear would have given the movement that extra bang that it needs (unnecessary on the front since the hands are blue).
Manufacture Calibre ML230.
Legibility | 4 out of 5
Due to the overall design and asymmetrical layout of the dial, the part of the watch that actually tells time is significantly reduced. For someone with a bad eye sight, this might be a problem. But for the rest of us, the blue hands contrast beautifully against the white lacquered dial. In low light conditions however, telling time is a challenge since there is no lume (which is quite common with dressy watches).
Not recommended for people with poor eye sight ;-).
Operation | 5 out of 5
The crown was easy to pull out and operate. Hands were easy to set and everything worked as expected.
Just do not drink and operate the watch at the same time.
Features | 8 out of 10
Open dial with exposed balance wheel and escapement wheel, stunning white lacquered dial with blued hands, running seconds display, domed sapphire crystal, exhibition case back with a sapphire crystal, manufacture movement, in-house case, 50m water resistance, and high quality croco strap on deployant buckle... great list of features to have on a dressy watch, but the addition of a date display or a power reserve indicator would have won me over, again.
The hypnotizing open dial.
Comfort | 7 out of 10
Unfortunately (for me at least), this watch comes with a single-sided deployant buckle that does not sit well on my wrist (6.5"). This is a common problem I have with deployant buckles in general, which is why I generally prefer tang buckles for maximum comfort. The crocodile strap feels a bit stiff too, which probably just needs to be broken in a little more before it softens.
The deployant buckle system on this watch was not comfortable on my wrist.
Value | 12 out of 15
The retail price on this watch is $13,900. For comparison, the "similar" Breguet Tradition retails for $28,400 (white gold). Not exactly apples to apples, but you get the idea. Another watch that could be comparable to the Masterpiece Gravity is the Glashutte Original PanoInverse, which retails for $12,600 (for the stainless steel version). But then again the PanoInverse is not a Limited Edition... All things considered, I think that the Masterpiece Gravity is competitively priced. Though Maurice Lacroix is not at the level of Breguet or Glashutte Original yet, if they continue to create timepieces like the Masterpiece Gravity, they will certainly get there sooner than later. Maurice Lacroix is one of those underdog brands that really excites me because I see their potential and they are definitely moving in the right direction... and rapidly. This piece is definitely an eye-catcher, a conversation-starter, and a unique piece.
TOTAL SCORE: 87 out of 100
A limited edition worth owning... easily my favorite Maurice Lacroix to date.
If you would like to submit your product for a review, please contact me.
This Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Mysterious Seconds (ref. MP6558-SS001-095-1) was reviewed on 10 different criteria. The review is for this specific watch, other models may perform differently. Evaluation is based on my wrist size, personal opinions, experiences, and preferences.