The concept of combining high-class aesthetics with more reasonable prices has been the driving philosophy behind Maurice Lacroix's lineup for many years. While this is most prominently seen in main collections like Aikon, this mindset extends all the way to the brand's pinnacle lineup - the Masterpiece collection. The latest addition to the Masterpiece line is no exception, offering high horological style at a price below $10,000, unique finishes, advanced materials, and a complex in-house skeletonized movement. The updated Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Gravity is an impressive showcase of the brand's capabilities, with a cleaner, more classic look than previous models and a host of refined details.
The stainless steel case of the new Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Gravity model, measuring 43mm, may be slightly large, but the case shape echoes previous Masterpiece Gravity models. There are several pleasing visual details here, including a polished bevel on the descending lugs and a beautifully curved profile of the case middle. However, Maurice Lacroix aims for the case to serve more as a frame for the more decorative elements of the movement and skeletonized dial rather than the center of attention, and the narrow polished bezel confirms this idea by taking up as little visual space as possible. Although this is clearly not a sporty design, it is worth noting that the case of the new Masterpiece Gravity model from Maurice Lacroix is water-resistant to only 50 meters.
Compared to its predecessors, the skeletonized dial of the new Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Gravity model appears both cleaner and classically ornate. Although the main layout remains from previous versions, nearly every visual element is new or substantially updated.
The main subdial at the “1 o'clock” position is a striking example of this new stylistic direction: the outer minute track has been completely removed, and the outer edge of the subdial curves downwards with a traditional domed appearance.
This approach adds optical depth to the already multi-layered design and allows the fine printed Roman numerals to drape across the surface. The short stylized alpha hands of the original Masterpiece Gravity model here are coated with yellow gold, giving a classically luxurious look to the silver-finished subdial. Positioned directly below it, the small seconds subdial has also taken on a new classic look: a graphite sunburst finish topped with a railroad seconds track. Except for these off-center subdials, everything under the crystal is part of the movement.
The most striking feature is the open mainplate, adorned with a unique matte fish-scale guilloché pattern known as Vagues du Jura. The rest of the bridges are set at a lower visual level and have a clean, even abrasive finish. The oversized balance wheel at the “8 o'clock” position forms a natural visual counterbalance to the main subdial, oscillating at a constant frequency of 18,000 vibrations per hour and equipped with an elegantly tapered regulator needle. At the “7 o'clock” position, the silicon escapement compensates for its small size with a bright purple coating, drawing attention to this high-tech component in the initial images.
The back of the automatic ML 230 movement installed in the new Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Gravity model is also intricately decorated with rhodium plating and Geneva stripes on the bridges (unfortunately, the brand could not provide an image from this angle at the time of publication). Beyond the material advantages of the silicon escapement, including its light weight, lack of lubrication, and virtually no friction, the ML 230 offers commendable performance. It has a power reserve of 50 hours at a stable frequency of 18,000 beats per second. Maurice Lacroix pairs the new Masterpiece Gravity watch with a brown calf leather strap with an alligator pattern, adorned with the signature gold “M” emblem.
The new Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Gravity watch with its clean, traditional appearance, customized finishes, and advanced manufacturing components is perhaps the most complete package ever offered under the Masterpiece brand.
The new Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Gravity watches are now available through official dealers for $9,900 USD. For more detailed information, visit the brand's website.
