Masterpiece Rectangulaire Petite Seconde

Description

Beautiful Synthesis Borne from Tradition and ModernityThe Rectangulaire Petite Seconde from the exclusive Masterpiece Collection of Maurice Lacroix ties in with the huge success of the strictly limited Masterpiece FHF 29, which lent the historical calibre of the same name a new image some years ago. The new Masterpiece, however, makes use of the current tonneau-shaped ML 126 calibre, which also displays small seconds at 6 o'clock. Another new feature is the more angular and succinct form of the case, which is a reflection of contemporary architecture. The dial is available either with a traditional, fine hand-guilloch and Roman numerals or with Arabic numerals, index marks and innovative semi-circular small seconds."Those were the times!" This plaintiff cry is often uttered from the mouths of competent timepiece connoisseurs and collectors. Too many unsuitable movements tick in square cases \u2013 in wristwatches reminiscent of the 1930's. While it used to be common to fill out the elongated watch case with tonneau-shaped calibres, most new models feature round movements, suited through their very small dimensions. The rest of the case remains empty, valuable space for larger components is lost.Not the case with Maurice Lacroix. The Masterpiece Collection brings back the good times with pomp and paraphernalia. And with no limitations as there were in 1999 when the watchmakers revived residues of the historical FHF 29 calibre, launched in 1933, in a much sought-after limited square Masterpiece model. The new Masterpiece Rectangulaire Petite Seconde ties into this huge success, although makes use of the current tonneau-shaped ML 126 calibre, based on a manufacture movement of the small yet fine ebauche manufacturer La Joux-Perret from La Chaux-de-Fonds. Its dimensions follow classic 7\xbe x 11 lines, equivalent to 17.5 x 25 millimeters. The special feature of this hand-wound movement is its elonga\xadted bearing bridge for the modern, generously dimensioned Glucydur balance wheel which completes modest 21'600 semi-oscillations per hour. The elongated design also permits the use of a relatively large barrel, which benefits both power reserve and accuracy. The ML 126 calibre can go for 42 hours without stopping. If the main spring is wound every morning, the power reserve remains ample. The high-quality Nivaflex-1 main spring also works within a favorable torque range. This makes it easier for the watchmakers. They regulate the movement in four suspended positions with the crown to the left, right, up and down, as well as in a horizontal position with the dial up. This occurs first when the main spring is fully wound and then again after 24 hours.This extremely important process is at the end of a long chain of significant steps including the finishing of all components to strict internal specifications. It is not Maurice Lacroix' intention to please only the precision fanatics, but also those who love the fascinating feeling of watching the movement through the sapphire crystal back. The bridges and hooks are given circular C\xf4tes de Genve and their edges are carefully angled and polished. What's more, the plate gets its perlage also at places that in fact only the watchmaker sees, for example on the surface under the dial. When tonneau-shaped movements were in vogue and cases not yet close, this made sense as the dust penetrating the fine grooves clung together. The fact that Maurice Lacroix continued to cultivate this custom, despite modern case technologies, is a clear commitment to tradition. The same goes for the steel screws, whose blue surfaces magically draw the expert's eye. The artistic watchmaker also puts the finishing touches to the pallet and escapement wheel, both consisting of steel and precision-polished before being fitted. The ML 126 calibre thus represents a degree of perfection of which some originals from the 1930's can only dream.Expressive Purism for Case and DialThe same precision that Maurice Lacroix exercises over its movement is also expressed in numerous components that make up a prestigious wristwatch. Because the dial represents about 80 percent of a wristwatch's image, it deserves special attention. At Maurice Lacroix, this is not at least reflected in the choice of the material: Simply solid silver with a purity of 925/1000 is good enough for a Masterpiece. The new Rectangulaire Petite Seconde comes with a choice of two dials: The first, featuring fine hand-guilloch work, applied Roman numerals, small seconds at 6 o'clock, which picks up the soft tonneau-shape of the movement and blued Breguet hands, pays homage to the classic tradition of watchmaking. The second is inspired by modern architecture. It combines a tonneau-shaped centre, applied Arabic numerals and index marks, silver-coloured, luminous hands, and small seconds in an innovative semi-circular segment. The short end of the hand at 6 o'clock is responsible for the first and the long one for the second half of the minute.The case, offered in stainless steel or elegant pink gold, embodies a beautiful synthesis borne from tradition and modernity. The tradition is reflected in the clear, unsophisticated shape that mark the rules of the golden ratio. Here, the designers have looked back at the era of decorative art, when expressive purism dominated over mannered aesthetics. Yet in doing so, they have lost none of the present. That's why the case is squarer and more modern than its predecessor in the Masterpiece Collection. Special attention was also paid to ergonomics, wearability and functionality. The Masterpiece Rectangulaire Petite Seconde, despite its notable 45 millimeter length, fits snuggly on the wrist like a second skin. Moisture and dust, once the worst enemy of square wristwatches, are no longer a threat. Destructive moisture is kept at bay up to three atmospheric pressures. Shattered or scratched glasses are also no longer an issue. For better readability, Maurice Lacroix has used a domed sapphire crystal. And the screwed caseback also has a scratch-proof window.Movement: Hand-decorated mechanical, hand-wound ML 126 movement, based on the La Joux-Perret manufacture movement, 20 jewels, blued steel screws, Incabloc shock protection, polished steel pallet and escapement wheel, Glucydur balance wheel, Nivarox-1 balance spring, Nivaflex-1 main spring.Functions: Small seconds.Case: Stainless steel or pink gold 18K 750; domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on inside, screwed caseback with sapphire crystal; water-resistant to 30 m, dimensions 45 x 28 mm.Dial: Solid silver 925; silver-coloured, applied Roman numerals, intricate hand-guilloch and blued steel hands or applied Arabic numerals and index marks, silver-coloured, luminous hands (hours/minutes).Watchband: Genuine croco leather with folding clasp.Masterpiece Rectangulaire Petite SecondeUne merveilleuse synthse de la tradition et de la modernitLa Rectangulaire Petite Seconde de l'exclusive Masterpiece Collection de Maurice Lacroix emprunte la voie du succs de la strictement limite Masterpiece FHF 29 qui a contribu il y quelques ans au renouveau du calibre historique ponyme. La nouvelle Masterpiece s'appuie cependant sur le calibre de forme actuel ML 126 qui possde galement l'affichage d'une petite seconde 6 heures. Nouveau gale\xadment, le design pur et angulaire de la bo\xeete qui rappelle l'architecture contemporaine. Le cadran est disponible soit en traditionnel avec fin guillochage et chiffres romains, soit avec chiffres arabes, index et une petite seconde en demi-cercle.C'tait une belle poque! Ce regret est constamment exprim par les amateurs et collectionneurs passionns de montres. On trouve frquemment des calibres inadapts dans les montres-bracelets rectan\xadgulaires qui rappellent les annes 30. […]

Supplied by the brand to the GPHG for its entry.