Traditional complication, modern interpretation: Maurice Lacroix presents the Aikonic Master Triple Retrograde
Maurice Lacroix has already presented several models with retrograde displays during its 50-year history. In 1999, Maurice Lacroix launched the “Calendar Retrograde,” followed three years later by the “Double Retrograde,” both of which featured in-house mechanisms.
Retrograde display is a watchmaking technique with a long history. The earliest references date back to the 17th century. The basic principle behind it remains unchanged to this day. A single hand moves along an arc-shaped scale and, as soon as it reaches the end, jumps back to the starting point in a fraction of a second to start again immediately. In 1999, Maurice Lacroix launched the “Calendar Retrograde,” followed three years later by the “Double Retrograde,” both of which featured in-house mechanisms.
Now, with the “Aikonic Master Triple Retrograde,” the brand from Franches Montagnes presents this complication in three versions on the dial. And with a modern, almost futuristic design.
The anthracite-colored dial with a vertically brushed finish features skeletonized elements in the form of four openings, each revealing a section of the rhodium-plated movement plate.
The automatic ML291 caliber in a 43-millimeter stainless steel case water-resistant to 10 bar is also decorated with Geneva stripes, a classic decorative pattern consisting of vertical lines. It offers a 38-hour power reserve.
At 9 o’clock, the small seconds display is set into a window. The three other openings feature retrograde displays for home time (GMT), the day of the week, and the date.
All four openings feature circular brushed scales with silver, silver powder-coated imprints, which create an exciting contrast to the surrounding vertical lines.
In addition, the retrograde displays are all equipped with a blue hand and rake, while the corresponding bridges are rhodium-plated, circular-brushed, and secured with polished screws.
The SLN-coated hour and minute hands, like the hour markers, are inspired by the claws that adorn the bezel of the “Aikon,” Maurice Lacroix’s best-selling watch. This design feature also adorns the scratch-resistant ceramic crown.
The “Aikonic Master Triple Retrograde” not only combines circular motifs with vertical lines, but also features components on different levels, giving the display a special depth effect.
The watch is worn on a black rubber strap with a textured insert. It is equipped with Maurice Lacroix’s new patented Easy-Change strap replacement system, which allows the strap to be easily removed and replaced without additional tools.
(RRP €7,500)
Stéphane Waser, Managing Director of Maurice Lacroix, comments:
Throughout our history, we have repeatedly demonstrated our commitment to innovation in order to develop imaginative ways of displaying the time. Through the creative use of curves, lines, colors, and materials, we have given haute horlogerie a bold and fascinating expression. More than 25 years ago, we introduced our first retrograde model, the Calendar Retrograde, a watch equipped with our in-house mechanism. Since then, we have launched other models with retrograde displays, rare complications that have become a signature feature of our brand. We have combined all these features in a new, simple and exciting model that combines retrograde displays with skeletonized elements. Inspired by previous creations, the ‘Aikonic Master Triple Retrograde’ pays tribute to a fascinating complication in three different versions! This model is the quintessence of the ‘Aikon’ design codes, our watchmaking expertise, and our superiority in the field of materials, all expressed in a special form: an icon of the future. This new model once again highlights our Manufacture’s talent for creating highly desirable and significant urban watches that offer a glimpse into the future of Maurice Lacroix.”
