A traditional complication, given a modern interpretation: Maurice Lacroix presents the Aikonic Master Triple Retrograde

In its 50-year history, Maurice Lacroix has already presented several models with a retrograde display.

Retrograde chronographs are a clockmaking technique with a long history. The earliest records date back to the 17th century. The basic principle 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 begin the cycle again.  

In 1999, Maurice Lacroix launched the „Calendar Retrograde“, followed three years later by the „Double Retrograde“, both of which had in-house mechanisms.

Now the brand from the Franches Montagnes presents with the „Aikonic The "Master Triple Retrograde" features this complication three times on the dial. And with a modern, almost futuristic design.

The anthracite-colored dial with its vertically brushed surface features skeletonized elements in the form of four openings, each revealing an area of the rhodium-plated movement plate.

The automatic in-house caliber ML291, housed in a 43-millimeter stainless steel case water-resistant to 10 bar, is also decorated with Geneva stripes, a classic design of vertical lines. It offers a 38-hour power reserve.

The small seconds display is set into a window at 9 o'clock. The three other openings offer retrograde displays for home time (GMT), day of the week, and date.

All four openings feature circular brushed scales with silver powder-coated print, creating an exciting contrast to the surrounding vertical lines.

In addition, the retrograde displays are all equipped with a blue pointer and rack, while the associated bridges are rhodium-plated, circularly brushed and secured with polished screws.

The SLN-coated hour and minute hands, as well as 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 graces 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 that give the display a special depth effect.

The watch is worn on a black rubber strap with a textured inlay. It features Maurice Lacroix's new patented Easy-Change strap system, which allows the strap to be easily removed and replaced without any additional tools.

(RRP €7,500)

Stéphane Waser, the Managing Director of Maurice Lacroix, comments:

„Throughout our history, we have consistently demonstrated our commitment to innovation, developing imaginative ways of displaying time. Through the creative use of curves, lines, colors, and materials, we have given haute horlogerie a bold and captivating expression. Over 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 further models with retrograde displays, rare complications that have become a signature of our brand. We have brought all these features together in a new, simple, and exciting model that combines retrograde displays with skeletonized elements. Inspired by previous creations, the ‚Aikonic Master Triple Retrograde‘ celebrates a fascinating complication in triplicate! This model is the quintessence of the ‚Aikon‘ design codes, our watchmaking expertise, and our superiority in materials, all expressed in a special form: an icon of…“ Future. This new model once again underlines the talent of our manufacture to produce highly desirable and significant urban watches that offer insights into the future of Maurice Lacroix.”

mauricelacroix.com