Masterpiece

Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Double Rétrograde Watch

I quite like this new Masterpiece Collection Double Retrograde watch from Swiss watch maker Maurice Lacroix. Offered in steel or a limited edition of 50 pieces in 18k pink gold, this watch is quite large for a dressy piece at 46mm wide. Maurice Lacroix points out that its automatic mechanical movements is among the widest on the market. Using the calibre ML 191 movement, the watch has a lot of functions laid-out in a rather attractive manner. The dial has the time, with a retrograde dial on the top with a GMT hand, and a retrograde dial below indicating the date. On the left of the dial is an inset subsidiary seconds dial, while a power reserve indicator is placed to the right. This is one of the most handsome Maurice Lacroix watches I have seen in a while.

The dial is in solid silver, done in a deep blue color which matches the gold or steel tones on the dial well. I like how the brand was able to mix function with minimalism cleverly for the dial design. The watches will be matched to black crocodile strap lined with calfskin leather.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: double retrograde, masterpiece, maurice lacroix, watch

Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Lune Retrograde Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

maurice lacroix masterpiece lune retrograde watch

The last few years have seen watch maker Maurice Lacroix experiment with creating that perfect design which lies smack in the middle between classic watches (looks from makes such as Breguet) and refined futurism. It is up for debate whether they have achieved this effort, but the Masterpiece Lune Retrograde is certainly a step in the right direction. Alas, you'll see classic elements made modern. Liberal use of sharp angles and skeletonization replace traditional decorations such as dial engraving gently sweeping edges.

I can't wait to see this 46 mm monster in action. Very few "classy" watch are born in this diameter. The new in-house made ML 152 movement, offers some useful complications. Included are a calendar with the date and day, moon phase under a textured semi-transparent material, power reserve indicator, and time (of course). The little touches on the watch are what make it standout. For example, the applied Arabic numerals are finely done, the gear-like crown has a great industrial quality to it, and the hands are just right to be both classic and modern. The refined skeletonized utilitarian facade never gets in the way of a classy demeanor as well. Notice the adjustment pushers integrated together in a cluster beneath the crown on the side of the case. Overall, the Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Lune Retrograde is is a fine example of modern innovation and traditional sentiment all rolled together in one watch. Look for the official release at Baselword soon.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: lune, Masterpiece, Maurice Lacroix, MauriceLacroix, retrograde, timepiece, watch

Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Tourbillon R�trograde Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Luxury watch maker Maurice Lacroix releases a daunting number of new models each year with an occasional ultra high end addition to their product line. This luxurious model is the limited edition of 30 pieces, Masterpiece Tourbillon Rétrograde timepiece, released in honor of Maurice Lacriox's 30th anniversary. Any "Masterpiece" label on a Maurice Lacroix watch signifies something special above and beyond mere "mainstream luxury." This 43.5mm wide platinum cased wonder is a traditionalist watch collector's dream. The manually-wound hand-built and decorated Maurice Lacroix caliber ML 110 tourbillon movement features and impressive 90 hours of power reserve, with a full visual exhibition through double sapphire crystals. The 232 components in the movement are hand fabricated while every nanometer of polish on the movement is applied by hand.

The functions on the watch are simple and easy to read. The retrograde part of the model's name refers to the date dial on the upper left, and is visually complemented by a power reserve indicator opposite it on the right side of the dial. The double arched tourbillon bridge helps give the watch face a balanced and symmetrical look. Traditional pomme hands complete the artistic yet functional look of this Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Tourbillon Retrograde timepiece. The strap is black crocodile with silver threading. Price is around $150,000.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Maurice Lacroix Materpiece Tourbillon Retrograde Watch movement

Tags: masterpiece, Maurice Lacroix, MauriceLacroix, platinum, retrograde, timepiece, tourbillon, watch

Canaletto's Visions of Venice Up For Auction

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Auctions, Art

Two masterpiece paintings of Venice by artist Canaletto will soon find themselves up for sale as Christie's has announced they'll be part of the Important Old Master and British Pictures auction scheduled for December 2nd. The paintings are believed to have been commissioned back in 1738 and have been passed down through family generations ever since, so this is the first time in their centuries of existence that they'll be up for sale.

Canaletto is one of the most celebrated artists of the 18th century, with his works involving Venice being especially popular. The paintings will be on display at Christie's of London from Nov 29th thru Dec 2nd.

Source

Tags: art, auction, canaletto, christies, masterpiece, painting, paintings, venice