MAURICE LACROIX – Masterpiece Le Chronographe Squelette
Departing from the traditional refined aesthetics of skeleton timepieces, Maurice Lacroix’s Masterpiece Squelette unveiled in 
2007 bowled aficionados over with its contemporary and futuristic leanings. This year, an exquisite chronograph version housing the brand’s first in-house movement extends the collection’s repertoire.
A 45mm leviathan, it incorporates the in-house ML 106-7 calibre (developed from the ML 106 base chronograph movement) bearing the patented lever which guarantees precision by locking the zeroing function when the chronograph hands are in operation. The 60-minute chronograph counter, along with the small seconds counter is shaped like skeletal discs, resembling tyre rims.
Further into the labyrinthine structure, the hand-decorated bridges plated with black gold come into view. And against this chic mechanical web is the snailed architecture and black screws of the bottom plate, golden gears, and black balance wheel that blends inconspicuously into its surroundings.
As an indication of refinement, Maurice Lacroix combines a variety of finishes on the steel case: Polished sunray, circular- and vertical-brushed. The dials are coated with anti-reflective coating on both sides for a clearer view of the movement, and treated with a slate-grey metal coat to enhance the effect of the double counters. A black hand stitched crocodile strap rounds off the watch. Limited to 250 pieces.
ARMAND NICOLET – LS8
Buoyed by the success of the L06 and L07 which were characterized by their open-heart dials, Armand Nicolet again takes a retrospective look at its legacy.
Digging deep into its archives to retrieve and rework original movements from 1957 to equip the LS8, components from the vintage calibers are fashioned into the manual-winding AN0711S with hours, minutes and small seconds functions.
Made up of 127 parts, the updated movement incorporates up-to-the- minute technical features such as the Incabloc shock absorber and swan-neck regulator.
But it is the aesthetic realm where this watch truly shines. Polished blued screws stand out against the rhodium plates a bridges beautifully finished with Geneva stripes and perlage.
The AN0711S framed by a skeleton dial, its rhythmic clockwork a lively visual spectacle that will charm legions of connoisseurs. Limited to 200 pieces each in stainless steel with silvered dial; stainless steel with black dial; and stainless steel 18K rose gold crown and bezel, and grey . Alligator straps with contrast stitching complete the handsome package.
