FRANC VILA – FV EVOS 8Ch “Cobra” Chronographe Grand Dateur Automatique
This Cobra bites hard. But unlike its reptilian counterpart, its hold on you is more invigorating than fatal. Beginning with the marque’s signature elliptical “Espirit Unique” case which, apart from being fortified in diehard extreme steel, red gold or titanium, is now galvanised with carbon fibre inserts on its bezel.
This new sports-inspired Chronographe Grand Dateur Automatique is also endowed with 300m water resistance. Complete with an integrated rubber strap, this cool dive-friendly Cobra is made to withstand even the most intense of water sports, heralding Franc Vila’s foray into the sports timekeeping realm.
Elsewhere, the marque’s iconic dial that recalls an inverted figure of ’8′ continues to hog the limelight. Made of carbon fibre, it even sports a guilloche centre that keeps the traditional and avant-garde camps elated without over tipping each side of the scale.
Fitted with the automatic FV8Ch chronograph movement with date indication and 42- hour power reserve, the Cobra’s limited run of 88 pieces should put you at ease as chances of running into a mate with similar wrist candy are slim to none.
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.
