This year Maurice Lacroix will add yet another model to its Les Classiques collection. Sporting the same recognizable design, the 2010 Classique Chronograph with a blue dial (ref. LC6058-SS001-430) is a timepiece that is trendy, dressy, and -what’s even more important- up to the point.
If you find the Classique Chronograph’s dial layout familiar, do not be afraid: you are not suffering a severe case of deja vu. Like plenty of other timekeepers in this segment, this one is powered by the omnipresent ETA Valjoux 7750 natural-born chronograph movement. Slightly modified by Maurice Lacroix, it has received the “ML caliber 112” designation.
According to the manufacturer’s website, the mechanism was adjusted to three positions, which means that the movement’s ability to keep good time was tested while it was placed on the table with its dial facing up, down, and sideways (although the watchmaker didn’t specify what tests exactly each caliber is subjected to.)
While I can only welcome the extra time and effort invested into making each movement better (every adjustment increases the chances that your watch will run within specified characteristics right out of the box,) I think you should know that this is still not enough for the Classique Chronograph to be on par with more expensive “Swiss Made” watches that are often adjusted to five “COSC positions” (crown left, crown up, crown down, dial up, and dial down) making them even more accurate.
Still, it’s better than nothing at all.
Like a great number of other timekeepers that are powered by the cal. 7750, the Classique Chronograph features a small seconds display at 9 hours, as well as a 30-minute and 12-hour chronograph counters at 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock respectively. The small date aperture is ergonomically placed at 3 hours and is accompanied by ML’s logo and a rather pretentious “Chronographe Automatique” inscription.
It is pleasant to see that its (somewhat F.P. Journe-style) hours and minutes hands sport at least a trifle of Superluminova on their tips, as do the 12 baton-shaped hour markers.
There is still no info about the recommended price, but it is known that the watch comes packed in a mid-size 41 mm round case, has a pair of sapphire crystals on its front and back, and has a water resistance rating of only 30 meters. Although the collection will also include versions with silver and black dials, I guess that it is the blue one that will be the bestseller*.
See also: Montblanc TimeWalker Chronograph Automatic
WWR Verdict
Originality 4/5
Build Quality: 5/5
Usability: 4/5
Overall Legibility: 4/5
Nighttime Legibility: 1/5
Value for Money: 3/5
Overall Rating: 4/5
* UPDATE ON PRICE: The LC6058-SS001-430 will retail for $3500 USD which is a reasonable price for a gadget powered by an ETA Valjoux 7750-based mechanism.
Photos: Maurice Lacroix
Maurice Lacroix Classique Chronograph (LC6058-SS001-430) specification
Price range: $3500 (MSRP)
Movement: ML caliber 112 (based on ETA Valjoux 7750,) Swiss Made
Winding: Automatic (self-winding)
Cadence of balance: 28,800 vph
Jewels: 25
Functions & Complications: Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph, date
Adjustment: adjusted to three positions after full winding and after 24 hours
Power reserve: 48 hours
Case: Stainless steel
Shape: Round
Transparent back: Yes, sapphire glass
Size: 41.00 mm
Dial: Black, silver or blue (pictured)
Hands: Stainless steel
Water resistance: 30 meters
Strap: Stainless steel bracelet with deployant clasp
Crystal: Sapphire, antireflective