For the year 2012, the Swiss watchmaker has seriously facelifted its Maurice Lacroix Les Classiques Phases de Lune collection.
Compared to the 2010 Classique Phases de Lune (ref. LC6068-YS101-13E), the new watch undoubtedly looks less dramatic (and, frankly, more generic with its Longines Master Collection-like exterior,) but is at the same time more in line with their current model range.
Judging by the specs that we have, the changes are purely cosmetic.
Besides a new, shorter setting crown, the refreshed watch has also received a new dial that, while retaining the basic layout of its predecessor, looks radically different. Also, from where I stand, the changes didn’t make the watch any more unique: this new design looks like an attempt to make the watch more fit for the price niche that the collection currently occupies catering to the people who are simply looking for a classic “complication” dress watch, not a study in post-modern industrial design.
Perhaps, you are the one who has to vote with your preferred currency whether the road they took leads in the right direction.
First of all, the watchmaker has replaced the applied hour markers with black, bold Roman numerals that are easier to read and look more entertaining together with the Arabic numerals of the circular date ring.
The disk on the moon-phase indicator (at 6 o’clock) was also replaced with a more traditional one, as all four hands now look soberer, less pretentious, and easier to read.
Inside, this is still the same timekeeper. It is still powered by a modified base caliber ETA 2824-2 that was equipped with a full calendar and moon-phase complication add-on module and renamed as ML caliber 37.
Although the base caliber is known for its high reliability, it must be noted that the introduction of any add-on module usually increases the chance of failure and also makes it more expensive to fix.
The movement is secured inside a compact 40 mm stainless steel body, which is equipped with a pair of sapphire crystals on both sides.
Although after all the tweaks the watch somehow lost a great deal of its personality, I must admit that now it looks like a more adequate choice for a price-conscious person who’s looking for a moderately priced complication watch that would look good with a business suit and a pair of Park Avenue oxfords.
As for the price, there is still no official information on this account, but there is a good chance that the 2012 Maurice Lacroix Les Classiques Phases de Lune will be no more expensive than the outgoing model that was initially offered at a reasonable price of some $4000*.
See also: Maurice Lacroix Les Classiques Tradition Collection
WWR Verdict
Originality 4/5
Build Quality: 5/5
Versatility: 4/5
Usability: 4.5/5
Overall Legibility: 4.5/5
Nighttime Legibility: 1/5
Value for Money: 3.5/5
Overall Rating: 4/5
* UPDATE ON PRICING: A mid-range version with a white dial and stainless steel bracelet (ref. MP6607-SS002-112) will be offered at $4700 USD. A black dial variation on a bracelet will probably be only slightly more expensive.
Photos: Maurice Lacroix
Maurice Lacroix Les Classiques Phases de Lune specification
Price: $4700 (ref. MP6607-SS002-112, version with white dial on stainless steel bracelet)
Movement: Automatic, ML caliber 37, base ETA 2824-2 with a complication module, Swiss Made
Number of jewels: 25
Movement frequency: 28,800 vph
Power reserve: 38 hours
Functions: Hours, minutes, date, moon phase, day of week
Case: Stainless steel
Shape: Round
Size: 40.00 mm
Dial: White / Black (barley corn guilloche pattern)
Numerals: Arabic and Roman
Hands: Steel
Water resistance: 30 meters
Strap: Black leather strap / Stainless steel bracelet
Crystal: Sapphire, antireflective
Back: Sapphire