While the Aikon is typically the model that is most commonly associated with Maurice Lacroix, the Pontos collection represents another side of the brand’s design language, and it offers a significantly different overall aesthetic. More refined and traditional than the Aikon, yet less formal and dressy than the Eliros series, the Maurice Lacroix Pontos collection offers a fairly diverse assortment of different styles, and it includes both three-handed models and chronographs. Even the chronographs are available in two different flavors — the standard Pontos Chronograph 43mm, and the Pontos S version, with the latter offering a more modern and sporty overall aesthetic. The most recent release from Maurice Lacroix consists of new additions to the regular Pontos Chronograph 43mm lineup, which feature sunburst dials in either black or gunmetal gray, along with the option of leather straps or stainless steel bracelets.
In terms of their overall case dimensions and external profiles, the new Maurice Lacroix Pontos Chronograph 43mm watches appear to be identical to the existing models from the collection, with the key differentiating factors being their new dial colors. This means that their stainless cases measure 43mm in diameter by 15mm thick, and they offer the same familiar profile with stepped lugs, oblong chronograph pushers, and a signed winding crown at the 3 o’clock location.
Similarly, the dial side of the case is fitted with a simple smooth fixed bezel and sapphire crystal, while the display caseback is secured by five small screws and features a circular sapphire window to offer a view of the internal movement. Just like the other Pontos Chronograph 43mm watches from the current lineup, these new models also feature 100 meters of water resistance, meaning that they are more than capable of standing up to daily incidental contact and even accompanying you for a quick swim.
From an exterior perspective, these new Maurice Lacroix Pontos Chronograph 43mm watches are more-or-less the exact same as the existing models within the brand’s catalog, and what they really bring to the table are novel colorways for the updated style of the non-S version of the Pontos Chronograph 43mm. Surprisingly, black wasn’t already one of the offerings for this Pontos model, and the two new options joining the collection are a black sunray dial, along with a gunmetal gray version that features 4N rose gold accents.
Beyond their colors and finishing, both dials offer the same overall style and layout that can be found among the other colorways from the collection, with applied Arabic numeral hour markers, a trio of chronograph sub-dials, and a date window set inside the register at the 6 o’clock location. Similarly, both colorways receive the same style of hands, with the black dial version fitted with a rhodium-finished set to match its hour markers and dial accents, while the gunmetal dial variant gets the same set but finished in 4N rose gold.
Just like the other current-production Maurice Lacroix Pontos Chronograph 43mm watches, the new black and gunmetal dial models are powered by the brand’s Caliber ML112 automatic chronograph movement. As the Cal. ML112 is essentially Maurice Lacroix’s version of the familiar Valjoux 7750, it runs at a frequency of 28,800vph (4 Hz) and offers users a power reserve of approximately 42 hours. Various different iterations of the Valjoux 7750 serve as the basis for the vast majority of Swiss mechanical chronographs these days, and this is ultimately a testament to its proven design. Additionally, since the movement fitted to the Pontos Chronograph 43mm sits on display through its sapphire caseback, the Cal. ML112 is decorated with circular graining, Geneva stripes, and a Maurice Lacroix signed rotor.
Regardless of dial color, both of the new Maurice Lacroix Pontos Chronograph 43mm watches are offered with the option of either a three-link stainless steel bracelet or a black leather strap. Both the bracelet and the leather strap option are fitted with stainless steel folding clasps, and they also both feature the brand’s Easy Strap Exchange System, which essentially consists of integrated quick-release spring bars to enable simple tool-free strap changes. The strap itself is constructed from calf leather with a black alligator pattern finish, and it features the Maurice Lacroix “M” logo as a signet near the lugs on the 6 o’clock side, which appears in either stainless steel or 4N rose gold to match the dial accents on the watch.
As far as pricing, these new Maurice Lacroix Pontos Chronograph 43mm watches are positioned the exact same as the other colorways of this particular model, meaning that they are accompanied by an official retail price of $3,200 USD when purchased on the leather strap, or $3,250 USD should buyers opt for the bracelet version. Additionally, rather than being produced as limited editions, these new black and gunmetal gray dial variations of the Pontos Chronograph 43mm are joining the collection as standard-production models, alongside their siblings that have white, silver, and blue dials. Sitting somewhere at the crossroads between casual, dressy, and sporty, these non-S versions of the Maurice Lacroix Pontos Chronograph offer slight IWC Portugieser vibes for less than half the price, and they represent arguably some of the most aesthetically versatile models in Maurice Lacroix’s entire modern lineup. For more information on the new Maurice Lacroix Pontos Chronograph 43mm watches, please visit the brand’s website.
