The Maurice Lacroix 1975 was first introduced earlier this year as a pared back, versatile daily beater in a choice of quartz or automatic, with a name that refers to the brand’s 50th anniversary. Now, building on the foundation of that earlier collection, they’re releasing the new Maurice Lacroix 1975 Legacy limited edition series that introduces additional complications and dial textures.
1975 Automatic Saignelégier Blue
First up, and the least complex of the limited editions is the 1975 Automatic Saignelégier Blue. It’s based on the 40mm edition of the watch, the largest in the collection, and features the signature smooth bezel and brushed steel lugs. It sits in a design space halfway between sporty and classical, displaying a combination of finishes while also being practical with 100m water resistance.
What makes this a 1975 Legacy edition is the dial. It features a textured pattern that has previously been reserved for Maurice Lacroix’s most exclusive watches, called Vagues de Jura or “Jura Waves”. The name references the undulating peaks of the Jura Mountains where many Swiss watch brands make their home, including Maurice Lacroix. Specifically, the brand was founded in a small village called Saignelégier (where they are still based), which gives its name to the shade of blue used on the dial.
As mentioned, this is the least complex of the Legacy models with only time and date complications. Though simplicity is no bad thing as it makes for an elegant display that’s easy to read. The dauphine style hands are powered by the calibre ML155, base Sellita, with a 42-hour power reserve.
It’s limited to 888 pieces at CHF 1,400 (approx. £1,290) and is available now.
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1975 Automatic Day Date Sapin Green
Last up is the 1975 Automatic Day Date Sapin Green. It’s technically the middle model in the Legacy series with 500 pieces available and a price between that of the blue and silver GMT models at CHF 1,690 (approx. £1,550). However, unlike the other two it’s not available to purchase until later this year.
It follows suit with the other Legacy models with a 40mm steel case and the Vagues du Jura patterned dial. Here though it’s a vibrant shade of green inspired by the fir trees that line the Alps. Sapin means fir tree in French. On top of that, it’s the first 1975 model to feature a day date complication with the date in its usual position at 3 o’clock and the days revealed by an aperture at 12 o’clock. It’s the perfect accessible alternative to the Rolex Day-Date, even sharing a five-link bracelet.
When a watch brand releases a new model it’s often the case that it takes a long time for the collection to grow and develop. Brands are too wary to take many risks after the initial massive risk of releasing a new model in the first place. But to me, it’s the perfect time to explore what the new model is capable of and what about it excites enthusiasts and collectors. The limited edition 1975 Legacy series is the perfect way to explore new colours, textures and complications and see what really resonates with people.
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1975 Automatic GMT Silver Mist
Next is the 1975 Automatic GMT, the first GMT to be introduced to the 1975 range. It’s the most luxurious of the Legacy series with gold-coloured hands and hour markers paired with a silver tone dial. It’s again 40mm in diameter, though it’s modestly thicker than its time and date counterpart in blue as it’s 10mm instead of 9mm. It’s not wrist-snapping by any stretch of the imagination.
Of course, the most significant change is the addition of the GMT function. It uses an arrow-tipped 24-hour hand and peripheral 24-hour scale to display the time in a second timezone alongside local time. It’s known as the quintessential travel complication due to its utility for jetsetters. The movement here is the ML165 with 38-hour power reserve.
This model is limited to 200 pieces, as noted on the commemorative caseback, at a price of CHF 1,990 (approx. £1,830).
Price and Specs:
More details at Maurice Lacroix.
