ONLY WATCH 2011
Monaco, Sep 23, 2011
LOT 27
Maurice Lacroix, "Masterpiece" for Only Watch Maurice Lacroix, ?Masterpiece Roue Carrée Seconde?, No.1/1. Very fine and unique, innovative, water-resistant, stainless steel wristwatch with power reserve and a square wheel mechanism, with a stainless steel Maurice Lacroix deployant clasp. Accompanied by fitted box and Certificate.
Case: Three-body, brushed, rounded bezel, screwed-down transparent case back, sapphire crystal. Dial: Movement plate with black sand-blasted finishing with raised polished indexes (hours, minutes and power reserve), obtained with a special chemical and laser surface treatment (by DM Surface SA®), outer minute division, power reserve indication at 3 and aperture for the seconds under a revolving square wheel engraved ?Only Watch?, Trailing square wheel and cloverleaf wheel in silicon for the seconds. PVD-coated black gold alpha hands. Movement: Cal. ML156, rhodium-plated, Grand Colimacon decoration, 34 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance, shock absorber, self-compensating flat balance spring. Dial, case and movement signed. Diameter 43 mm.
Wish Price EUR 8,000 - 12,000
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Grade: |
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Case: 1 |
As new |
Movement: 1 |
As new |
Dial: 1 |
As new |
Notes
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The watch is based on the 2010 design presented by Maurice Lacroix, the first square-wheel mechanism in the history of watchmaking. From an aesthetic perspective, the mechanism is an absolute eye-catcher, but it is also irresistible for the way the innovative layout displays the passage of time. It gives the Masterpiece Roue Carrée Seconde another dimension, a fascinating spectacle that draws the eye inexorably into its spell. Several years of intensive work lie behind the perfectly engineered square-wheel mechanism, developed by watchmaker and engineer Michel Vermot, head of the development department at Maurice Lacroix, working with the Haute Ecole Arc in Le Locle. It is inevitable to underline the very special and unique execution of this piece, it is very exclusively made and especially developed for this unique timepiece. Since the gear profile of non-circular wheels cannot be regular, the shape of the teeth offered the greatest challenge in guaranteeing constant transmission of power. The wheels were produced using silicon-machining technology to make very high-precision, lightweight and self-lubricating micro-components that cannot be manufactured with such quality by traditional production methods and are exclusively made and especially developed for this unique timepiece. The regular movement of the square wheel, with its captivating geometric openwork shape, makes the small seconds hand come to life before the observer?s very eyes. The square and cloverleaf-shaped wheels were specially made from silicon, and decorated with a unique and inimitable pattern, with plays of color that constantly change with the viewing angle, illumination and movement of the square and clover-leaf wheels (Sigatec SA®, Karmic SA®). And in a detail included specially for collectors who delight in the unusual, the Only Watch logo is featured on the square wheel ? a surprise that is visible only with a magnifying glass.The square wheel is driven by a toothed, cloverleaf-shaped wheel, and the wheels engage with the same precision as traditional round wheels. The constant, regular movement creates a wonderful visual spectacle.