WT_2004_05: MAURICE LACROIX REVEIL GLOBE AND CHRONO ...

MAURICE LACROIX RÉVEIL GLOBE AND CHRONO GLOBEAlthough the first wristwatches with thename “Maurice Lacroix” on their dialsweren’t sold until 1975, the brand hassucceeded in establishing itself in the elite circleof important watch manufacturers. Freshdesigns, excellent quality, and affordableprices have helped Maurice Lacroix attract anincreasingly large fan club. This Swiss branddebuted two highly innovative models in itsMasterpiece series at the 2002 Basel watchfair. The collection includes watches with additionalfunctions and even vintage movements,two features that naturally give them a certainexclusivity. As the “Globe” in their names suggests,both watches can display the time inmore than one time zone, a useful feature forfrequent travelers and those who cultivate internationalcontacts.The Réveil also has a built-in alarm. As youmight expect, the Chrono Globe can double asa stopwatch. An integrated chronograph isone of the most popular complications, andthis watch has it. As for the case, Maurice Lacroixhas opted to pursue an entirely differentdirection. The design has been modernizedthrough and through, so it not only looks freshand contemporary, it also features plenty ofelaborate craftsmanship.An especially useful feature for travelers isthe combination of an alarm with displays forthe time in a second and a third time zone. TheMaurice Lacroix was able to acquire a hoardof old AS Caliber 5008s that they had reworkedby Jaquet in La Chaux-de-Fonds.Réveil Globe has an additional central handwith a prominent arrowhead that points towardthe preset alarm time. Both watcheshave beautifully shaped and finely craftedhands, as well as faceted indices in the form oftruncated cones. The silver hands on the RéveilGlobe are coated with luminous material andgo well with the white luminous numerals,which are surrounded by slender silver outlines.It’s obvious that lots of love for detail inspiredthis design. For example, the small stylized“M” logo on the dial is convex, thus creatingattractive reflections. Both watches arevery well rounded, with nary a right angle tobe found. Maurice Lacroix spared neither effortnor expense in the design of the case. Apolished bezel contrasts handsomely with thecase’s brushed, broadly planar sides.The crocodile-skin strap, on the other hand,ought to have been crafted with more care fora watch in this price class. The strap on our testcandidate was loosely sewn and uncleanlyglued. Despite those shortcomings, the suppleleather band proved to be very comfortable onthe wrist. The folding clasp is cleverly made,and in its closed position looks very much like apronged buckle. To open it, pressure from twopush-pieces compresses an inner pincer, whichdisconnects the latter from the reinforced lowerarms. The semicircular shape on the longside of the buckle highlights the brand’s logo.The clasp stays securely shut and is somewhatthick, but that in no way detracts from its correctfunctioning. Another advantage becomesapparent after you’ve worn the watch for aAdvantages+ Beautiful case and dial+ Sensible combination of functionsDisadvantages- Leather strap wasn´t cleanly crafted- High priceThe pretty face of the RéveilGlobe has plenty of luminousmaterial. Even in the dark, itclearly indicates both the presetalarm time and the currenttime in a second time zone.In its closed positionthe folding clasp looks likea pronged buckle.110 WatchTime October 2004