Hands-on: Maurice Lacroix 1975 Automatic

Text: The editorial team

Image: Stefan ”Molle” Molin

Maurice Lacroix is celebrating 50 years as a brand – and it is doing so in style. The anniversary collection, which has been given the name 1975 is a tribute to the brand's birth year and a clear flirtation with the timeless elegance that defines a classic dress watch. We at Eqotime have, in collaboration with Maurice Lacroix tested the model in 40 mm with a blue dial and steel bracelet – and it is a watch that captures the essence of “less is more” in a very successful way.

Back to the origin – with a modern twist

Maurice Lacroix has since its start in 1975 established itself as a strong name within affordable Swiss quality. They are perhaps best known today for their sporty Aikon series, but with the 1975 collection they show that they also master the elegant and understated.

The collection consists of models in either 36 or 40 mm, with a choice of black, silver or blue dial. It is classic all the way through – from the rounded case and the faceted dauphine hands to the subtle contrasts between polished and brushed surfaces.

But that does not mean it is boring. On the contrary. It is precisely the simple that makes the model so appealing. In times where much is about standing out, it is liberating with a watch that instead relies on proportions, balance and a self-evident elegance.

First impression – sophisticated and wearable

Straight out of the box the Maurice Lacroix 1975 Automatic feels like a watch that wants to be worn. The 40 mm case is thin – only 10 mm high – and sits low and comfortably against the wrist. The finishing is overall very well done. The polished surfaces around the bezel and the lugs meet brushed sides in a way that gives a harmonious overall impression.

The blue dial has a deep sunray finish that shifts beautifully depending on the light conditions. It is a dial that catches the eye without taking over. The indices are applied and trapezoid-shaped, which creates both structure and sharpness in the dial's layout. The date window is discreetly placed at 3 o'clock and is nicely framed.

On the wrist – dressy yet modern

The watch is worn like a classic dress watch, but without feeling too formal or old-fashioned. It works just as well with a suit as with a shirt and jeans. The five-row steel bracelet is a positive surprise – it combines polished centre links with brushed surfaces and gives a jewellery-like impression, without becoming too blingy. The bracelet is supple, sits well and is finished with a butterfly clasp.

A detail we particularly appreciate is Maurice Lacroix's Easy Strap Exchange system, which lets you switch between bracelet and leather strap without tools. For anyone who wants to vary the expression this is a function that really raises the user experience.

The movement – proven and reliable

The Maurice Lacroix 1975 Automatic is driven by the automatic movement ML115, based on the well-known Sellita SW200. It is a movement we have seen in many other models in the same price class, but that does not mean it is anything negative – on the contrary. It is a proven construction with good operational reliability, serviceability and rate precision.

The movement has 26 jewels, ticks at 28 800 vibrations per hour and offers 38 hours of power reserve. Through the transparent case back in sapphire crystal you can peek into the movement, which is always an appreciated detail – even if the finishing is relatively industrial.

A modern dress watch with the right balance

The Maurice Lacroix 1975 is not a sports watch, and it is not out to be a statement piece. Instead it is about balance: between the classic and the contemporary, between the elegant and the practical.

That the model is water resistant to 100 metres is a big bonus. It means you avoid worrying about rain, showers or everyday use. It is such details that make the model more than just good-looking – it is also functional.

This is a watch for you who appreciates discreet elegance. The one who likes straight design, good proportions and knows that a clean-lined watch never goes out of fashion. The Maurice Lacroix 1975 suits both the seasoned collector looking for an affordable dress watch and the newer enthusiast who wants to invest in a first ”real” watch.

The blue dial gives a modern impression, while the 40 mm size means it works on many wrists without feeling too big or too small. It can also work very well as an everyday watch for you who works in a more formal environment.

Summary

The Maurice Lacroix 1975 Automatic is a successful anniversary model that captures the brand's roots without getting stuck in the past. With elegant design, modern proportions and a reliable movement this is a watch that easily fits into most collections – or on the wrist of someone looking for a timeless alternative to today's over-designed models.

We at Eqotime particularly like the balance in the design, the sense of quality in the details and that it is delivered with both style and functionality. Maurice Lacroix shows once again that they are a brand to reckon with for anyone looking for quality in the mid price class.

In short: a clean-lined watch that is as much “less is more” as it is “just right”.

Big thanks to Maurice Lacroix and Optura Nordic for a good collaboration, and an extra thanks to Stjärnurmakarna Fleminggatan in Stockholm for the loan of the watch.