Maurice Lacroix- Masterpiece Phase de Lune Tonneau

The youngest protagonist of the exclusive Masterpiece Collection is a case with a very traditional shape, the barrel or tonneau shape. However, the fascinating exterior of the new Phase de Lune Tonneau by Maurice Lacroix also contains a fascinating secret inside: The meticulously finished automatic movement ML 37 with simple full calendar enables indication of date, weekday, month, and current moon phase.The tonneau shape was instrumental in moulding the image of the wristwatch during the 1920s – the “Roaring Twenties”. At the end of this decade, an increasingly more sober and factual style began to make inroads on the image of the baroque and joyful “little barrel”. Changing times demanded their toll, the tonneau increasingly fell victim to changing taste. Today, anything that gives pleasure is welcomed once again. This is also true for sophisticated timekeeping. Today, current trends are determined by seeming adversaries, tradition and innovation. An unmistakable change in values has begun: the new motto is understatement.



Maurice Lacroix has recognised the signs of the times and presents the traditional tonneau as the youngest protagonist of the high-quality Masterpiece Collection. Yet for Maurice Lacroix, tonneau does not mean an uncritical replication of epochs long gone by. Rather, the tonneau-shaped case represents an unusual challenge, namely to give proven design elements a new place in the 21st century and to craft a wrist watch case that noticeably stands out from the usual with its comfort and ergonomics.
Just a few glances at the Phase de Lune Tonneau will make it clear that this difficult challenge was completely met. In principle, this case makes no secret of the fact that the popular tonneau was the driving force behind its design. Yet when its numerous details are studied, it is impossible not to notice that this tonneau is not like any other. Skilfully designed curvatures and artfully arched, low watchband joints make it possible for the case of this Masterpiece to perfectly nestle against almost any wrist. And more – perfectly rounded case flanks and painstaking finishing of apparently minor details give the Phase de Lune Tonneau qualities that are truly flattering to the hand.



Maurice Lacroix is especially proud of the fact that this perfectly shaped work of art was not only developed in its own studios, but is produced there also. Both the development as well as the production of this case are hereby associated with the highest degree of complexity.Yet anyone who believes that the timekeeping interior of the Phase de Lune Tonneau takes second place would be wrong. The watchmakers of Maurice Lacroix were not satisfied with a simple watch movement for this model of the exclusive Masterpiece Collection. Entirely in the style of past epochs, when moon phase indicators in wristwatches celebrated their first successes, this fascinating case also houses fascinating inner workings: a carefully finished automatic ML 37 movement with simple full calendar (date, weekday, and month) as well as moon phase indication.The dial of solid silver with its distinctive Roman numerals applied in intricate, detailed work and adapted exactly to the radius of the dial provides this extraordinary timekeeper with its ultimate refinement and shows off the ability of Maurice Lacroix to never leave anything to chance.


Movement: Hand-decorated automatic ML 37 movement, 25 jewels, blued steel screws, Incabloc shock protection, polished steel pallet and escapement wheel, Glucydur balance.
Functions: Weekday, date, month, and moon phase indication.
Case: Tonneau-shaped; stainless steel or stainless steel/yellow gold 18K 750; sapphire crystal; screwed caseback with sapphire crystal; water-resistant to 50 m (5 atu); dimensions 39x41,5 mm.
Dial: Solid silver 925; white or black; applied Roman numerals; luminous hands (hours/minutes).
Watchband: Stainless steel or crocodile leather with folding clasp.