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In 2004, Maurice Lacroix attracted demanding buyers with further development of its popular Pontos collection. These mechanical watches epitomize watchmaking perfection as well as purism and timelessness of design. This year, the Swiss brand is introducing two new Pontos models with attractive additional functions: Pontos Réserve de Marche and Pontos Chronographe.  As its name already reveals, the new Pontos Réserve de Marche has a useful power reserve indication. Completely fulfilling the intent of the pure design of the Pontos, this function stands out, yet is designed in a simple manner as a full circle with two outlining rings, with the ring becoming narrower on its left side. Situated at 7 o'clock, this display also is placed at a prominent location. Inside the circle, a small hand shows how much power is still left in the diligently hand-decorated automatic movement. Automatic movement and power reserve? What may appear as a contradiction on first impression, proves to be very reasonable on a day to day basis. If the Pontos Réserve de Marche is not worn for some time, its owner nevertheless knows the remaining power reserve and is able to wind up his watch and not lose the current time display.
In contrast, the usefulness of a stop function is not up for debate. The Pontos Chronographe with the precious Valjoux 7750 calibre shows precisely stopped time intervals with a 30-minute counter at 12 o'clock and a 12-hour counter at 6 o'clock. Symmetry unusual for chronographs was achieved by leaving off the third auxiliary dial for the small seconds at 9 o'clock in one version of this Pontos. This means the aficionado of sporty and elegant watches has the choice between the traditional version with small seconds and a version with a surprising design without small seconds.  With their skilfully understated design, the dials of these two new models fit seamlessly in the successful collection. The dials are available silver-coloured or in a sophisticated black. The applied index marks and the displays, marked by outlining rings, do their part in contributing to the generous, clear appearance of these watches. The innovative, unadorned stainless steel cases appeal to people who know that outstanding design does not need conspicuous extras. Together with the curved watchband joints, a complex unit is formed. The protected crown also makes a comeback in these models. What is special in the Pontos Chronographe is that the buttons necessary for its functions have been designed so that they accommodate the shape of the rims protecting the crown. Additionally, these two buttons turn around an axe, what makes their use very comfortable. Not lastly, a crystal caseback enables an obstructed view of the movements working with Swiss precision inside these watches.
Pontos Réserve de Marche Movement: Hand-decorated automatic movement ML 113.Functions: Power reserve indication, date indication.Case: Stainless steel; protected crown, sapphire crystal, crystal caseback; water-resistant to 50 m, diam 40 mm.Dial: Silver-coloured or black, grey power reserve indication; applied index marks; luminous hands (hours/minutes).Watchband: Genuine leather in black or grey or stainless steel, with folding clasp. Pontos Chronographe Movement: Hand-decorated automatic movement ML 111 and ML 112, based on the Valjoux 7750 calibre.Functions: Chronograph with 30-minute and 12-hour counters, small seconds on some models, date indication.Case: Stainless steel; sapphire crystal, crystal caseback; water-resistant to 50 m, diameter 43 mm.Dial: Silver-coloured or black; applied index marks; luminous hands (hours/minutes).Watchband: Genuine leather in black or brown or stainless steel, with folding clasp. These watches are on sale HERE
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