Maurice Lacroix has deliberately gone for size in the making of its manufacture movement. With a diameter of 36.6 millimeters, the time-writing spectacle unfolds in all its glory behind the sapphire crystal caseback. What’s more, the dimensional plus permits the use of larger components, which improves reliability and precision. To enable a full view of the chronographic interplay between wheels and levers, no automatic winder was used.
A traditional control-wheel or column-wheel controls the chronograph functions. This classic element is rounded out by an innovative, especially developed lever mechanism for the sensitive stopping and zeroing phase, for which a patent is pending. Last but not least, the Masterpiece Le Chronographe features a 60-minute counter instead of the usual 30 or 45-minute counters. This requires far more watchmaking skill. The ML 106 calibre also features top quality components, an elegant, fine swan neck precision adjustment for the regulator hand, two gold chatons in the chronograph hook and the rarely used balance wheel frequency of 18,000 semi-oscillations per hour. 

Yet it’s the entire Masterpiece Le Chronographe and not just the ML 106 calibre that’s another genuine exclusive item. Its 45 millimeter diameter, pink gold case has a new shape, where lunette and caseback do not face in as usual but remain wide open. The view of the dial and the movement thus remains unhindered. The solid silver dial has applied hour numerals and index marks, as well as a centre decorated with the rarely used “Rayon de la Gloire” guilloché. Not forgetting, the first edition of the Masterpiece Le Chronographe in pink gold is limited to 250 pieces. This places it perfectly among the ranks of exclusive Masterpiece rarities, which no collection should be without.