Maurice Lacroix commemorates its 50th anniversary with the introduction of the new 1975 Legacy Small Seconds. This latest addition to the acclaimed 1975 collection showcases a machine-guilloché petite seconde display at the six o'clock position, creating a captivating pleated effect on the dial. Drawing inspiration from the brand's iconic 1988 Les Classiques series, these timepieces are presented in two sophisticated dial variations: silver and slate grey. Each version is meticulously crafted and limited to 500 pieces, offering discerning collectors a blend of historical charm and modern refinement. The design subtly integrates regional influences through intricate dial patterns and unique caseback engravings, enhancing its appeal.

The 1975 Legacy Small Seconds models are powered by the reliable ML158 automatic movement, a Sellita-based calibre known for its precision and endurance. This movement boasts a 60-hour power reserve and operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour, ensuring accurate timekeeping for hours, minutes, small seconds, and date functions. Encased in a robust yet elegantly proportioned 39mm stainless steel body, the watch features a box-style sapphire crystal that evokes a vintage aesthetic, complemented by brushed surfaces that maintain a sleek, contemporary look. The timepiece is water-resistant up to 50 meters and comes with an alligator-style leather strap equipped with Maurice Lacroix's convenient Easy Strap Exchange system, allowing for effortless customization.

Refined Design and Regional Inspirations

The Maurice Lacroix 1975 Legacy Small Seconds collection artfully combines vintage elegance with contemporary watchmaking, offering two distinct versions in silver and slate grey. Each dial is adorned with the brand's signature "Vagues du Jura" motif, a wave-like pattern reminiscent of the scenic Jura landscape. This intricate detail, traditionally reserved for Maurice Lacroix's more premium offerings, adds a rich texture and depth without overwhelming the dial's clean aesthetic. The guilloché small seconds display, positioned at 6 o'clock, is paired with a date window at 3 o'clock, enhancing daily usability. The timepiece features faceted trapezoid indexes and dauphine-style hands, all finished in a warm 4N gold tone, providing a subtle yet striking contrast against the silver and grey dials, contributing to a refined and visually appealing presentation.

The meticulous craftsmanship extends to the robust 39mm stainless steel case, which measures 10.2mm in thickness, ensuring a comfortable and balanced fit on the wrist. A vintage touch is provided by the box-style sapphire crystal, while the brushed case surfaces maintain a clean and sophisticated appearance. The solid caseback is specially engraved with imagery inspired by Saignelégier and the Jura region, proudly displaying the inscription "Maurice Lacroix, Saignelégier." These thoughtful details underscore the brand's heritage and connection to its origins. With a water resistance of 50 meters, the watch is suitable for everyday wear. The careful selection of materials and design elements in both the silver and slate grey variants ensures that each watch is not only a functional timekeeping instrument but also a piece of art that tells a story of tradition and innovation.

Precision Engineering and Exclusive Availability

At the heart of the Maurice Lacroix 1975 Legacy Small Seconds lies the automatic ML158 movement, a modified Sellita base calibre renowned for its reliability and precision. This finely tuned mechanism operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and is equipped with 31 jewels, ensuring smooth and accurate performance. It provides a substantial power reserve of 60 hours, allowing the watch to run for more than two days without being worn. The movement efficiently powers the essential timekeeping functions: hours, minutes, small seconds, and date. Although the rotor, adorned with elegant Geneva stripes and spiral decoration, remains concealed beneath the closed caseback, its presence signifies the superior internal craftsmanship that defines Maurice Lacroix timepieces.

Each of the new 1975 Legacy Petite Seconde editions is thoughtfully paired with a black alligator-style leather strap, featuring tone-on-tone stitching and a 4N gold-toned Maurice Lacroix "M" logo. The strap is secured with a stainless-steel butterfly folding clasp, providing both comfort and security. A standout feature is Maurice Lacroix’s innovative Easy Strap Exchange system, which enables quick and tool-free strap changes, offering versatility and convenience for owners to personalize their watch. These exclusive timepieces are strictly limited to 500 units for each dial color, making them highly sought after by collectors. With an accessible price point of CHF 1,950, the 1975 Legacy Small Seconds offers an exceptional value proposition, combining intricate design, robust mechanics, and limited edition prestige in a single, elegant package.