We have been intrigued with Maurice Lacroix for a while. As part of the giant DKSH group, they certainly have the manufacturing might to be able to pull off almost any feat in watchmaking on an industrial scale. And in recent years, they have shown a bit of that might. Their Masterpiece collection is a case in point. However, in this article we review Maurice Lacroix Pantos S Regatta. A mouthful of a name, to be sure, but an interesting one.
Review: Maurice Lacroix Pontos S Regatta
Maurice Lacroix Pantos S Regatta. 45mm forged carbon case.
The line of watches belong to the Pantos range. The Pantos range is typified by the case design, a particular shape which lends itself to a sporty image which at the same time can be a touch dressy.
The Maurice Lacroix Pontos S Regatta dial. The dial is a study in contrasts and use of colours. Red and black are used for the yachting specific countdown disc visible through the aperture. The chapter ring for the hours and minutes are in jet black, offset by applique markers and a beautifully textured sandblasted white main dial. A red seconds hand, tipped in orange and the minute hand tipped in white complete the picture.
The Regatta, as the name suggests is targeted at the yachting market. And the timing requirements not only extend to basic timekeeping, but also timing of yachting events. In the middle of the dial is an arc-ed aperture showing a countdown from 10 minutes. This is specific to yachting. 10 minutes from the start of the race, an audible signal is issued by the starter to signal to the teams to warn the competitors of the impending race. On the Pontos S Regatta, the operator would start the countdown with the crown on at 2 o’clock. As the time counts down, the blue markers indicating “Ready” to 6 rotates, and up comes the 5-0 section marked in red. At the 0, the pointer in the aperture indicates “Race”, and the racing begins.
Maurice Lacroix Pontos S Regatta. The forged carbon case is visible, with the patterns of the carbon making each case unique. The forged carbon also makes the watch very light.
The case is constructed out of forged carbon. While this is not the first forged carbon case, it is one which we feel is rather nicely made and constructed. This trend, if we may call it such, was started by Audemars Piguet with their Royal Oak Offshore Alinghi in forged carbon in 2007. We wrote a comparison between their forged carbon Diver with their own steel Diver in an article here.
The Maurice Lacroix Pontos S Regatta caseback. The watch is water resistant to 200m. Available as a limited edition series of 125 pieces.
The watch is powered by the Maurice Lacroix ML162 automatic movement beating at 28,800 bph for a power reserve of 38 hours
We think Maurice Lacroix has done well with this Pontos S Regatta. Not only does it have the elements which serve the yachting community in terms of functionality (10 minute countdown), it is light, comfortable due to the forged carbon case, and very practical being water resistant to 200m and a flexible rubber strap which also provides good grip in wet conditions. Recommended retail is €6,990.00. Out in stores now.
