You can look at it any way you want: when Maurice Lacroix crafted the Calendrier Rétrograde, it was obviously the work of true artisans. With a case diameter of 43 mm and a thickness of 11.5 mm, the watch can hardly be qualified as sleek. But its proportions are balanced. Balance is also what accounts for the Calendrier Rétrograde's technical prowess further enhanced by the exemplary beauty of its silver dial. Indeed, the dial clearly illustrates that this is in fact a "complicated" wrist watch. Take a closer look, and the Calendrier Rétrograde begins to reveal some of its features.
Naturally, the importance of showing hours and minutes ranks first and foremost. Therefore the choice made by Maurice Lacroix watchmakers and designers to position the hands in the center of the watch was a deliberate one. It guarantees utmost readability under any conditions. What's more, the small seconds at the "6" pays tribute to a long watchmaking tradition.

At a glance: date and power reserve
But today's wrist watches are unthinkable without date display. Knowing the date is often as important as knowing what time it is. In the Calendrier Rétrograde the tip of an elegant hand positioned at 10 o'clock sweeps across 130° in the course of one month, after which time it returns to its original position. This is referred to in watchmaking circles as a "rétrograde" display. Once again, the airy layout of the date numerals makes them easy to read. Like all models with simple calendar, the Calendrier Rétrograde requires manual adjustment in months with fewer than 31 days. This is done instantly by pressing a small pushpiece on the side of the case.

Since not knowing the exact time may prove to have fatal consequences when on the high seas, marine chronometers received particular care and attention. When sailors glanced at the dial, they not only knew what time it was; they also observed the current tension of the main spring. This explains why an indication of remaining power was part of the standard features of these intricate timepieces. The power reserve display on the Calendrier Rétrograde from Maurice Lacroix performs two functions at the same time: not unlike an automotive fuel gauge, it displays remaining power supply in hours. But positioned next to the "2", it also affords the dial a balance of symmetry. The dial in solid silver is available in silver or black. Not surprisingly, the reading of time, date and power reserve becomes a real pleasure.
So does viewing of the 161/2-lines hand-wound ML 76 movement, based on the Unitas 6498-1 calibre (diameter 36.5 mm). Elaborate modifications as well as intricate finishing reveal the ultimate in craftsmanship of the Maurice Lacroix watchmakers. With all surfaces refined and screw heads radiating in deep blue, they demonstrate the extent of their passion. By the sum of its extraordinary features the Calendrier Rétrograde has become synonymous with an increasingly rare commodity: quality which extends to the most minute detail. The designers and watchmakers of the Calendrier Rétrograde did not limit themselves to outer appearances. Their concern was to create an overall watchmaking masterpiece worthy of the name and to afford the men and women who wear it with a sense of rightful pride.

	Steel - 43.5 mm
	Hand-decorated mechanical movement ML 76
	Solid silver 925, black
	Cambered Sapphire - Glareproofed
	Leather crocodile Louisiana
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	Numeroted with certificate