Today it is time for a bit funky skeletonised fun. Part of Maurice Lacroix’s ‘Masterpiece’ collection, the Squelette (i.e. ‘Skeleton’) (Ref. MP7138-SS001-030) features a hand decorated manual wind Cal. ML134 movement visible through the domed sapphire crystal on the front, and the screwed case back with sapphire crystal on the back.
The movement features bridges and screws with black or tantalum coloured PVD. This theme is continued on the dial, with index markers coated in PVD and luminous PVD-treated steel hands. This gives an almost semi-industrial feel to the replica watch. This is no dainty dressy skeleton timepiece.
There is a seconds sub dial at 9 o’clock, but as is the case with too many skeletonised replica watches, it will probably prove difficult to read for some people. Perhaps making the the seconds hand luminous may have solved this to some degree.
The Squelette has a power reserve 40 hours.
With a case size of 43mm (thickness of 10mm), this is not a delicate skeletonised dress replica watch, and it does have a very pronounced wrist presence. The one featured in this post is the brushed stainless steel case model but the Squelette also comes in a rose gold version which, in fact, won a 2009 Red Dot design prize. I prefer the stainless steel model. A brushed white metal seems to me more in sync with the modern tone of the replica watch created through the use of PVD than a more dressy rose gold version.