With the splendid presentation of the Masterpiece collection, the snappy watchmaker Maurice Lacroix is not a rookie in luxury watchmaking any more. I am looking forward to the interesting novelties which will be introduced by Maurice Lacroix during Basel World 2010. For all I know, two Phases de Lune timepieces, featuring the fancy moon phase complication, are likely to draw greatest concern. The two watches share the same name – Phases de Lune, while they comes from different collections – one from the Pontos and the other from the Les Classiques.

Shown in the first picture is the Les Classiques Phases de Lune Automatique. The watch employs a classic design. Completed with several well polished and brushed parts, the case is made of stainless steel or 18K gold and stainless steel combination. In the latter, the lunette is available in 18K gold. The angular bezel frames a silver or black dial, which features a day and month indicator just beneath 12:00, corresponding to the arched moon phase window at 6 o’clock. Surrounded by the luminous markers is a circle date indicator, which surrounds the luminous centrally mounted hands. The fourth hand is used to show us the date information.

The movement for this watch is a mechanical automatic caliber ML37. As seen in the photo, the craftsmanship is admirable. Highlighting its hand-crafted circular grain, the caliber ML37 is developed from the well-known ETA2824-2 movement, and incorporates a range of functions: hours, minutes, seconds, month, date, day and moon phase. This exceptional movement also supplies power in some other Maurice Lacroix watches, which come with a moon phase complication.

The Pontos Décentrique Phases de Lune is a limited edition of 500 pieces available worldwide, presented in the third image. As you can see in the picture, this watch is definitely different from the Les Classiques Phases de Lune Automatique I have just reviewed. The watch is more fancy in its overall design, especially in the dial design. Several circles in different sizes on the dial, which seem to be arranged in some artistical ways, create a unique feeling of twists. At 4 o’clock is the combination of a moonphase disc and a day/night indicator, very stylish. The hours are displayed by a circle arc shaped disc, while the minutes are indicated through the only hand in the watch. The 45mm case is available in titanium, with a sand blasted finish. This watch is powered by the self winding mechanical ML122. The power reserve of 38 hours is a little small for this big watch.

Prices for both watches are not sure. In a word, the two watches are sure to be worth expecting.