Quick specs Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Skeleton by Rodrigo Hernández
Price: to be auctioned, price estimate: $ 15,000 – 30,000 – sold for $ 20,320
Size: 43 mm
Reference: MP7228-TIMEFORART24 – limited to 1 piece
The Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Skeleton ‘With What Eyes?’ by Mexican artist Rodrigo Hernández represents the collaboration between the Swiss watchmaker and the TimeForArt initiative, blending horology and art. The watch features a handcrafted bronze dial, adding an artistic dimension to the existing Masterpiece Skeleton collection.
The collaboration between Maurice Lacroix and Hernández focuses on exploring the question, “Are humans the only dreamers on Earth?” This philosophical inquiry influenced Hernández’s design, which features two monkeys gazing at each other. The monkeys are crafted from bronze, symbolizing Hernández’s artistic vision and connection to the natural world. The use of bronze in the dial evokes a historical link to the material, often used in sculpture.
Design of the dial
Hernández designed the monkey heads, inspired by his previous exhibitions at the Wattis Institute in San Francisco. These figures reflect humanity’s connection to animals and the natural world. The handcrafted bronze dial echoes the artist’s exploration of this theme, portraying the two monkeys with great detail.
Maurice Lacroix crafted the dial using hand-engraved techniques, positioned at the center of the watch. The 43-millimeter watch case, also made of not-so-hard bronze, contrasts polished and brushed surfaces, adding visual depth. This juxtaposition of finishes enhances the design, giving the watch a warm, golden appearance.
The Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Skeleton by Rodrigo Hernández has a power reserve of 45 hours
At the heart of the Masterpiece Skeleton is the Maurice Lacroix caliber ML134, a hand-wound movement. This movement features a three-quarter plate, offering rigidity to the skeletonized structure. The plate and bridges have a golden sandblasted finish, creating a striking backdrop for the bronze dial.
The case back, made of stainless steel, includes a sapphire crystal pane, revealing the mechanical movement in action. It’s not the first time ML uses this movement, just take a look at this limited Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Skeleton Label Noir.
The Time For Art charity auction
TimeForArt is a charity auction that supports contemporary artists, with 100% of the proceeds going to the Swiss Institute. The auction promotes visual arts through exhibitions, education programs, and community workshops. The Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Skeleton ‘With What Eyes?’ will be one of the exceptional timepieces auctioned.
TimeForArt continues to unite horology and contemporary art, offering a platform for artists and watchmakers to collaborate. Other examples of watches with this theme are the Ressence Type 12 SHA Shantell Martin and the Chopard Alpine Eagle 41 XP TimeForArt. And if you are interested, the auction is on December 7th, 2024, as part of The Phillips New York Watch Auction.
| Technical data and specifications of the Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Skeleton by Rodrigo Hernández |
| Reference number: MP7228-TIMEFORART24 – limited to 1 piece |
| Movement: Maurice Lacroix caliber ML134 | Hand-wound | Frequency: 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz) | Jewels: 19 | Hours, minutes | Power reserve: 45 hours |
| Case and dial: 43 mm | Brushed and polished bronze | Thickness: 13 mm | Sapphire with double anti-reflective treatment | Open-worked dial with Rodrigo H. engraving at 9 and two monkey heads | PVD 4N gold facetted hour and minute hand with white super-luminova | Transparent case back | Water resistance: 5 ATM / 5 bar / 50 meters / 165 feet |
| Strap: Hand-woven Testa Dimoro leather strap |
| Price Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Skeleton by Rodrigo Hernández: to be auctioned, price estimate: $ 15,000 – 30,000 – sold for $ 20,320 |
| Website: www.mauricelacroix.com |