Maurice de Mauriac Racquet Rallymaster IV

Melbourne heat can be oppressive, a physical weight that settles onto the hard courts long before the first serve of the Australian Open. It is in this environment, where shadows are sharp and the sunlight is unforgiving, that the aesthetic and functional logic of the new Maurice de Mauriac Racquet Rallymaster IV begins to make sense. This is not a timepiece born in the hushed, air-conditioned silence of a boardroom, but rather one that seems to have emerged from the clay and grit of competitive play. The watch represents the fourth iteration of a continuing dialogue between the Zurich-based watchmaker and the tennis-centric publication Racquet, a partnership that has consistently sought to blend the mechanical rigidity of Swiss horology with the fluid, kinetic energy of tennis.



The project is heavily influenced by the vision of Carlton DeWoody, a creative mind primarily recognized for interior design but whose enthusiasm for vintage horology provided the necessary bridge between two distinct worlds. The design language here does not whisper; it speaks with the distinct vocabulary of 1960s and 1970s graphic design. It recalls an era when sport watches began to shed their purely utilitarian skins and adopt a more stylized, geometric persona. DeWoody’s involvement ensured that the Rallymaster IV didn't just look like a watch with a tennis logo slapped on it. Instead, the final product feels like a piece of equipment, something that belongs in a kit bag alongside fresh grip tape and cans of pressurized balls.



Visually, the watch strikes an immediate chord with its aggressive use of contrast. The dial is a study in geometry, dominated by a white grid pattern that runs horizontally across the center. This is an unmistakable nod to the tennis net, yet it is executed with enough restraint that it doesn't feel like a novelty toy. The grid sits against a matte black background, providing a high-visibility canvas that allows the other elements to pop. The indices are circular, a departure from the standard baton markers often found on field or dive watches, and they echo the shape of the ball itself. This circular motif is repeated throughout the design, creating a sense of cohesion that ties the disparate elements together.



One of the most specific tennis references on the dial is found in the sub-dial located at the nine o'clock position. This is the small seconds display, but it has been modified to serve a specific regulatory purpose. The markings are segmented to highlight a twenty-second interval. In professional tennis, twenty seconds is the allotted time a server has between points. By visually demarcating this span, the watch transforms a standard timekeeping function into a complication relevant to the sport's rules. It is a subtle detail, one that might go unnoticed by a casual observer, but for the enthusiast, it adds a layer of genuine utility to the whimsical design. The colors used in this sub-dial—shades of blue, pink, and yellow—break up the monochrome severity of the rest of the face, injecting a dose of playful energy that feels very much in line with the vibrant court aesthetics of the 1970s.



The handset is stark and legible, with the hour and minute hands rendered in a skeletonized style that allows the underlying grid of the "net" to remain visible even as the hands sweep across it. The seconds hand is a lollipop style, featuring a prominent neon yellow dot near the tip. This neon accent is not merely decorative; it mimics the optic yellow of a tennis ball, tracking the passage of time with the same relentless motion as a ball in play. The date window at three o'clock is magnified, a classic Cyclops-style addition that enhances legibility. However, rather than feeling derivative, the magnifier integrates well with the overall retro-futuristic vibe of the piece, balancing the colorful sub-dial on the opposite side of the face.



Encasing this graphic display is a 39-millimeter stainless steel case treated with a black PVD coating. Physical Vapour Deposition is a process that bonds a layer of material to the steel at a molecular level, resulting in a finish that is significantly harder and more resistant to wear than standard steel. The choice of black for the case serves two purposes. First, it shrinks the visual footprint of the watch, making it wear slightly smaller and more discreetly on the wrist. Second, it frames the dial perfectly, allowing the white grid and neon accents to stand out without fighting for attention against the gleam of polished metal. The case dimensions are moderate, with a height of 12 millimeters and a lug-to-lug distance of 47.2 millimeters, ensuring it sits comfortably on a wide variety of wrist sizes.



The crown, located at the three o'clock position, continues the all-black theme but adds a tactile element. It is embossed with a tennis ball motif, a small but satisfying touch that reinforces the watch's identity. The crown is screw-down, contributing to the watch's 100-meter water resistance rating. This level of durability ensures that the Rallymaster IV is not fragile; it can handle the showers, the rain, or a dip in the pool without hesitation. It is built to be worn, not babied. The knurling on the crown is deep and grippy, allowing for precise adjustments of the time and date, even if one's hands are slightly damp.



Turning the watch over reveals a caseback that is just as thoughtful as the front. A sapphire crystal display back allows for a view of the movement, but with a twist. The Racquet logo, a stylized racquet head, is printed in blue on the inside of the crystal. This placement ensures the logo remains pristine, unaffected by the friction of the wrist over time. Looking past the logo, one can see the mechanical heartbeat of the watch. The darkened sapphire glass gives the movement a moody, industrial appearance, as if viewing the engine of a car through a tinted window. It creates a sense of depth and layering that elevates the simple act of checking the movement into a more immersive visual experience.



Powering the Rallymaster IV is the Landeron 24 automatic movement. This is a Swiss caliber known for its robustness and reliability. It operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, or 4 Hertz, which provides a smooth sweep to the seconds hand. With 25 jewels and a power reserve of approximately 40 hours, it is a workhorse movement designed for daily wear. While it may not have the high-decoration finish of haute horology pieces, it fits the character of this watch perfectly. It is a utilitarian engine for a tool watch, capable of keeping accurate time through the shocks and vibrations of an active lifestyle.



The strap options provided with the watch further emphasize its sporting intentions. The primary strap shown in visual materials is a black stretch fabric that functions similarly to a NATO strap but with added elasticity for comfort. This is particularly useful during physical activity, as the wrist tends to expand with heat and exertion. The stretch material accommodates these fluctuations without becoming too tight or flopping around loosely. Running down the center of the strap is a stitched line that glows in the dark. This is a rather unique feature, extending the legibility of the watch beyond the dial and onto the wrist itself. The hardware on the strap is black to match the case, maintaining the stealthy, cohesive aesthetic.



Luminosity is a major component of the Rallymaster IV's design. The use of Superluminova is generous and strategic. In low-light conditions, the watch transforms. The circular indices, the hands, and the horizontal grid lines all glow with a potent blue emission. The neon yellow element on the seconds hand also illuminates, as does the stitching on the strap. This creates a light signature that is unmistakable in the dark. The "net" glowing across the dial is particularly striking, creating a Tron-like visual effect that feels modern and technical. The application of the lume is precise, ensuring that the graphic integrity of the dial remains intact even when the lights go out.



The packaging for the Rallymaster IV is designed to be part of the experience. The watch arrives in a black box that slides open to reveal a vibrant pink foam insert. Nestled inside is not just the watch, but a custom black tennis ball branded with the "Rallymaster" script. It is a playful addition that reminds the owner of the watch's inspiration. The inclusion of a tennis ball might seem trivial, but it serves as a tangible connection to the sport, a physical object that complements the mechanical one. The box also houses the extra strap options, likely including the mentioned calf leather rally strap for occasions that require a slightly more dressed-up look, though the fabric strap seems to be the intended default for this specific aesthetic.



The human element of this watch's story is cemented by the involvement of the Dreifuss family—Massimo, Leonard, and Masha—who run Maurice de Mauriac. Their approach to watchmaking has always been personal, often blurring the lines between clients and friends. This philosophy is exemplified by their relationship with actor Russell Crowe. After purchasing a previous iteration, the Rallymaster III, during a trip to Zurich, Crowe struck up a friendship with the family. This connection eventually led to the Dreifuss siblings traveling to Crowe's ranch to personally present him with the Rallymaster IV. It is these kinds of narratives that separate independent brands from faceless conglomerates; the watches are artifacts of relationships and shared passions as much as they are commercial products.



The Rallymaster IV occupies a specific niche in the market. It is not a dress watch, nor is it a standard diver or pilot's chronograph. It is a theme watch that manages to transcend its theme. One does not need to be a tennis pro to appreciate the graphic clarity of the dial or the comfort of the case. The design stands on its own merits, referencing the sport without becoming a caricature of it. The 1970s influence brings a sense of nostalgia, but the materials—PVD steel, sapphire, modern lume—are thoroughly contemporary. It balances the retro appeal of vintage sport watches with the reliability of modern manufacturing.



Availability is strictly limited, adding a layer of exclusivity to the package. Only 100 examples of the Rallymaster IV will be produced. This low production number ensures that the watch will remain a rare sight, known primarily to those within the intersection of the watch and tennis communities. The scarcity is a double-edged sword; it makes the ownership experience more special for those who manage to acquire one, but it also means that many interested parties will likely miss out. The limited nature of the release is typical for Maurice de Mauriac, a brand that prefers small, curated batches over mass-market saturation.



The pricing for the Maurice de Mauriac Racquet Rallymaster IV is set at $2,400. This places it in a competitive segment of the market, populated by numerous established Swiss brands. However, the value proposition here lies in the uniqueness of the design and the independent nature of the manufacturer. You are paying for a small-batch product with a distinct personality, designed by a named collaborator, and built in Zurich. For the collector who values narrative and design over ubiquitous brand recognition, the price point represents a fair entry into the world of independent Swiss horology. The watch is available for purchase directly through the brand's online portal or at their physical atelier in Zurich, assuming stock remains.



Case: 39mm diameter, 12mm thickness, 47.2mm lug-to-lug. Black PVD-coated 316L stainless steel. Anti-reflective sapphire crystal with date magnifier. Screw-down crown with embossed tennis ball logo. Darkened sapphire exhibition caseback with printed internal logo. Water resistance 10 ATM (100 meters).



Movement: Swiss Landeron 24 automatic calibre. 25 jewels. 28,800 vph (4Hz) frequency. Approximately 40 hours power reserve. Functions include hours, minutes, small seconds, and date.



Dial: Black dial with white horizontal grid graphics. Applied circular indices with Superluminova. Small seconds sub-dial at 9 o'clock with 20-second "serve clock" increments. Skeletonized hands. Neon yellow lollipop seconds hand. Blue glow Superluminova on grid and markers.



Strap: Includes black calf rally leather with steel pin buckle and black stretch fabric two-piece strap with glowing central stripe and quick-release fasteners.



Price: US$2,400



Notes: Limited edition of 100 pieces worldwide. Designed in collaboration with Racquet magazine and Carlton DeWoody. Crown features a tennis ball insert. Box includes a custom black "Rallymaster" tennis ball.