Maurice Lacroix FIABA Square

Maurice Lacroix has introduced a new chapter for its FIABA collection with the launch of the FIABA Square. This latest iteration presents twelve distinct versions, each drawing inspiration from the smooth, organic forms of pebbles, while asserting a confident aesthetic rooted in Swiss watchmaking traditions. The FIABA Square aims to be a statement of personal style, building upon a collection that has always valued transformation and a forward-looking perspective.

The narrative of Maurice Lacroix in the watchmaking world began in 1975. Established by Desco von Schulthess, a company with roots in the silk trade and later as a representative for esteemed watch brands, Maurice Lacroix was created with an ambition to produce timepieces under its own name. From its base in Saignelégier, nestled in the Swiss Jura mountains, the brand embarked on a journey to carve out its identity, focusing on meticulous craftsmanship and appealing design from its earliest days. This region, renowned as a cradle of Swiss horology, provided an environment steeped in watchmaking expertise, influencing the brand's commitment to quality.



In its formative years, Maurice Lacroix experienced notable growth. The Saignelégier facility, initially involved in producing watches for other labels, soon dedicated its resources exclusively to the burgeoning Maurice Lacroix brand by 1980. A significant step towards greater manufacturing autonomy occurred in 1989 with the acquisition of Queloz S.A., a watch case manufacturer also located in Saignelégier. This strategic move was crucial, as it allowed Maurice Lacroix to produce its own watch cases, a capability not universally common among watch brands and one that afforded greater control over design and production quality. This vertical integration was an early indicator of the brand's ambition.

The 1990s marked a period of significant ascent for Maurice Lacroix, largely propelled by the success of its "Les Mécaniques" collection. This line, later rebranded as the "Masterpiece" collection, became a hallmark for the company, showcasing its ability to create watches with complex mechanical movements and distinctive visual characteristics. These timepieces often featured retrograde displays, chronographs, and other complications that appealed to a growing audience of watch enthusiasts. The Masterpiece collection was instrumental in elevating Maurice Lacroix's reputation, demonstrating its skill in traditional watchmaking while also exploring innovative ways to display time.

A pivotal moment in Maurice Lacroix's development into a more integrated watch manufacturer came in 2006 with the introduction of its first entirely in-house developed movement, the ML106. This hand-wound chronograph caliber signified the brand's enhanced technical capabilities and its commitment to deepening its watchmaking substance. Producing its own movements allowed Maurice Lacroix to join the ranks of Swiss "manufactures," a designation for watch companies that develop and produce their own calibers. This achievement underscored the brand's dedication to horological craftsmanship and provided a new platform for future innovations across its collections.

The FIABA collection, within the broader Maurice Lacroix portfolio, carries a name with a particular resonance. "FIABA," meaning 'fairy tale' in Italian, imbues the collection with a sense of imagination and narrative. It suggests a connection to stories that shape perspectives and an appreciation for objects that can evolve and transform over time. This thematic underpinning has allowed the FIABA line to adapt, and the introduction of the Square model is positioned as a conscious evolution, pushing creative boundaries while maintaining a link to this foundational concept of wonder and progress.



The design of the new FIABA Square consciously references an earlier era, specifically the brand's rectangular watch designs from the 1980s. This decade was characterized by its embrace of bold aesthetics and a strong sense of individual expression in fashion and design. By revisiting these historical forms, Maurice Lacroix is not merely creating a retro piece but is reinterpreting that boldness for a contemporary audience. This nod to the past provides a sense of continuity, linking the brand's heritage with its current design direction, offering a familiar yet refreshed silhouette.

A key aspect of the FIABA Square's design is described as a metamorphosis, moving from previously sharper angular forms within the collection towards a softer, more organic profile. The inspiration is cited as the smoothness of a pebble, shaped by natural forces. This influence translates into an ergonomic case design that aims to marry the defined geometry of a square with the gentle curvature of a circle. The intention is to create a watch that is not only visually distinct but also comfortable on the wrist, its form flowing with the contours of the wearer.

The case of the FIABA Square measures 24mm in width and 34mm in length, with a relatively slender profile of 6.5mm, contributing to its comfortable wear. It is crafted from stainless steel, offering durability and a lustrous finish. Several finishing options are available to cater to diverse preferences: a classic polished stainless steel, a Steel Gold PVD 4N which imparts a rich, rosier gold hue, and a Steel Gold PVD 2N that provides a traditional yellow-gold appearance. Attention to detail is evident in features such as the customized bottom screw, which incorporates a Swiss cross, a subtle nod to its heritage.

The dials of the FIABA Square are designed with a focus on classic readability and refined detailing. Prominent Roman numerals serve as hour markers, lending a traditional air to the watch face. A central feature is the "flinqué" pattern, a finely engraved geometric design that creates a ripple effect emanating from the center of the dial. This textured element adds depth and visual interest, framing the hour and minute hands and contributing to the watch's sophisticated character.



Two primary dial finishes define the FIABA Square collection. The first is a silver sunbrushed dial, where the brushing technique creates a subtle radiance that shifts with the light, complemented by the intricate "flinqué" pattern in its central zone. The second option, available for models paired with pistachio and sky blue straps, is a white mother-of-pearl dial. This natural material is prized for its iridescent quality, creating a dynamic play of light and color that lends an ethereal character to these specific variants, adding a distinct touch of personality.

Legibility is ensured through carefully designed hour and minute hands. These hands are described as "bombed," indicating a slightly rounded or domed profile, which adds a subtle dimensionality. Depending on the specific model, the hands are finished in PVD 4N gold, PVD 2N gold, or a distinct blue, chosen to provide suitable contrast against the dial background. Further dial details include either a rhodium-plated M-logo (the brand's insignia) or PVD gold and black printed elements, along with black printed Roman numerals, all contributing to a cohesive and clear display of time.

Protecting the dial of every FIABA Square model is a sapphire crystal. Known for its exceptional scratch resistance, second only to diamond, sapphire crystal ensures that the watch face remains clear and unmarred through daily wear. Furthermore, the crystal is treated with a neutral anti-reflective coating. This coating minimizes glare from ambient light sources, enhancing visibility and allowing the intricate details of the dial, such as the flinqué pattern and the finish of the hands, to be appreciated without interference.

At the core of the FIABA Square operates the Ronda 762.E quartz movement. This Swiss-made caliber is chosen for its reliability and precision, hallmarks of quartz technology. A particularly notable feature of this movement is its extended power reserve. The specifications indicate a battery life of greater than five years, and the accompanying text mentions an industry-leading 10-year power reserve for this specific movement type, ensuring that the watch will continue to function accurately for a very considerable period without requiring a battery change, offering convenience and peace of mind to the wearer.

A significant feature enhancing the adaptability of the FIABA Square is the Easychange system. This quick strap change mechanism is integrated directly into the case or straps, allowing the wearer to switch between different strap options easily and without the need for specialized tools. This system caters to the modern desire for versatility, enabling the watch's appearance to be altered to suit different outfits, occasions, or moods, thereby extending its wearability and personal appeal.



The collection offers a variety of calf-leather straps, each contributing a different character to the watch. These straps are available in classic hues such as black and brown, alongside more contemporary and expressive colors like an eye-catching pistachio and a vibrant sky blue. The leather straps feature a debossed Maurice Lacroix "M" logo, tone-on-tone stitching for a refined finish, and a nubuck lining, which is known for its soft texture, enhancing comfort against the skin. These details underscore a commitment to quality in all components of the timepiece.

For those who prefer the feel and appearance of a metal bracelet, the FIABA Square provides several options. These include 3-row polished stainless-steel bracelets, which offer a sleek and durable choice. These bracelets are available in full stainless steel, or for a warmer tone, in full PVD 4N (rose hue) or PVD 2N (yellow-gold hue) finishes that match the corresponding case treatments. Additionally, two-tone bracelets are offered, combining polished stainless steel with links treated in either Steel Gold PVD 4N or 2N, creating a striking contrast and a bolder statement.

The design of the FIABA Square, with its moderate case dimensions and diverse range of dial colors, PVD finishes, and strap options, is presented as unisex. The collection encompasses twelve distinct models, aiming to provide a suitable choice for a wide spectrum of personal styles. Whether one prefers the understated look of steel and leather, the warm radiance of gold PVD, or the vibrant pop of a colored strap with a mother-of-pearl dial, the FIABA Square is designed to integrate seamlessly into an individual's wardrobe, be it as a standalone piece or layered with other accessories.

Practical considerations for everyday use are addressed with a water resistance rating of 5ATM, equivalent to 50 meters. While this does not make the watch suitable for deep diving, it ensures that it can withstand splashes, rain, and brief accidental immersions in water, making it a reliable companion for daily activities. This level of water resistance, combined with the robust stainless steel case and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, contributes to the watch's overall durability and suitability for regular wear.



The FIABA Square is positioned as a timepiece that allows wearers to express their individuality. Drawing a subtle parallel to the collection's 'fairy tale' thematic origin, the watch is suggested as a tool for crafting one's own narrative. The blend of established design codes, such as Roman numerals, with modern interpretations like the pebble-inspired case and vibrant strap colors, offers a platform for personal expression, enabling the watch to become a distinctive part of the owner's identity.

The Maurice Lacroix FIABA Square collection is available with a tiered pricing structure reflecting the materials and finishes of each model. The stainless-steel version equipped with a leather strap is positioned at a retail price of CHF 850. For the stainless-steel model paired with a stainless-steel bracelet, the price is CHF 900. Opting for a stainless-steel version that includes the white mother-of-pearl dial brings the price to CHF 950. Models featuring the PVD 4N or 2N gold finishes with a leather strap are priced at CHF 1,050. The PVD 4N or 2N versions with a two-tone steel bracelet are set at CHF 1,150, and for a full PVD 4N or 2N case with a matching PVD steel bracelet, the retail price is CHF 1,200. As a new release, these models are becoming available through Maurice Lacroix authorized retailers.

Case: Stainless steel, available in plain, PVD 4N (rose gold hue), or PVD 2N (yellow gold hue) finishes. Rectangular shape, dimensions 24mm x 34.00mm, thickness 6.5mm. Sapphire crystal with neutral anti-reflective coating. Water resistance 5 ATM / 50 meters. Features customized bottom screw (Swiss cross) and integrated Easychange system.

Movement: Quartz type, Ronda 762.E. Functions: Hours & Minutes. Power reserve: > 5 years.

Dial: Choice of silver sunbrushed with "flinqué" central zone or white mother-of-pearl. Rhodium M-logo or PVD 4N or 2N gold and black printings. Black printed Roman numerals. Bombed hour and minute hands, finishes in PVD 4N, PVD 2N, or blue depending on model.

Strap: Options include 3-row polished stainless-steel bracelets (plain, PVD 4N, PVD 2N, or bicolor PVD 4N/2N combinations) or calf-leather straps (various colors including black, brown, pistachio, sky blue) with debossed M logo, tone-on-tone stitching, and nubuck lining. All versions feature the Easychange system.

Price: Ranges from CHF 850 (stainless steel with leather strap) to CHF 1'200 (PVD version with full PVD steel bracelet).

Notes: Twelve pebble-inspired unisex versions. Features '80s revival rectangular design with flowing curves. Equipped with an easy-change strap mechanism for versatility and a long-lasting quartz battery.