This may be out of a sense of neglect, or it may just be a natural progression of the release cycle, but as part of Geneva Watch Days, Le Méridien has just announced four new watches from its Pontos collection. I say “ignore” because Aikon seems to have been in the spotlight lately. I get it – Aikon is modern and gorgeous, and it’s available in all the bright, fun colors. But what about traditional and classic looks? That’s what fake Maurice Lacroix Pontos is all about, and it’s been that way since its launch in 2000, which is why it’s been pushed aside in the name of “fun”. no longer! The new Pontos S Chronograph and two new Pontos Day Date models (including limited editions) are available now in two colors. While the Maurice Lacroix Pontos collection is the flag-bearer for the brand’s heritage watch design, these watches are anything but ordinary.

First up is the new colorway for the Pontos Day Date. The 41mm stainless steel case is only 11mm thick, features the unique stepped lugs that define the Pontos collection, and comes with a set of wide, slightly curved crown guards – if nothing else, the case should wobble as it is something beautiful. Powered by an ML143 (based on a Sellita SW220), the dial has a 12 o’clock date and a 6 o’clock date (just me, or is the font on the day wheel very small? Why is it in a serif font when everything else is so clean and modern) ?). Despite the pull-out crown, the watch is still water resistant to 100 meters. There are really only two new things on this model, both on the dial. The dial still features the same applied indexes, recessed sections that emerge from the day and date windows, and perfectly proportioned lumen hands, but is now available in a lovely blue color. New to the Pontos Day Date line, though, is the contrasting sandblasted chapter ring, which is as concave as the rest. The watch comes with a blue nylon strap with a butterfly deployment clasp, a steel bracelet, or both. While nothing revolutionary here, with the popularity of blue, this new dial is easily the one that will probably outsell all other Pontos Day Dates.

The Pontos Day Date Khaki Limited Edition adds some character to the Pontos Day Date collection, featuring a black DLC case and a dark green sunburst dial with a day and date wheel; the same specs and design as the other new Pontos Day Dates (see Date and Date font, isn’t it better?). Maybe the brand just wasn’t brave enough to commit to a black DLC bracelet, but as is the case with the black watch, this one comes with a strap: quick-release green nylon with leather backing and a matching black DLC butterfly deployment clasp. Morris Maurice Lacroix describes the watch as a “cityscape,” and while I tend to roll my eyes to see such a copy, in this case, I think it’s correct. There’s an undeniably tactical cool-chic (not a word you often hear together), and the case’s matte black finish is balanced against the more traditional case silhouette and radiant green dial to create tension.

Completing the Pontos release is the new Pontos S chronograph. Available with blue or panda dials, the new S designation brings a sportier look with a scratch-resistant ceramic tachymeter bezel, extra lumens, and a new dial layout and design. The 43mm wide case features the signature Pontos stepped lugs, push-button pushers, 100m water resistance and 15mm thickness, which is reasonable for an automatic ML112 movement (believed to be an ETA 7750, via display bottom cover visible). The movement is a change to the Pontos chrono, so replace the 6 o’clock date on the old Pontos chrono with a 3 o’clock date display. The chronograph’s subdials are also more modern, with a contrasting red accent that complements the 10-second marker on the inner chapter ring. To further its practicality, the new S Chronograph features a Super-LumiNova coating on the hour chart and hands. Both styles are available with a nylon strap with butterfly clasp, a stainless steel bracelet, or both. This version is in line with many others introduced in recent years, such as the Zenith Chronomaster, which uses a ceramic bezel for a sportier feel. Despite the existing Aikon models, this fills the void for Maurice Lacroix, eventually adding a sports chronograph to the catalog.

Everyone here has something, doesn’t they? While chronographs may feel a little too familiar, the stepped Pontos case allows them to do their thing. But the real draw is the day of the week, which is complemented by the depth and contrast of the dial, the two great colors, and the well-balanced 12- and 6-day date displays. Here, I’m starting to think that Maurice Lacroix has put all its marbles in the Aikon basket and dropped the rest of its collection – it turns out that the brand is just slowing us down. buying replica watches