Competition in the entry-level luxury watch space is heating up, especially with TAG Heuers renewed focus in this segment of the market under the leadership of Jean-Claude Biver. And then theres the emergence of smaller but no less ambitious players like Nomos and Oris. For Maurice Lacroix, standing out means being bold and attempting different designs and thats exactly what we have here with the Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Square Wheel Retrograde.SpecificationsBrand: Maurice LacroixModel: MP6058-SS001-110-1Dimensions: 43mm (diameter), 15mm (height)Case Material: Stainless steelCrystal/Lens: SapphireMovement: In-house self-winding open-work caliber ML258Frequency: 4HzPower Reserve: 36 hoursStrap/Bracelet: Black alligator leather strap with Easychange strapPrice Availability: $7,490 AnalysisThis isnt the first Maurice Lacroix with a square gear on the dial for the running seconds. But it is the first time that they have combined their unique square gear running seconds with a retrograde display. The end result is a watch that has a dial unlike any other. Aesthetically, these watches are quite pleasing. The color combinations of silver and blue, and black and gold are well judged and striking without necessarily being too gaudy. Legibility seems quite good too, though I suspect it can be quite hard to run the hour hand from 8 to 10 oclock when it is directly over the square gear running seconds.Speaking of which, the square gear running seconds as well as the accompanying clover-shaped gear is the highlight of the watch and it is definitely a unique one since I cant think of any other watch with a similar configuration. Watch lovers who like to see the inner-workings of their pieces or who prefer some sort of activity on the dial will likely appreciate this feature. Other features include its sapphire display caseback, which offers a view of the in-house made ML258 self-winding caliber; and its 100m water resistance, which means one need not worry about splashes or even taking it swimming. Also worth mentioning is the Easychange strap system, which allows for quick swapping of straps. All these are features that improve the wearability and usability of the watch.SummaryThe unusual and quirky dial of the Square Wheel Retrograde is one that will surely divide opinions. I think its one of those watches you either love or hate, but theres no denying that it is special and that theres nothing else quite like it at its price point. The Maurice Lacroix Square Wheel Retrograde is priced at $7,490. mauricelacroix.com [...]