Ten years ago, Maurice Lacroix released its first generation PONTOS S Diver. A few years later, the brand ceased producing the model in order to focus its attention on making the AIKON model. But the company received numerous requests for the divers’ watch to be reissued. Acceding to these requests, Maurice Lacroix unveiled a new version of the PONTOS S Diver that incorporates a number of improvements while still retaining the spirit of the inaugural model – because Maurice Lacroix believes that some things should never change, crafted in the company’s Swiss Manufacture.

The Jura-based brand turned to ML Crew member and world champion freediver Lidija Lijic for her input when developing the latest PONTOS S Diver. This versatile athlete regularly ventures into warm seas but also enjoys diving beneath the ice in the Himalayas. Her life is one of courage and enduring commitment to tough, consistent training, and more, as you also have to work on your mental strength to keep pushing boundaries. Self-control, concentration and confidence…

“When developing this latest PONTOS S Diver, we were keen to retain the spirit of the first generation model, but push the performance envelope with various product enhancements. As an ML Crew member, it seemed logical to ask Lidija Lijic to test the new model…exploring its full potential, deep underwater. While I was already aware of her achievements and immense talent, I was struck by her sheer dedication, not only to her sport, but in everything she does. She proved the perfect test pilot for this divers’ watch which is water resistant to 30 ATM. Lidija also informs us that the watch makes a strong statement on dry land too,” said Stéphane Waser, Managing Director of Maurice Lacroix.

Housed in a 42mm case, the watch is available in a choice of stainless steel or, for the first time, bronze. The hour and minute hands are facetted and lined with Super-LumiNova®. The minute hand is endued with a coloured border. The hours are denoted with applied indexes and, once again, lined with luminescent treatment. Subtle changes to the original dial design include making the indexes and minute markings crisper and more prominent. Likewise, the date is framed with a raised border, making it stand out from the rest of the dial. Each detail is optimised to deliver peerless readability.

A dedicated crown, positioned at 2 o’clock, provides the wearer with the means to adjust the internal rotating bezel. Featuring a count-up scale, the rotating bezel is a useful way of measuring the elapsed time spent underwater. The watch also features a centre seconds hand and a date display at 6 o’clock. A second crown, located at 3 o’clock, adjusts the various indications and can also be used to manually wind the movement.

This latest PONTOS S Diver is offered in a number of variants. Steel models come with a choice of black grained or white lacquered dial options. The bronze model, limited to just 500 pieces, is paired with a sumptuous blue grained dial. The aforementioned crown at 2 o’clock is enlivened with a colour-coordinating circlet, ensuring it remains visible when underwater.

The automatic ML115 calibre sits at the heart of the PONTOS S Diver, obviating the need for manual winding when worn. The bronze version comes supplied with two straps, one in vintage dark blue leather, incorporating the company’s M-logo, and a second in dark blue rubber embossed with ‘Maurice Lacroix’.

For the launch, the steel models are supplied with three colour-coordinating straps: an M-branded fabric strap and two rubber straps incorporating Maurice Lacroix branding, presented in relief. The watch is equipped with the company’s Easy Strap Exchange System, providing a simple, user-friendly means of swapping the strap for an alternative without the need for tools.

The PONTOS S Diver is back and it’s better than ever! The model is the product of teamwork, inspired by Lidija’s search for improved performance, and has been tested in the most extreme conditions. It’s ideally suited to underwater exploration while also being the perfect accompaniment to city life.