Ahead of its 25th anniversary, Zurich-based Maurice de Mauriac has collaborated with Fuchs Helikopter, a Swiss-based helicopter company offer flight school and charters. The result is the Maurice de Mauriac Chrono Modern DLC “Fuchs Edition.”
The Release
The case of the Fuchs Edition is brushed titanium with black DLC coating. It is available in both 42mm and 45mm case sizes. Other case dimensions are unclear, but profile shots on the site make the case appear rather thick, as the caseback descends below the bottoms of the lugs. The case features screw-down pushers and crown on the 3 o’clock side, which help ensure 50m of water resistance. The black DLC is unique to this Chrono Modern model, with Maurice de Mauriac previously having used PVD for its black watches. The caseback has a sapphire display crystal to show off the top-grade ETA 7750 automatic chronograph. The movement features the top-grade decoration as well as a custom rotor with the Fuchs name and logo. The watch comes on a black textile strap with a pin buckle in black or steel; a folding clasp in black or steel can be added for an additional CHF 50.
The dial sets the Fuchs Edition further apart from the brand’s other chronographs. The dark gray dial has lighter gray markings that seem to match the case. The hour markings (represented by 5-minute intervals) as well as the handset all feature gray Super-LumiNova that shines green in the dark. The handset mimics the blades of a helicopter’s rotor, with the yellow tips also being lumed. The sunken registers show a 12-hour counter, running seconds, and 30-minute counter, all with simple stick hands. On the running second register at 9 o’clock, MdM has placed the Fuchs logo (“Fuchs” is the German word for fox). At 3 o’clock are the MdM name and the day and date windows; the wheels are black with white text.
The watch comes with the buyer’s choice of a 15-minute helicopter flight for 4 people or a 1 1/2-hour watch course for 4 people.
Our Thoughts
This is not the first all-black (or gray) chronograph, not even from MdM, which offers a similar model in black PVD steel without the helicopter inspiration. Omega has its Dark Side of the Moon “Black Black” edition that is one, flat tone of black and begs questions both of practicality and decency. The Chrono Modern DLC “Fuchs Edition” is not so assertive in its design, and instead uses subtle contrast to ensure readability. The inclusion of a helicopter ride or a watch course is a fun add-on, though 15 minutes in a helicopter seems short, and I have no idea what the “watch course” might entail.
My main concern here would be the size. Certainly, 45mm is large and the caseback seems like it would make the watch sit high off the wrist, only amplifying its dimensions; hopefully the 42 manages a bit better. The water resistance, while quoted at 50m is apparently tested to 100m, so it’s got a bit more durability than the spec sheet would suggest. The “Fuchs Edition” has some great elements. I really like the novel handset. Sometimes when watches take inspiration, they do so poorly or too liberally, but the rotor blade inspiration is clear here, and along with the logo at 9, offers a well-done collaboration.
Availability
The Maurice de Mauriac Chrono Modern DLC “Fuchs Edition” is priced at CHF 5,900. You can find out more and purchase directly from Maurice de Mauriac.