Maurice de Mauriac has never been a stranger to creative design, and it shows! Just in time for the Australian Open comes the new Rallymaster IV.
Ahh, Switzerland: home of the Alps, Roger Federer, and more chocolate, cheese and gold than one can possibly imagine. Of course, only the watches are of interest to us at Watch Advice, and the Swiss are well documented in their achievements. Even amidst this hall of fame, however, new names continue to emerge from the woodwork. It is certainly an unenviable task, given the exceptionally high Swiss standard of craftsmanship.
Maurice de Mauriac is one such brand that has managed to rise above. Founded in 1997 by Daniel Dreifuss, the brand adheres to the philosophy of ‘37 degrees’, a reference to the above-average temperature of the human body. In doing so, Maurice de Mauriac continues to create watches driven by passion and detail that go beyond the idea of ‘average’.
And though Mr Dreifuss has since passed, his legacy remains at the foundation of the brand. Today, the company is helmed by his children, Massimo, Leonard and Masha Dreifuss, making it a true family affair.
Over the years, Maurice de Mauriac has carved out a unique niche in the industry through its eclectic designs and confident use of colour. This approach has seen the brand collaborate with countless creative minds and cultural institutions, and this new watch is no exception. In celebration of the great game of tennis, and as a fitting tribute to the Australian Open, the young Zurich brand has partnered with Racquet Magazine to deliver the Rallymaster IV.
The fourth iteration of Maurice de Mauriac’s limited Rallymaster line, this new timepiece is offered in the same case specifications as its predecessors. At 39 mm across, 47.2 mm long and 12 mm thick, it is a genuinely versatile size that suits just about everyone.
What is different, however, is the new case colourway and strap selection. While the Rallymaster IV retains its stainless steel construction, it has been further enhanced with a black PVD coating. This not only gives the watch a stealthy appearance, but also creates an optical illusion that allows it to wear smaller on the wrist, enhancing the overall visual experience. Paired with either a black calfskin leather rally strap or a black-and-white two-piece fabric strap, the Rallymaster IV is the most urban expression of the line to date.
Speaking of urban, the watch’s release is rather timely. As the name suggests, the Rallymaster collection is all about tennis, and this time it draws inspiration from the Australian Open. Crafted in collaboration with Racquet Magazine and designer Carlton DeWoody, the Rallymaster IV captures the spirit of Melbourne Park by night.
The black backdrop allows for a healthy amount of contrast across the dial. White accents run along the minute track, while a grid through the centre evokes a tennis net. The star of the show, however, sits at the nine o’clock position. Balanced by a date magnifier opposite, the small seconds sub-dial is divided into three sections of neon highlights. Referencing surf culture alongside the iconic blue of Melbourne’s hard courts, these colours pop against the black background, guided by a green tennis ball mounted on the seconds hand.
The uniquely tennis-themed timepiece is powered by the Landeron Calibre L24. An automatic movement, the Cal. L24 serves as a viable alternative to the ever-popular ETA 2824-2.
Beating at the industry standard 4 Hz (28,800VpH), and offering a respectable 40-hour power reserve, its presence is shadowed, quite literally, by a darkened sapphire crystal. Within, one final tribute to the game remains: Racquet Magazine’s logo, emblazoned in the same neon colours seen on the small seconds sub-dial.
My Thoughts
Tennis and watchmaking have long shared a historical connection. From our eagle-eyed writer Sam spotting watches at the Australian Open, to Hublot and Novak Djokovic creating timepieces from tennis racquets and polos, the relationship between time and tennis feels enduring. Time and again, horology has found itself drawn to the spotlight that tennis so effortlessly commands.
And while seeing the stars of the game wearing their brand partners is nothing new, paying tribute to the game itself certainly is. In that regard, Maurice de Mauriac has done a remarkable job with the new Rallymaster IV. With a slick, contemporary aesthetic sharpened by flashes of bright neon, this latest offering underscores the brand’s passion for unconventional design.
This one feels close to home as well, as it is always rewarding to see Australia highlighted through a beautifully considered watch like this. Beyond that, however, it continues the late Mr. Dreifuss’ longstanding love for the game, and can be seen as yet another heartfelt tribute from his children.
Reference: N/A (Maurice de Mauriac x Racquet Rallymaster IV)
Specifications
- Dimensions: 39mm case diameter x 47.2mm lug-to-lug x 12mm thickness
- Case Material: Black PVD stainless steel
- Dial: Black with pink, blue, green, and white accents
- Movement: Automatic Landeron Cal. L24 with date and small seconds complications
- Power Reserve: 40h
- Beat Rate: 4Hz (28,800VpH)
- Water Resistance: 100m (10bar)
- Strap: Interchangeable black/white fabric strap OR black calfskin leather rally strap with black PVD steel buckle