The 2018 Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Calendar Retrograde is a 43 mm automatic watch with a retrograde date, power-reserve display and 52-hour reserve. It was offered with silver or blue dials under references MP6568-SS001-132-1 and MP6568-SS001-430-1. Its published launch prices were ¥500,000 before tax in Japan and CHF 4,200 including taxes in the market covered by a 2018 hands-on report.
What the 2018 Masterpiece Calendar Retrograde is
This is the 2018 redesign called the Masterpiece Calendar Retrograde, not the separate Masterpiece Triple Retrograde currently listed by Maurice Lacroix. Its two documented references are MP6568-SS001-132-1 with a silver dial and MP6568-SS001-430-1 with a blue dial. The launch announcement and 2018 hands-on coverage identify these versions. AJHH’s September 2018 announcement; Monochrome Watches’ May 2018 hands-on report.
Specs at a glance
| Specification | 2018 Masterpiece Calendar Retrograde |
|---|---|
| References and dials | MP6568-SS001-132-1, silver; MP6568-SS001-430-1, blue |
| Case | Stainless steel; 43 mm diameter and 15 mm thick |
| Crystal and back | Sapphire crystal and sapphire caseback |
| Water resistance | 5 ATM (50 m) |
| Movement | Automatic manufacture caliber ML190; 50 jewels; 18,000 vibrations per hour (2.5 Hz) |
| Power reserve | 52 hours |
| Displays | Hours, minutes, small seconds, power reserve and retrograde date |
| Strap and clasp | Black alligator leather strap with steel folding clasp; launch announcement notes an easy-change system |
Specifications are reported in the 2018 launch announcement and hands-on coverage. The announcement gives water resistance as 5 ATM, while the hands-on report says 50 m; these are equivalent ratings. AJHH; Monochrome Watches.
How the retrograde date works
A hand travels along a curved date scale rather than completing a full circle. It indicates the date across the month, then jumps from 31 back to 1 at the start of the scale. The ML190 also drives the power-reserve display. The central hands show hours and minutes, and a separate small-seconds display is present.
#1 Best Overall
Dial options and layout
The two documented choices are silver and blue. The date arc sits around 9 to 11 o’clock, with the power-reserve display near 2 o’clock and the date indication near 10 o’clock according to the hands-on description.
Coverage differs on which surface decoration is assigned to each dial and how the finishes are characterized. The references and base colors are established, but the available descriptions do not support confidently assigning a specific named finish to each option. Check the exact reference imagery when finish details matter.
Rank #2
- Skeletonised automatic chronograph with manufactured calibre ML206 based on Sellita SW500, Swiss made
- Stainless steel case with solid 18k rose gold bezel and screwed sapphire crystal viewing back
- Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides, water resistant to 10 ATM (100 m)
- Brown calf leather strap with stainless steel folding clasp and safety pushers
- Large 45 mm case, 48 hour power reserve, chronograph with small second and 30 minute counter
Historical launch prices
| Market and source | Published price | Tax basis and timing |
|---|---|---|
| Japan — AJHH announcement | ¥500,000 | Before tax; the announcement dated September 7, 2018 says sales began September 1, 2018 |
| Market covered by Monochrome Watches | CHF 4,200 | Including taxes; listed in the May 29, 2018 hands-on report |
These are historical launch figures from different market and tax contexts, not directly comparable prices. They are not current retail prices or estimates of secondhand value. Present availability and used-market prices for the two references are not established by these sources.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do not confuse it with the Triple Retrograde
Maurice Lacroix’s current US product page is for the distinct Masterpiece Triple Retrograde, reference MP6538-SS001-310-1. That model uses caliber ML291, has a 38-hour reserve and 10 ATM water resistance, and adds a weekday display and a second 24-hour timezone. The manufacturer page displays a US price of $7,400. Those specifications and that displayed price belong to the Triple Retrograde, not the 2018 Calendar Retrograde. Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Triple Retrograde product page.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Swiss manual wind mechanical movement
- Stainless steel case
- Sapphire crystal
- Silver chronograph dial
- Water-resistant to 50 M (165 feet)
Rank #4
Rank #3
- Maurice Lacroix MasterPiece Black Dial Men's Watch MP7268-SS001-310
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
