Maurice Lacroix Pontos S Solar Chronograph PT1038-SSL40-430-4

The Swiss brand Maurice Lacroix is primarily associated with mechanical watches, such as the iconic Aikon models. This year, however, it surprised everyone with a new release that takes a slightly different direction. The Pontos Solar combines a sporty design, solar power, and Swiss quality in a single package.

Switzerland’s Answer to Solar-Powered Watches

Solar-powered watches are no longer the exclusive domain of Japanese manufacturers. Maurice Lacroix has opted for the Swiss Ronda 2040.D solar movement, which draws energy through the dial. The dial is slightly translucent, allowing enough light to pass through to recharge the battery without being immediately noticeable.

If you’re looking for a Swiss sports watch that combines classic aesthetics with a modern approach, this new release is one of the most interesting models of the year.

The practical advantage is obvious—there’s no need to replace the battery under normal use. Daylight or artificial light is all it takes for the watch to recharge continuously. What’s more, once fully charged, it can keep running for several months, even in the dark. In this case, it’s a full 5 months.

Sport case, diving bezel, and water resistance to 200 meters

At first glance, it’s clear that this isn’t an office watch. The stainless steel case has a diameter of 42 mm, a height of 13 mm, a unidirectional rotating aluminum bezel, a screw-down crown, and is water-resistant to 200 meters.

I’d like to pause for a moment to talk about the bezel, because if you’re a fan, you’re in for a treat here. The anodized blue bezel has a beautiful metallic sheen, even when viewed from the sides. Plus, it’s a unidirectional rotating diver’s bezel, which I always appreciate. But that’s not all. Pontos has included luminescent numerals here as well, and once it gets dark, a beautiful scene unfolds. While this is typical for many microbrands, it’s a very nice exception among Swiss brands.

Video Review: Maurice Lacroix Pontos S Solar

With a water resistance rating of 200 m, this watch can handle swimming, snorkeling, and everyday sports activities without the slightest concern—even though the chronograph pushers are push-type rather than screw-down. Of course, don’t do that underwater. The sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating protects the dial from scratches while ensuring excellent readability.

The details that make the Pontos Solar a quintessential Maurice Lacroix

The blue rubber strap further emphasizes the model’s sporty character, and thanks to the quick-release system, it can be easily swapped out for another one. It’s very well-made and comfortable right from the first time you put it on. Thanks to the other color options, you can buy additional straps—an orange one, for example, would be a great choice to switch things up. The design reminds me a bit of those massive Panerai rubber straps, which you can be sure will outlast you. The buckle is also nicely designed and ergonomically contours to the shape of your wrist.

The chronograph on the Pontos S Solar model is more than just a design feature. The Ronda 2040.D solar movement measures time with an accuracy of one-tenth of a second and features a 30-minute counter. Thanks to the clear layout of the sub-dials, the watch remains easy to read even when the stopwatch is in use, and it also includes a practical date window.

Thanks to its quartz mechanism, it operates with great precision and doesn’t require regular battery replacement, since it continuously draws energy from light. This means you can enjoy the stopwatch to your heart’s content and take full advantage of its various measurement features.

I can’t forget to mention the dial itself. At first glance, it looks like a classic dark blue sunburst, but it’s actually partially translucent. It’s through this dial that light passes to the solar cell hidden beneath the surface. The result is an elegant look without the typical “solar effect” that’s often noticeable on some watches. Maurice Lacroix thus demonstrates that modern technology doesn’t have to come at the expense of aesthetics. The applied hour markers with beveled edges also deserve attention, as they highlight the high-quality craftsmanship typical of this brand.

Solar Technology vs. Traditional Mechanical Watches

One question that some collectors might ask is: Are these still “genuine” Swiss watches? A mechanical movement undoubtedly has its charm, but when it comes to sports watches, many people value accuracy, durability, and minimal maintenance above all else. Furthermore, a solar cell is a more eco-friendly solution than a traditional battery, while still retaining all the benefits of Swiss manufacturing.

That’s why the Pontos Solar can be an attractive alternative for those who want a high-quality Swiss watch for worry-free everyday wear. Maurice Lacroix demonstrates that innovation doesn’t have to mean abandoning traditional watchmaking values. This chronograph offers high-quality craftsmanship, a sporty character, high water resistance, and technology that significantly enhances user comfort.

If you’re looking for a Swiss sports watch that combines classic aesthetics with a modern approach, this new release is one of the most interesting models of the year. And for those who prefer classic three-hand watches, Maurice Lacroix offers that option as well.

Specifications

• Reference: PT1038-SSL40-430-4
• dimensions: 42 x 13 x 48 mm
• Drive: Ronda Solartech 2040.D solar motor
• glass: sapphire
• Water resistance: 200 m