Maurice Lacroix Pontos S Solar and Pontos S Solar Chronograph Introduces New Solar Quartz Movements

Table of contents:

Swiss solar quartz calibre meets energetic sports watch: In its most ambitious launch for over two decades, it’s time to deep dive into our review of the Maurice Lacroix Pontos S Solar and Pontos S Solar Chronograph

Summary

Ideal for summer, this new duo of watches comes in a three hand and chronograph variation with dive-inspired aesthetics, high readability and a nice visual contrast.
Established in 1975, in Saignelégier, Switzerland, nestled within the Franches-Montagnes, one of their most iconic watches is the AIKON. Launched in 2016, this was in response to revive their popular Calypso line, discontinued in 2013
Originally launched in 2000, the Pontos collection has a number of different types of watches, suitable for all manner of wearers from diver to GMT models and a Monopusher limited edition.
Versatile and robust, the sun’s natural light powers both models thanks to Ronda 215 with 8 months of battery life (Pontos S Solar) and Ronda 2040.D. with 5 months of continual autonomy (Pontos S Solar Chronograph)
Making more waves than an Omega Seamaster Ploprof 1200M Summer Blue, highlights include unidirectional rotating bezel with aluminium insert, 200 metres of water resistance, maritime compass caseback and two limited editions of the Pontos Solar in bold green and orange accents

If you want your adrenaline kicks, forget about the bitter England vs Argentina rivalry, spanning 60 years from Maradona to Messi. Sadly for Thomas Tuchel’s men, this ended in a 2-1 defeat for the Three Lions at the 2026 World Cup Semi-Final

With the sun’s energy beating down on your wrist, this part diver, part sports watch is set to make temperatures rise as much as the UK heatwave. Turning up the heat is the Maurice Lacroix Pontos S Solar and Pontos S Solar Chronograph.

Introduced in June 2026, will this sun-charged solar quartz execution get you all hot under the collar? It’s time to find out

The Pontos Collection - A Look Back In Time

Launched in 2000, it has become one of the brand’s most popular watch lines, offering exceptional craftsmanship, reliable Swiss movements, and versatile designs for both everyday wear and special occasions.

Available in automatic, chronograph, and GMT models, time has been spent on refining dials, utilising premium materials, and meticulous finishing that reflect the brand’s commitment to quality.

An attractive entry-level proposition for those getting into the hobby, there’s durability, accuracy, and lasting performance. Whether searching for a classic dress watch or modern sports-inspired timepiece, the Pontos collection has several options to suit all manner of tastes and wallets.

Personality Of The Maurice Lacroix Pontos S Solar

“The introduction of solar technology to the Pontos collection was a natural step. Pontos has always been about performance and reliability; by combining it with Swiss solar technology, we've presented a watch that is not only highly efficient, but perfectly aligned with the way people live and wear their watches today.”

Joel Chabanne, CEO of Maurice Lacroix, talking exclusively to Chrono Hunter

It’s time to turn up the power.

A three-handed wonder, this reminds me of the TAG Heuer Carrera Date not just in appearance but in how it is perceived as an affordable timepiece.

Measuring 42mm x 13mm, to give you an idea, it is not going to hit that Goldilocks sweet spot that’s somewhere around the 39mm mark. But this is a diver after all.

It is 0.5mm slimmer than a Longines Spirit zulu Time titanium (l3.802.1.53.6) and the same case diameter as the sought after Rolex Sky-Dweller reference 336934 in Oystersteel and white gold.

Composed of stainless steel with a case that’s been satin-brushed and polished, it has a more sporty attitude pumping through its veins than Arthur Fery’s run at Wimbledon. The brand has served up a treat for enthusiasts looking to buy a watch at an affordable price point.

Think sturdy construction with integrated crown guard, built for the seven seas. Not quite a Rolex Sea-Dweller that can plunge to depths of 1,220 metres, but you get the picture.

Fit for divers and adventure seekers with its 200 metres of water resistance, note the unidirectional rotating bezel which can measure elapsed time underwater. So, can this handle the rough and tumble of everyday activities?

You bet.

Now, the Vacheron Constantin Overseas series may have coined the term “the spirit of adventure.” However, this aquatic baby has as much exploration as the Portuguese naval inspired Escudo Ocean Seacrest, with its deeply ingrained maritime themes and exploration.

This is reflected on the caseback, taking on a compass design with flowing ocean waves. This is embossed with the brand name and logo in the centre. The latter can be seen in terms of consistency on the crown.

Energy And Light Collide

The smoked translucent dial is where the Pontos S Solar shines bright.

Remember this hasn’t been done in more than twenty years within this collection. With allowances of around 20-30%, light passes through in order to energize the movement.

Available in deep black or blue accents, there’s added depth while it still does not lose any of its readability. The date hand is positioned at 3 with baton indices while there’s a more prominent one at 12.

“Innovation only matters when it brings tangible benefits to the wearer. With the Pontos S Solar, we have focused on delivering greater autonomy, lasting precision and everyday convenience, while staying true to our commitment to offer exceptional Swiss quality at an accessible price.”

Joel Chabanne, CEO, Maurice Lacroix

Above 6, you will find 200/660 ft and SOLAR laid out underneath with the brand logo and name under 12 which in general is a relatively clean layout.

But it's the lume where it comes into its own, when compared to some of the best microbrands around. There’s nothing scary going on when it gets dark. You’ll certainly be the talk of any Halloween party.

Hats off to their two-tone Super-LumiNova approach.

Here, the brand separates this with a dual colourway that proves vital when reading time in low-light conditions in green, representing hours and indexes while blue is shown on the bezel in blue that lights up the initial 15 minutes around the bezel, not to mention the minute hand.

“Every detail of the Pontos S Solar has been designed with purpose. From the dual-colour luminescence to the rotating bezel and interchangeable straps, every element enhances functionality while preserving the distinctive character that defines the Pontos collection.”

Joel Chabanne, CEO Maurice Lacroix

Green With Envy

Shamefully unapologetic, they have decided to go all out green on the accents including tipped second hand and outlined minute hand.

This sits together with a black gunmetal coated DLC case, where we see a great energetic interplay between dial, hands and rubber strap that has the same tone.

Official Specs - Maurice Lacroix Pontos S Solar

Ronda 215 Movement

Housed inside is a new solar quartz Ronda 215 movement.

Designed and produced in Switzerland, this maker has been ticking along since the 1940s. They are mainly used in affordable and mid-range timepieces for its reliability, accuracy, and low maintenance requirements.

The typical visual architecture with three-hand layout and date function, makes it a practical choice for everyday watches.

Known for its slim profile, it allows watchmakers to design elegant, lightweight cases without compromising durability.

It offers excellent battery life, with up to 8 months of continuous autonomy, which adds to its convenience for daily wearers. The movement is also valued for its high accuracy, usually deviating only a few seconds per month.

Another advantage of the Ronda 215 is it has a rated for temperature operation ranging from 0-50°C

Overall, this movement goes far beyond a standard quartz calibre. Did we mention there’s no requirement to change the battery for more than ten years?

Combining Swiss engineering, precision, and practicality, it’s an ideal choice for consumers seeking a low-maintenance novelty with consistent timekeeping and strong long-term reliability. Other watches containing this type of movement include;

Victorinox Concept One
Exotheia Exo Solar Steel Black
Ontic TIX

Official Movement Specs

Personality Of The Pontos S Solar Chronograph

It is the same setup except for the colour scheme which now transforms into a pulsating orange.

With visual cues emanating from maritime safety equipment, it is easy to see why they have opted for this shade.

We have the same Gun DLC coated treatment that is a stark contrast against the backdrop of this sun kissed design. It is crisp and certainly an eye opener on the wrist. Kinda reminds me of a Breitling Endurance Pro in orange.

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Another slight tweak is the Pontos S Solar Chronograph houses Ronda 2040.D

Both models come with a simple to use interchangeable strap system meaning there’s no need to faff around with tools or screwdrivers. And before you ask, this is a genuine strap monster.

Available in a black, blue or orange fluorescent FKM rubber strap accompanied by the Maurice Lacroix name, there is also a five-row metal bracelet with stainless steel links that are brushed and polished.

Chronograph pushers are located at 2 and 4 for easy use and there is the same Superluminova green and blue light combo. The date window is situated at 6 o’ clock and there are again numerous strap options available.

This is not conservative by any stretch of the imagination, but perhaps in a world of traditional watchmaking where steel sports models rule, perhaps this is not a bad thing.

Official Specs - Pontos S Solar Chronograph

Did You Know?

Maurice Lacroix was established as part of Desco Von Schulthess who had been an official representative of top Swiss luxury watch brands during the mid 1940s like Audemars Piguet and Jaeger-LeCoultre.

Where Can You Buy A Maurice Lacroix Pontos S Solar and Pontos S Solar Chronograph?

Below you will find every reference and price (including VAT) of both models by reference in this easy to read table.

Further information can be found on their official site. And if you want to enquire, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Prices correct as of July 2026

What’s Our View?

David Bowie and Queen may have sung about being “Under Pressure” in 1981.

But there’s plenty to enjoy about both watches that puts performance to the test. There’s different bracelet and strap options, catering to every type of wearer.

Let’s not forget about the smoked translucent dial, allowing light to pass through to power the movements. Furthermore, the fluorescent versions in green on the Pontos S Solar around the flange, in particular enhances what they are going for, showcasing its true character.

This is seen on the Pontos S Solar Chronograph with a radiating orange hue around several areas like the 1/10 second counter makes for a wrist worthy impact, whether worn in the boardroom or beach bar.

With an air of extreme sports and maritime equipment resonating from these executions, they have embraced their objective perfectly and carried it out to the letter, offering vibrancy, distinctiveness and something that does not fit into traditional principles.

From impressive precision (without needing to change a battery for nearly a decade) to fuss-free maintenance, daring tones and Swiss manufacturing, maybe they are on to something.

Conclusion

In spite of its versatility and dive design language, for some, advanced solar quartz technology will polarise opinion. After all, this is not mechanical watchmaking in its truest form, like a Zenith El Primero or Grand Seiko 9S Spring Drive.

But I guess we have to move with the times don’t we?

Look, it's far better than traditional quartz calibres and both timepieces can operate for 8 months and 5 months respectively. Plus it has a stainless steel construction and signature Pontos lugs, equipping you with the true essence of the line.

And we are not knocking its legibility either.

This scores highly especially the ingenious way they have done the two tone Super-Luminova. Meanwhile, we like the limited edition models, enjoying a black dial with a case that has been given Gun DLC treatment.

The way they have produced complimenting rubber straps aligned with similarly-toned accents for each model is another nice detail. The interchangeable strap system ensures easy on the fly adjustment, making it easy to maintain.

Are they going against the grain, where enthusiasts still yearn for complex mechanical timepieces like a Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime 6300G? Perhaps.

Look, they are not redefining the dive watch wheel…just exploring genuine bang for your buck alternatives with immense reliability powered by Mother Nature herself. For those with a thirst for adventure and action, there’s undoubtedly a time and a place for solar quartz.

Besides, what about the Cartier Tank Must Solarbeat which is a light enabled watch? Maurice Lacroix ticks almost all of the boxes, at an enticing value for money proposition that’s hard to ignore.

There’s certainly light at the end of the tunnel...

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Images: Unless otherwise specified

Maurice Lacroix

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