Hands-On Review of the Mauron Musy Armure MU03

For years I have had my eyes on the timepieces being produced by Mauron Musy, particularly the Armure MU03. What drew me to the piece was the unique case design, different from anything else on the market. Not quite circular (like a traditional timepiece) and not quite square (like a Bell & Ross), Mauron Musy clearly wanted to offer something new for collectors of the Swiss independent watch brands. To me, the Armure is a bold and distinctive piece that has some cool and innovative features, like the fact that it is water resistant with no gaskets.

Beyond the very unique case design, the Mauron Musy Armure has been designed with what they call “nO-Ring” technology, which allows the watch to be watch resistant without any rubber gaskets. So how does the Armure achieve water resistance to 300 meters without any gaskets? It all comes down to the metal and tooling.

The 44mm case of the Armure is made of 36 components of grade 5 titanium. After three years of research, the brand introduced the aforementioned nO-Ring technology, which provides a watertight seal without the use of rubber gaskets (O-Rings). Dumbed down the technology amounts to this: the tolerances Mauron Musy achieves on their cases are so fine that metal on metal components keeps the water out. - An impressive feat. The lack of rubber, which wears out, gives the watch added longevity, as well as less parts to replace during servicing - giving the watch some added utility.

Beyond the nO-Ring technology, the watch is unique and physically appealing. The circular case has lugs that extend down the side of the case and are attached to the rest of the case by dual screws. This gives the watch almost a square shape. I have not seen this case configuration, but it does have some similarities to Bell & Ross (though more unique in my opinion). All three of Mauron Musy’s models have this same case shape.

Besides the case, the dial is the other standout feature on the Armure. Blue dial watches are all the rage today (just look at the Patek Philippe Nautilus or Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15202) and the Armure does not disappoint. Instead of opting for a standard sunburst blue dial, the Armure has a matte blue dial that on the inside has a textured ring design. That gives way to an outer sloped matte design with the applied indices sloped as well. The dial is well executed and interesting without being to busy.

The Armure has a completely Swiss made “in-house” movement in collaboration with manufacturer La Joux-Perret. Like the case, the movement is also sand-blasted and nice to look at through the display caseback. The watch has a 55-hour power reserve which is more than enough.

While the watch is 44mm in diameter, it does not feel oversized. It wears a little bit smaller than you’d expect from a watch that size (which is a positive in my view). Indeed, It fits well to my 6.75 inch wrist.

How much does the Mauron Musy Armure MU03 cost?

The Armure MU03 will set you back $13,170 USD (including VAT). While this this is pricey for an independent it is not unheard of. I also think that the watches is well worth that price due to all the research and development that went into the watch along with the high-end finishes through the piece.

You can pick up the Mauron Musy Armure MU03 at their website.