The intersection of tennis and horology is usually paved with traditional, conservative designs—white dials, fluted bezels, and the polite applause of the Royal Box. However, Zurich-based Maurice de Mauriac has never been one to adhere strictly to tradition.
In their fourth collaboration with the literary and aesthetically driven Racquet magazine, they have served up a timepiece that feels less like a country club accessory and more like a piece of brutalist functional art. The Maurice De Mauriac Racquet Rallymaster IV is a study in monochromatic cool, designed to celebrate the tennis lifestyle with a distinct, nocturnal edge.
Designed by Carlton DeWoody, a creative force best known for his interior design work and deep knowledge of vintage tool watches, the Rallymaster IV channels the bold, graphic energy of the 1960s and 1970s.
The watch is housed in a sleek 39mm black stainless steel case, a versatile size that slips easily under a cuff but holds enough presence to be noticed. The dial is a masterclass in high-contrast legibility. Against a deep black canvas, applied indices rise to catch the light, while a date magnifier sits at the three o’clock position, adding a touch of vintage cyclops charm.
What truly separates this piece from a standard field watch is its specific dedication to the sport. The small seconds display features a unique 20-second increment marking, a clever nod to the strict time limit allowed for a tennis player to serve. It is a functional complication for the court, highlighted by a lollipop seconds hand dipped in neon yellow luminous material.
This isn’t just paint; it is Super-LumiNova, free of radioactive additives and significantly brighter than standard pigments. When the sun sets on the clay courts, the neon accents glow with an intensity that ensures perfect legibility, releasing absorbed light energy for hours in the dark.
Flipping the watch over reveals the engine of this limited edition. Powered by the reliable Swiss Landeron 24 automatic movement, the watch beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and features 25 jewels.
The exhibition caseback is fitted with a darkened sapphire crystal, through which the Racquet logo is printed on the inside of the glass. This ensures the branding remains pristine while allowing the wearer to view the pulsating calibre beneath, creating a sensation that the watch is truly alive.
Priced at $2,750, the Rallymaster IV is a rare commodity, strictly limited to just 100 pieces worldwide. It arrives in a package that underscores the collaboration’s playful spirit, including a custom black tennis ball and extra two-piece stretchable NATO straps with quick-release fasteners. Whether you are timing a serve or simply navigating the urban jungle, this is a timepiece that proves style, like a good backhand, is all about the execution.
