Maurice Lacroix Introduces Automatic (and accessible) versions of its Aikon

In 2016, Maurice Lacroix introduced a new collection called Aikon. Based on a 1990s Calypso design, it was, unfortunately (at least for us here, at MONOCHROME) only available with a quartz movement. After the launch of a flagship version with a skeleton movement earlier this year, the brand will unveil automatic versions of its sports watch. Meet the Baselworld 2018 Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic, three-hand and chronograph.

The Maurice Lacroix Aikon plays on the current trend of integrated cases, shaped watches with a combination of luxurious and sporty elements. With its integrated, water-resistant case, its flat sapphire crystal encircled by the signature six-arm bezel, the M logo in relief on the leather straps and an overall pleasant quality, there was nothing to complain about in terms of design. The Aikon was a cool looking watch. Yet, there was one main issue: it was only available with quartz movements. Not on a par with the luxurious/sporty look of the watch, you’ll admit. This year, the Aikon collection receives two new variants, both equipped with automatic movements – chronograph or three-hand – and still with an accessible price.

Both models share the powerful design of the collection, with its modern bold shapes. Starting with the brushed round bezel adorned with six signature polished arms and then moving to the case itself, with its barrel shape, the watch exudes a luxury sporty feel. Just like the bezel, the case features several finishes – brushed on most surfaces, with several polished accents on the sides – as well as two claws, which travel down the bracelet or the strap. The large diameter is compensated by the integrated lugs, allowing for a more compact feel on the wrist. Both watches are water-resistant to 200 meters.

Both editions will be available with a newly designed flexible five-link steel bracelet, as well as leather straps that blend perfectly with the case. Both are delivered with a folding clasp. An interesting feature, especially in this price range, is the “EasyChange”, a quick bracelet or strap exchange system.

The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic

The first of the available versions, the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic, is a sporty time-and-date watch. This version is powered by calibre ML115, an automatic movement based on an ETA (or clone) architecture. Visible through the case back, it shows a pleasant (if industrial) decoration with Geneva stripes and perlage. This movement, which beats at 4Hz and offers a power reserve of 38 hours, is a rational choice compared to the in-house movement offered by the brand – allowing to keep the Aikon Automatic in a reasonable price range.

The three-hand Aikon Automatic is the most compact of the two versions, with its 42mm diameter and a wearable 11mm thickness. The dimensions are not the only differentiating factor, as the dial of this variant features a Clou de Paris motif, alongside applied indexes for the hours and a date with a polished metallic frame – several elements that make this “empty” dial quite lively. Six choices will be offered:

• Silver dial with brown strap or steel bracelet
• Black dial with black strap or steel bracelet
• Dark blue dial with blue strap or steel bracelet

The price, considering the level of finishing of the case and the dial, feels quite reasonable at CHF 1,590 on a leather strap and CHF 1,750 on a steel bracelet.

The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic Chronograph

The second version of the Aikon Automatic is the sportiest of the two, not only because it features a chronograph movement, but also because of the differences on the case and the dials. First of all, inside the case is a well-known, tried-and-tested automatic movement, calibre ML112, based on the Valjoux 7750 architecture. This integrated self-winding cam-operated chronograph is a true workhorse, which is visible through the sapphire case back. It is slightly decorated with Geneva stripes. The movement ticks at 4Hz and boasts a 42-hour power reserve.

When equipped with this chronograph movement, the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic also becomes bolder, with its 44mm diameter and large, screwed pushers – which guarantee 200m water-resistance (not bad for a chronograph). The case, due to the movement, is thicker at 15mm. The dial is also different, of course, because of the chrono layout, but also because of the pattern used – decorated with small, regular squares. Applied indexes and the framed day-date window, as well as the snailed chronograph counters, give a nice touch to the dial. Just like the three-hand version, six versions will be available, either on a leather strap or five-link steel bracelets:

• Silver dial with blue sub-counters (panda style), blue leather strap or steel bracelet
• Black dial with black strap or steel bracelet
• Dark blue dial with blue strap or steel bracelet

Again, the price of these Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic Chronographs is quite interesting: the leather strap versions retail for CHF 2,690 and the steel bracelet versions for CHF 2,850.

More details on www.mauricelacroix.com.