ReviewThe Development Of An Urban Icon: Maurice Lacroix’s Aikon Automatic 42mm

Maurice Lacroix are like a relatively lesser-known treasure who hold their own in the accessible luxury watch segment. Committed to offering luxury Swiss craftsmanship without being unimaginably priced, Maurice Lacroix offer an unbeatable value proposition. Their classic time-and-date watch, the Aikon Automatic 42mm, has been the mainstay of a collection that encapsulates colour, complications and materials. Distinctive for their clous de Paris motif on the dial, and steel case and bezel with six arms, the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic 42mm collection offers the wearer luxury that belies its price point. Over the years, the addition of new hues and materials, paired with an easily exchangeable strap system makes this sporty timepiece extremely versatile and adaptable.

The Foundation Of The Aikon Automatic 42mm  

Established in 1975, Maurice Lacroix was the watchmaking arm of Zurich-based Desco von Schulthess, to whom they were attached until 2001, when they became independent. As part of the brand’s expansion plans, in the 1980s they acquired casemaker Queloz SA in Saignelégier, near their watch assembly facility. The first collection to be crafted here was the 1990s Calypso. Design cues for the 2016 Aikon Quartz watch came from this very Calypso. But while the Aikon’s round steel case and six arms on the bezel were references to the Calypso, beyond that, the watch had its own identity. And when the Aikon Automatic Chronograph was released two years later, it was an instant and resounding success.

Following the reception of the automatic movements, the brand introduced new colours and complications. The comfortably sized Aikon Automatic 42mm collection is undoubtedly a bestseller. Even within this contemporary collection, classic dial hues of blue, green and anthracite stand out.

The round steel case and six arms on the bezel of the Maurice Lacroix Aikon are references to the Calypso, but beyond that, the watch has its own identity

₹2,06,000

Check Our Selling Price

The Aikon Automatic 42mm collection has been the mainstay of a collection that encapsulates colour, complications and materials

₹1,96,000

Check Our Selling Price

The comfortably sized time and date Aikon Automatic 42mm collection is undoubtedly a bestseller

₹1,96,000

Check Our Selling Price

Even within this contemporary Aikon Automatic 42mm collection, classic dial hues of blue, green and anthracite stand out

₹2,06,000

Check Our Selling Price

01

Robust Construction Of The Aikon Automatic 42mm

The steel case of the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic 42mm collection is robust and angular. Alternating brushed and polished finishes lend the watch a distinct luxury. The six arms on the bezel display a polished finish, while the bezel itself has a brushed effect. This serves to highlight the arms against the matt effect of the bezel and case. Angular lugs flow seamlessly from the case onto the bracelet, each link a different size. Contrasting finishing on the bracelet enhances the luxurious feel of the timepiece. Aikon cases are crafted in the same facility as the brand’s award-winning Masterpiece line. As the standard for construction of both collections is the same, the case of the Aikon Automatic 42mm benefits greatly.

Easily Adaptable: The Aikon Automatic 42mm

Bevelled edges on the corner links of the bracelet enhance the ergonomics of the watch, making it extremely comfortable on the wrist. A butterfly clasp shields the opening, giving the impression of a continuous and seamless bracelet that reflects light beautifully with every turn of the wearer’s wrist. An easy-change system allows the wearer to switch easily between a steel bracelet or rubber or leather straps. This offers a versatility few other watches at this price point do. A new personality with every change, the Aikon Automatic 42mm timepiece is well suited for the workplace or any other venue after hours.

The watch’s water resistance rating of upto 200m enhances the versatility and wearability of the timepiece. This is more than well equipped to handle the odd splash one might face on any regular day. The integrated sporty appeal of the watch, paired with its easy adaptability, makes the watch a versatile timepiece, well suited for daily wear.

Gorgeous Dials Of The Aikon Automatic 42mm

If the finishing on the case and bracelet highlight the luxurious appeal of the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic 42mm collection, the dial takes this allure to another level. The clous de Paris motif on the dial forms the base for applied indexes. This textured guilloche pattern plays with light as it hits the dial at various angles. The grooves appear darker, while angles of the of the pyramid-like pattern offer a constant shift of light.

The clous de Paris motif on the dial of the Aikon Automatic 42mm watch forms the base for applied indexes, its textures playing with light differently at various angles

₹2,06,000

Check Our Selling Price

Around the periphery of the dial, as if like a frame, a smooth chapter ring houses the minute track. Applied indexes feature a rhodium plated finish, as do timekeeping hands

₹2,06,000

Check Our Selling Price

Around the periphery of the dial, as if like a frame for the base texture, a smooth chapter ring houses the minute track. Applied indexes feature a rhodium plated finish, as do timekeeping hands. Hour and minute hands are filled with Super-LumiNova to enhance legibility in dimly lit conditions. At three o’clock is a framed window that displays the date in black against a white background. At 12 o’clock is the brand name and logo, which is offset with the words ‘automatic’ and ‘Swiss made’ at six.

Recent releases of limited editions within the Aikon Automatic 42mm range offer various new dial options, but classic hues of blue, green and anthracite lend a timeless aesthetic to the Aikon Automatic 42mm watches. While the green and blue dial options feature a rhodium plated finish for the indexes and hands, the anthracite dial version has rose gold plated indexes and hands. Against the shifting grey dial, these gilded indexes stand out, highlighting the watch’s play of light.

At The Heart Of The Aikon Automatic 42mm

Powering the Aikon Automatic 42mm collection is the brand’s ML115 calibre, whose functions include hours, minutes, seconds and date. Based on the Sellita SW200-1 calibre, the movement beats at a frequency of 28,800vph. The automatic calibre offers enhanced shock protection and a power reserve of 38 hours. Its availability and accessibility is what positively affects the pricing of the Aikon Automatic 42mm timepiece. While the brand first released the Aikon collection with a quartz movement, the collection gained traction only with their automatic models. This is why the Aikon Automatic 42mm collection has so firmly cemented Maurice Lacroix’s position in Swiss watchmaking.

The Aikon Automatic 42mm collection has firmly cemented Maurice Lacroix’s position as a luxury Swiss watchmaker

₹2,06,000

Check Our Selling Price

Powering the Aikon Automatic 42mm collection is the brand’s ML115 calibre, whose functions include hours, minutes, seconds and date.

₹2,06,000

Check Our Selling Price

The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic 42mm In A Nutshell

• Case: 42mm steel; bezel with six arms
• Glass: Sapphire crystal
• Caseback: Exhibition window
• Water resistance: 200m
• Dial: Blue, Green, Anthracite; guilloche clous de Paris motif; rhodium-plated or rose gold-plated indexes and hands
• Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
• Movement: Automatic calibre ML115; 38-hour power reserve
• Strap: Integrated steel or rubber